Millions of ordinary Muslims can only read and recite the Holy Quran without knowing the meaning of the surahs. If you open up this Holy book, you will not be able to read any greeting phrases that are commonly introduced in a language school. “Welcome!” That’s not how God speaks.

The Holy Quran is the only book that has the power to attract people to learn to read Arabic without force. It empowers the reader to want to memorise some of It’s verses for his prayers, discuss topics on Islam using his native tongue, sing nursery rhymes in Arabic and listen to Arabic music. If a Muslim parent wants his child to speak Arabic, the quickest way is to get the child to read, “Introduction To Reading Of The Holy Quran.” instead of “Learn To Speak Arabic For Kids”.

Learning begins with the alphabets (consonants and vowels). Then the intonation sounds of each alphabet when it is modified by using the phonetical symbols. Letters are later joined together to form short phrases that have no meaning in itself. The purpose is to practise producing pitch and intonation. Then the reader gets to progress further into longer phrases with more complex linking or running alphabets. When one has mastered reading running alphabets, he will begin the process of learning to read the Holy Quran beginning with the opening chapter called, “The Al-fatihah” or “The Opening”.

The book is called the “Muqaddam”, which contains mainly the short verses of the last chapter of the Holy Quran. Within a short period of time of reading the Muqaddam, it is possible to become familiar with the Arabic language. If one does not know how to read the short surahs independently, it means he does not have the skill the read the Holy Quran. Nonetheless, he would have mastered the basic components of reading, enough to perform his prayers but not to sustain him beyond rote memory. (Some readers prefer to use the ‘Iqra’ method which ensures faster sound recognition before learning to read Muqaddam. The latter is regarded as the traditional form of learning to read the Holy Quran, which has proven more effective in helping the reader to develop independence.)

It is apparent that reading the Holy Quran introduces Islam but not the Arabic language to readers. Readers may or may not develop an interest in learning Arabic. There are a few reasons:

1. the Holy Quran are the words of Allah, the God of Islam so it is not intended for communication between man and man, rather God and man.

2. there are rules to speaking proper Arabic, English or any language. The Holy Quran does not teach these rules; and

3. even though the Holy Quran has been translated in as many languages as there are believers, scholars are still discussing and learning the hidden meaning behind some of the Arabic phrases.

So, learning Arabic and learning the Holy Quran in Arabic are two separate matters. The former can be taught by any language teacher who may or may not be a Muslim. The latter, however, ought to be taught by a Muslim teacher.

An example of learning Arabic language can be found on this document:

Download Document here: Learn Arabic Sample Course

View the full course here:Arabic

An example of understanding Arabic in the Holy Quran can be found on this site, 80percentwords

We are the child who have become the man. Regress to childhood, we have achieved, we have triumphed.

Remember how the teachers and parents celebrate the victorious acts of our tiny accomplishments in kindergarten and childhood? We had taken lots of time and effort to teach ourselves to eat, wash, get dressed, and put on our shoes with our tiny fingers. we were dignified humans.

• Then when we are on our own independent and free, we do not follow the natural laws of development. We skip a few steps here and there, ignoring the process and focus on the achievement. Why do we not sit down have a decent breakfast, drink tea or coffee from a cup and saucer? Instead, we stand at the kitchen to drink coffee or tea from a mug, have cereal in front of lounge room while watching the morning news and then rush off without cleaning up.

• We come home at the end of the work day complaining how tired we are, when in fact the entire fault lies in our own bad habits. Our bodies are already tensed by the time we walk out of the door, what more of our minds when we arrive at our work desk? When we arrive home, we want to be rewarded so at times when things are not done properly for us, we become angry. Why isn’t the bed made yet? Where are my socks?

• I had maids who cleaned house and looked after my child while I went out to school to teach. I was easily angered when things did not get done around the house. If I had made the bed myself, be independent, I will not be an angry person. I act by myself, expend my strength, and perfect myself. I stopped teaching at school and focused teaching my own child at home.

My child was happier, the maid felt more appreciated.

“If men of the future are to be strong, they must be independent and free.“ (Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, page 58)

• When we become useful, we can concentrate and focus. We are calm when we are performing a task which we have power to control our own skills. We serve our world better. We have tendency to abuse the mastery of skill we have learnt in our childhood. We replace a skill with convenience of technology like washing machines, hand held vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, laptops and mobile phones.

• As long as we continue to utilize these modern conveniences to benefit our immediate social environment, we are contributing to development. If we find ourselves becoming lazy, easily tired or unhappy after prolonged use, then we have to ask ourselves, why?

• Maybe we should have not watched so much television while the machine is running, or perhaps we should take the opportunity to learn a new skill while the machines are working for us.

p.s. I know there is need to correct grammar on the title. “Put Your Shoes By Yourself”? what is that? I meant to write:”Try Putting On Your Own Shoes, You Do Not Need Any Help When You Know You Can.”