What does this class cover?

This class aims to deepen your connection with Allah (swt) and the Qur'an by allowing you to directly understand what you are reading or listening to without the need for a translation.   This class will cover Surah Al-Baqarah from beginning to end with that goal in mind.

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How is the class structured?

The first 15-20 minutes will be a grammar review for those who are learning for the first time or need a refresher.   The remaining 40-45 minutes will be spent analyzing whichever ayah of Surah Al-Baqarah we are on.    Depending on your level of knowledge you might choose to skip the grammar review and just attend for the practical portion of the class.

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How will it make me feel more connected to the Qur'an?

Through understanding the vocabulary and having a basic knowledge of grammar and rhetoric you will have a more intimate grasp of what is being conveyed, rather than having to resort to a translation

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What is the basic curriculum for the class?

We will cover Surah Baqarah from beginning to end and cover the key vocabulary and grammatical concepts along the way.

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I've attended Garden of Knowledge Arabic classes in the past but found them too technical, theoretical and difficult.  What is different with this class?

This class is as practical as it gets as we will directly cover the Qur'an rather than random sentences.   

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I've attended Garden of Knowledge Arabic classes in the past but have probably forgotten everything.

This can occur if one hasn't studied Arabic for a while.   The good news is that as since we will be covering Surah Al-Baqarah ayah-by-ayah, there will be lots of revisiting of vocabulary and important grammatical concepts.

 

  

How long will the course go for?

As long as it take to cover the whole Surah.

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Covering all of Surah Al-Baqarah sounds like way too much of a time commitment.

One doesn't need to attend every single class in order to derive benefit.   The time commitment should match the expected benefit one wants to get out of it.    It's not an all-or-nothing proposition.   Even if one were to only cover the first 50 ayahs or attend class every 2-3 weeks they would still learn quite a bit.

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Can I join the class at any time?   Will I be behind if I join late?

Yes you can join at any time.   The interesting thing about using Surah Al-Baqarah as the teaching material is that each ayah will contain beginning, immediate and advanced topics at the same time and will therefore be appropriate to students at all skill levels.   So it doesn't matter where you are relative to the other students.   Rather, what is important is your individual progress.

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I've attended Garden of Knowledge Arabic classes in the past but found it too difficult to attend every class.   Will this class work for me if I can't attend every class?

See the answer to the 2 questions above.   Additionally, this class is different from the previous Arabic class offerings in that each topic and common vocabulary will be reviewed multiple times as we progress through the ayahs.  Therefore, there is no catch-up required if one misses a class.

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What is the cost for this class?

It's free, with a suggested donation of 100$ to the masjid for those who can afford it.

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What are the pre-requisites for the course?

You should be able to read Arabic without too much difficulty

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When is the course offered?

Sundays from 11am-12pm (onsite and zoom) OR Mondays from 8-9 PM (onsite and zoom)

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If I register for the Sunday class, can I attend the Monday class and vice versa if my schedule requires it?

Yes, not a problem.

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Will this class have any tests, quizzes or homework?   

No

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Where can I register?   

You can register here

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Where can I find out more about the class?

You can email academy@themuslimcenter.org

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I can't come in person to the masjid, will there be online options available?

Yes, the class will also be available on zoom

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What about the instructors - where can we get their bios?   Are they all qualified?

Instructor bios are available at the bottom of the Garden of Knowledge page.

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Why do I need to learn Arabic when there are so many translations of the Qur'an available?

You don't need to, but doing so will allow you to enjoy listening to the recitation, or pondering your reading in a more meaningful and impactful way.   Additionally, translations do not usually pass along the true impact and meaning.

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If I can't read Arabic, should I still attend?

You are welcome to, but will likely not derive as much benefit.

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Will this class cover tafsir?

That's the not the primary objective of the class, though some tafsir might be provided in order to explain the meaning of an ayah.

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