Arabic Literature Department

It is understood by all that the Qur'an and Sunnah form the Muslim's constitution, and that the original language of the Qur'an and Sunnah is Arabic. There is therefore no substitute for studying Arabic in order to gain knowledge of the Qur'an and Sunnah. For this reason, the study of Arabic language and literature has been pursued with great seriousness among Muslims since Islam's golden age. Until the 1990s, the study of Arabic language and literature remained confined to the Arabic departments of government and private institutions and to the Qawmi madrasa curriculum. But from the start of this century, the scope of Arabic language and literature study has continued to expand, with dedicated syllabi, institutions, and departments arising both individually and institutionally. Our own Jamia Obaidia likewise runs a Higher Arabic Literature Department.

Activities and features of this department:

1. Instruction by skilled Arabic literary scholars.

2. A curriculum suited to the times.

3. Due attention to differences in student ability.

4. Following modern, time-appropriate teaching methods.

5. Attention to creativity, to develop student talent.

6. Regular oversight by teaching staff.

7. Weekly, fortnightly, and monthly seminars. Weaker students also receive separate training at the start of the year: (a) drilling grammar rules (Nahw) for solid mastery; (b) ample practice on grammar rules; (c) practice in grammatical parsing (i'rab wa tarkib) drawn from the Qur'an and Hadith; (d) improving handwriting.

8. Each class's lesson delivered with due diligence, every day.

9. Preparing and memorising an Arabic conversation for every lesson taught in class.

10. Speaking only Arabic during break periods (made mandatory after a few months).

11. Instruction in modern Arabic.

12. Training in writing various applications, testimonials, and similar documents.

13. Periodically writing Arabic essays on set topics and presenting them at seminars.

14. After the second term exam, writing a 100-page Arabic research essay on a chosen topic.

15. Building the ability to read Arabic newspapers.

Aim and purpose:

The department's core aim and purpose is to educate knowledge-seeking Muslim children in the pure teaching of the Qur'an and Hadith, continuing to produce a cohort of capable, unwavering, firmly believing, devout, and sincere representatives of Allah in the world, while also rendering diverse service according to the needs of the age and society — upholding Allah's command and seeking His pleasure.