Arabic Language · Foundational
Iqra' Al-'Arabiyyah – Level 1
Learn Modern Standard Arabic with Native Teachers from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Mukarramah
✦ Live scholarly teaching with guided learning support
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● Live online courseCourse overview
About this course
Al Balagh Academy has collaborated with Iqra Arabia, in partnership with Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, to deliver the Iqra' al-'Arabiyyah curriculum, developed specifically to help non-native learners build proficiency in al-Fuṣḥā al-Muʿāṣirah (Modern Standard Arabic).
Taught by native Arabic-speaking teachers from Umm Al-Qura University, the programme combines practical communication with structured language development across five integrated areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing and comprehension.
As the first level of the Foundation Stage, Level 1 provides 80 instructional hours of carefully sequenced learning. Students develop practical communication skills, everyday vocabulary, pronunciation and foundational grammar, building the confidence to understand and use Arabic in common situations.
By the end of Level 1, students will have established a strong linguistic foundation and be ready to progress to Iqra' al-'Arabiyyah – Level 2.
Begin Your Arabic Journey with Confidence
Learning Arabic is a rewarding journey—but many learners struggle because they begin without a clear roadmap. Some memorise vocabulary without understanding how to use it, while others focus heavily on grammar without developing the confidence to communicate.
Iqra' al-'Arabiyyah – Level 1 is designed for non-native Arabic learners and follows a structured, progressive approach that develops practical communication alongside vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and comprehension.
Rather than treating Arabic as isolated grammar rules or vocabulary lists, the curriculum brings these elements together, helping students build genuine confidence in understanding and using Arabic from the very beginning.
Whether your goal is to communicate in Arabic, pursue higher Arabic studies, or build a strong linguistic foundation for future learning, Level 1 provides a clear and structured place to begin.
Students will also have the opportunity to join an in-person Arabic Immersion Camp in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, offering a further opportunity to practise Arabic in an immersive setting.
Please note: The immersion camp is optional, not included in the course fee, and subject to separate charges.
Why Learn al-Fuṣḥā al-Muʿāṣirah (Modern Standard Arabic)?
This programme teaches al-Fuṣḥā al-Muʿāṣirah (Modern Standard Arabic)—the internationally recognised standard form of Arabic used throughout the Arab world.
Modern Standard Arabic is the language of:
Unlike regional dialects, Modern Standard Arabic provides a shared linguistic foundation that enables communication and understanding across Arabic-speaking countries. It also equips learners with the vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures and comprehension skills needed to progress confidently to higher levels of Arabic.
For Muslim learners, developing proficiency in al-Fuṣḥā can also increase familiarity with the language of the Qur’an and Islamic texts. While Qur’anic and Classical Arabic require further specialised study, a strong foundation in Modern Standard Arabic can make their vocabulary, structures and expressions increasingly familiar and provide a valuable pathway towards deeper engagement with the Arabic Islamic tradition.
- Universities and educational institutions
- Books, literature and academic publications
- Newspapers, television and news media
- Government and official communication
- Public speaking and formal writing
- International communication across Arabic-speaking countries
Develop Five Essential Arabic Language Skills
The Iqra' al-'Arabiyyah methodology develops key Arabic language skills together, ensuring balanced and progressive language acquisition.
Comprehension
Develop the ability to understand Arabic vocabulary, expressions, sentences and everyday communication in context, building a strong foundation for confident language use.
Speaking
Build confidence in expressing yourself through practical conversations, role-play and interactive speaking activities based on everyday situations.
Reading
Learn to read and understand structured Arabic texts while steadily expanding your vocabulary, comprehension and reading fluency.
Writing
Develop the ability to write accurate Arabic words, sentences and short passages using progressively introduced vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Listening
Develop the ability to understand spoken Modern Standard Arabic through guided listening exercises, classroom interaction and authentic language input.
Learning Objectives
Level 1 of the Foundation Stage aims to enable learners to:
- Use Arabic to exchange greetings, introduce themselves and interact politely in everyday social situations.
- Communicate in basic travel situations, including asking about destinations, booking tickets and requesting assistance.
- Use Arabic to order food, enquire about meals, read simple menus and communicate in dining situations.
- Develop accurate pronunciation through the study of Arabic letters, sounds, vowels and intonation.
- Read and write simple Arabic words, sentences and short texts related to the themes studied.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Level 1, learners will be able to:
- Exchange greetings, introduce themselves and ask and answer simple questions about identity, well-being and daily interactions.
- Communicate effectively in common travel scenarios, including ticket booking, travel enquiries and airport or station procedures.
- Order food, discuss meals and beverages, read simple menus and use appropriate dining expressions.
- Read, understand and write simple Arabic words, sentences, dialogues and short paragraphs related to the course themes.
- Recognise and accurately pronounce the Arabic letters, sounds and basic pronunciation patterns introduced in the course.
About the Iqra' al-'Arabiyyah Series
Iqra' al-'Arabiyyah is a structured, multi-level Modern Standard Arabic programme developed by Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah specifically for non-native Arabic learners.
Taught by native Arabic-speaking teachers based in Makkah, the series combines practical communication with systematic language development across listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar and comprehension.
Its carefully sequenced pathway guides learners from the Foundation Stage through Intermediate study and towards Advanced Proficiency, providing a clear progression from beginner to confident Arabic communication.
The Learning Path
Foundation Stage (Al-Marḥalah al-Asāsiyyah)
Levels 1 • 2 • 3 • 4
Intermediate Stage (Al-Marḥalah al-Mutaqaddimah)
Levels 5 • 6 • 7 • 8
Advanced Proficiency (Marḥalat al-Itqān)
Advanced development in fluency, accuracy and confident Arabic communication.
Level 1 is the first level of the Foundation Stage.
Batches
- Opens 14th September 2026Next batch
Sisters — Weekday Batch
- Starts2nd November 2026 – 2nd June 2027
- Class timeMonday & Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (London, UK)
- Opens 14th September 2026
Brothers — Weekend Batch
- Starts7th November 2026 – 7th June 2027
- Class timeSaturday & Sunday, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (London, UK)
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Curriculum
What you will study
A connected sequence from first principles to contemporary questions. Open a unit to preview its lessons.
Learn how to exchange greetings, introduce yourself and others, and communicate in simple everyday social situations.
Your learning experience
Designed for serious study, wherever you are
Follow a clear sequence, learn directly from course contributors and revisit your notes as ideas build from session to session.
- Live online learning with scholarly teaching
- A structured path through 3 connected modules
- Learning support from the academy course team
- Study from home with a clear weekly rhythm
Questions about studying online?
The academy team can help with course access and learning enquiries.
Pursue beneficial ‘ilm
A thoughtful place to begin
Live and self-paced options available worldwide
