Language is a Mental Convention
A hungry man was once asked, “What is two plus two?” He replied, “Four loaves of bread.” He added a word to his answer…
Arabic and Language
Arabic is the language of the Qur’an and the key that unlocks the Islamic scholarly tradition. These articles gather Shaykh Akram Nadwi’s writing on learning Arabic, approaches to teaching it, and the deeper idea of language as a sign that carries meaning. They are aimed at students who want the language not as an end in itself but as a way into the sources.
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Different Approaches to Teaching Arabic Language
The debate within Nadwat al-ʿUlamāʾ Among the pedagogical questions that have occupied the educational mind of Nadwat al-ʿUlamāʾ, and have provoked a profound scholarly debate among its shuyūkh and lecturers, is the question of the…
Lament by Shibli on the Collapse of the Islamic States
When the nations of Europe ignited the flames of the Balkan War in 1912, the entire Indian subcontinent was shaken. Eyes wept blood, the…
I am a Coward and an Ally of the Arabs
It has reached me that one Arab said to his brother: “If you do not ride your horse boldly through the encampments, and your…
Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not. Peace and blessings be upon our…
The Study of the Masnavi in the Indian Subcontinent
Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi (604/1207–672/1273) was not only a great poet of Persian literature but also a profound thinker whose ideas and philosophy sparked…
Is Analogy/Comparison a Proof?
Analogy (تشبیہ) refers to equating one thing with another, such as saying: “Maulana Azad’s prose is as sweet as honey.” There are four essential…
The One Who Assumes a Hidden Identity
Two birds sat on the branch of a large tree, singing and glorifying their Lord. As they enjoyed their moment, they noticed a man…
Studying Arabic Literary Works
Today, the students of Al-Salam Institute asked me about the sequence they should follow in studying Arabic literary works. I responded: Those who have…
Do Not Call Him a Nameless Deceased
Dr. Mohammed Akram Nadwi Written — “When I died, I became disgraced—why did I not drown in a river? Neither was there a funeral,…
Who is the one I like the most?
It is not the radiant glow of a moon-like forehead, Nor the flowing dark tresses cascading gracefully on shoulders. It is not the essence…
Yusuf and Zulaikha
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم During our studies at Zia-ul-Uloom, we read Jami’s Yusuf and Zulaikha under the guidance of our respected teacher, Maulana Abdul…
The Book “Qawaid al-Lugha al-Arabiya” (Arabic Grammar Rules)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate The Book “Qawaid al-Lugha al-Arabiya” (Arabic Grammar Rules) Introduction The book Qawaid al-Lugha…
Questions & Answers on Arabic and Language
View all Q&A →al-Jāḥiẓ on the definitions of balāghah
Assalamo Alaikum, I pray Almighty to find you in good health. Of late, I was studying up. It was Al-Bayan wa-Al-Tabyeen of Al-Jahiz (775-868 A.D.). An erudite para stuck me up. I was, indeed, at a loss. I could not…
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Respected Maulana Rida ul-Haq, Principal of Jamiat Al-Huda in Nottingham, may Allah preserve him, has a daughter, Ustadha Safiyya Zaid, who is an accomplished scholar, a specialist in Arabic language and Hadith, and also one of my students. She has…