copyright © 2002/03 abouttajweed.com, all rights reserved

Question

Assalamu Aleikum
In a recent answer, you wrote that there are programs and books that can teach conversational Arabic. Alhamdu lilah I can read the Qur'an in Arabic and in tajweed well. However I cannot speak the Arabic language which I would truly love to one day. Therefore I would like to know which excellent program (with CD or cassettes) can you recommend me that will help me speak Arabic well and understand others speak (whether it is Saudi or Egyptian). My purpose is to be able to speak but most importantly understand when I read the Qur’an so that I will not always refer to the translation all the time.
P.S. I reside in the US.
May Allah reward you inshallah.
Ma'a Salam.

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

The best form of Arabic that would be beneficial for you as a Muslim would be classical Arabic, not local dialects.  This is the pure Arabic that is in the Qur’an.  There are many programs for this available.

The Islamic University of Medinah has a set of three books for teaching Arabic-spoken and written- to non-Arabs.  Of course since you already read Arabic, you will have an advantage, but it still is an intense and good course.  You would need to find a tutor to go through the course with you for correct pronunciation and to answer any questions you may have.  Please see the following link: http://onlineislamicstore.com/b6067.html .  There are also a free downloads with some audio files, but we have not reviewed them: http://www.fatwa-online.com/downloads/dow002/index.htm

May Allah grant you beneficial knowledge especially knowledge of the Qur’an and its meaning.

Wa assalaam alaikum.