Classical Arabic

The Classical Arabic Program is designed to take students from no prior knowledge to an intermediate level of proficiency. Across five levels, it builds a strong foundation in grammar and morphology while developing the skills needed to understand, analyze, translate, and interpret classical texts—including the Qur’an, Hadith, and seminal works in Islamic law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism.

How is the Classical Program Structured?

The Online Classical Arabic Program is organized into five core levels, guiding students step by step toward mastery.

The first three levels lay the foundation by developing “linguistic mobility”—a solid command of grammar (nahw) and morphology (sarf)—while strengthening the ability to read, understand, analyze, translate, and interpret classical texts.

Levels 4 and 5 mark a significant milestone: the transition from learning Arabic as a language to employing it as a tool for scholarship. At this stage, students engage with rotating special-studies modules that explore both classical and contemporary themes, offering depth, variety, and applied mastery.

Curriculum Levels

  • Level 1: Foundations

    Overview: The Classical Arabic Foundations Program takes students from no prior exposure to a high-novice level of proficiency. Across three courses (CLA 101–103), learners master the Arabic script, build essential grammar skills, and gain the ability to communicate about themselves, family, and daily life.

    Courses: CLA 101 – Master the Arabic alphabet, read and write simple words, exchange greetings, and compose short paragraphs on personal topics. CLA 102 – Strengthen reading and writing, expand basic social interactions, and develop awareness of Arab life and culture. CLA 103 – Consolidate foundational skills and present on topics related to Arab culture, history, and daily life.

    Duration: Three sequential courses, each 10 weeks long, with one live private 1-on-1 session (50 minutes) per week.

    Prerequisites: None.

    Tuition: $495 per course.

  • Level 2: Intermediate

    Overview: The Intermediate Classical Arabic Program takes students from novice-high to intermediate-mid proficiency (ACTFL standards), equipping them with the grammatical foundation and communicative skills needed to begin accessing Classical texts with confidence. The level is divided into two grammar-focused courses (CLA 201–202) and two skills-based courses (CLA 203–204).

    Courses: CLA 201/202 – Introduction to grammar (nahw) and morphology (sarf) using al-Muqaddima al-Ajurrumiyya, with applied practice through Surah Yusuf. CLA 203 – Builds all four skills through topics like daily life, travel, and personal history, with emphasis on conversation and narration. CLA 204 – Strengthens intermediate skills with themes from Eastern traditions, the Arab world, and the Prophetic Biography, including authentic texts and short presentations.

    Duration: Three sequential courses—CLA 201/202 (self-paced), followed by CLA 203 and CLA 204, each 10 weeks in length with one weekly private 1-on-1 session (50 minutes).

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 (online or on-site), or at least one year of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Tuition: $495 per course.

  • Level 3: Advanced

    Overview: The Advanced Classical Arabic Program prepares students to transition toward independent study, strengthening both technical mastery and communicative ability. This level is divided into one grammar/translation course and two skills-based courses, moving students from intermediate-mid to intermediate-high proficiency (ACTFL standards).

    Courses: CLA 301 – Grammar & Translation: Translation of Ibn Hisham’s Sirah with application of advanced grammar, morphology, and classical style, supported by Hans Wehr, Lisan al-ʿArab, and Martin Lings’ Muhammad. CLA 302 – Skills I: Develops reading, writing, listening, and speaking through authentic texts on history and biography, with integration of classical vocabulary. CLA 303 – Skills II: Consolidates intermediate-high proficiency through themes in society, poetry, stories, and notable figures, emphasizing fluency, accuracy, and extended discourse.

    Duration: Three sequential courses, delivered as private 1-on-1 sessions totaling 50 contact hours for CLA 301, and 10 contact hours each for CLA 302 and CLA 303.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 2 (online or on-site), or at least two years of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Tuition: CLA 301 = $2,000; CLA 302 & 303 = $495 each.

  • Level 4: Classical Texts

    Overview: The Level 4 Classical Program focuses on applying Arabic grammar to the direct study of classical texts. The core text is al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din, supported by reference works such as Sharh al-Zubaidi, al-Arba'in fi Usul al-Din, Minhaj al-Abidin, al-Misbah al-Munir, and Mufradat Alfaz al-Qur'an. Students approach these works at an introductory level, with the goal of gaining the skills to continue independent study.

    Courses: CLA 401 – Grammar & Texts: Training in grammatical translation of Ihya Ulum al-Din using dictionaries and classical reference tools. Students learn to vowel, parse, and analyze texts with increasing independence. CLA 402 – Skills Development: Builds proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking to an ACTFL Advanced-Low level. Students engage with authentic texts such as Quran tafsir, biographies, sermons, and selections from classical literature, with emphasis on reading fluency and grammatical accuracy.

    Duration: Two sequential courses, each 50 contact hours, with live private 1-on-1 sessions.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 3 (online or on-site), or at least three years of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Tuition: $2000 per course.

  • Level 5: Advanced Classical Texts

    Overview: The Level 5 Classical Program is a capstone stage where students critically engage authentic Arabic texts using the grammatical and morphological principles acquired in earlier levels. The goal is to move beyond comprehension toward analysis, synthesis, and deeper interpretation.

    Courses: CLA 501 – Commentary of the Burda: Students refine their ability to read Arabic aloud with correct vowelling, translate with accuracy, identify textual arguments, and recognize points of scholarly difference. This course develops confidence in handling ambiguity and introduces secondary sources for contextual analysis. CLA 502 – Skills Development: Brings students to an ACTFL Advanced-Mid level of proficiency. Focus is placed on fluency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking, supported by authentic texts and topics such as the linguistic miracle of the Quran, tafsir, hadith sciences, sermons, passages from the seerah, the counsels of the four imams, and the Names of God.

    Duration: Two sequential courses, each 50 contact hours, with live private 1-on-1 sessions.

    Prerequisites: Completion of Level 4 (online or on-site), or at least four years of formal Arabic study at a college/university.

    Tuition: $2000 per course.

“The weekly one-on-one sessions with my instructor have been essential to my learning. Whenever I feel hesitant about expressing myself or uncertain in my grasp of a concept, these sessions provide clarity and confidence. That dedicated time to practice, with thoughtful guidance, has made all the difference in deepening both my fluency and understanding.”

— Ray L., College Professor

What makes Qasid Online unique?

  • No more adjusting your life around fixed group schedules. With 1-on-1 sessions, your instructor offers multiple time options, and you simply choose what works best. This flexibility makes it far easier to attend every session consistently.

  • In group classes, instructor attention is divided. In private sessions, 100% of the time is devoted to you—maximizing progress and depth of learning.

  • One-on-one learning means your instructor can concentrate on your specific challenges and goals, rather than balancing the needs of many students at once.

  • Private instruction moves at the pace that best suits you. Move quickly when you have momentum, or slow down during busier weeks—your instructor will adjust to keep you moving forward effectively.

How the Programs Work

Qasid Online combines a rigorous, academically designed curriculum of recorded materials (video lessons, texts, and quizzes) with live, private 1-on-1 sessions—bringing together the best of structured content and personalized instruction.

Structured Pathway

Each course runs for 10 weeks and, at a steady pace, covers the equivalent of one university quarter of Arabic. Completing three consecutive courses equates to roughly one full year of university-level Arabic study.

Individual Instruction

Students receive one live, 50-minute, one-on-one class each week with a Qasid instructor—ensuring focused guidance, individualized feedback, and steady progress.

Dedicated Learning Platform

During each 10-week enrollment, students gain full access to Qasid’s custom Learning Management System (LMS), which houses the entire MSA curriculum—hundreds of videos, PDFs, and quizzes designed to reinforce live instruction.

Academic Mentorship

Alongside your instructor, you’ll be paired with an academic mentor who supports your learning journey, helping you navigate challenges and stay on track toward your goals.

Community Support

Beyond your individual classes, you’ll have access to Qasid’s private, student-only community, where you can connect with peers, exchange insights, and ask questions.

Scholarly Recognition

Upon successfully completing each level, you’ll receive an official Qasid Certificate of Completion—digital by default, with a printed copy available upon request to support your academic or professional portfolio.

“Qasid isn’t just another self-study program. In less than a year, I was able to hold a basic conversation in Arabic with my teacher during live sessions. Within just a few months, I could already read and write the language—something that still amazes me. The flexibility of online learning has been incredible: I can spend time with my family, be present as a mother, and still make real progress in Arabic.”

— Amanda F., Level 2 Intermediate Student

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely. Many of our students begin with no prior knowledge of Arabic. We start by teaching you the alphabet and foundations, and then guide you—step by step—towards fluency.

  • Not at all. We’ve worked with learners of all ages, professions, and family commitments. With our method, age and schedule are no barrier. We’ll show you how to make consistent progress—even if you have a demanding job or children at home.

  • Every student progresses differently, depending on effort, background, and consistency. We won’t make empty promises of “fluency in 3 months.” Instead, we provide a structured curriculum, live support, and lifetime access to resources. If you stay committed, you’ll look back in 1–2 years amazed at how far you’ve come.

  • Qasid Online is the only program built on over a decade of experience teaching 10,000+ students worldwide. Unlike “Arabic-lite” courses, our curriculum mirrors university-level rigor while giving you lifetime access to videos, quizzes, worksheets, and a library of 24/7 resources. And with one-on-one live sessions, your learning is always personal and practical.

  • You’ll work through a structured curriculum of pre-recorded lessons, exercises, and quizzes at your own pace. Once a week, you’ll meet one-on-one with a native instructor to practice speaking, get personalized feedback, and have your questions answered. This blend of self-paced learning and live mentorship keeps you both flexible and accountable.

  • No travel is required. All core materials are available online, on-demand, from anywhere in the world. Your live sessions are scheduled with your instructor at times that work for you, so you can progress without uprooting your life or career.

  • We recommend 5–10 hours per week. The more consistently you invest, the faster your progress. With lifetime access, you can move as quickly—or as slowly—as your schedule allows.

  • Because the program combines self-paced study with flexible live sessions, you’ll never “miss the boat.” You can pause, slow down, or catch up whenever your schedule allows. Our goal is sustainable, long-term growth—not short-term pressure.

  • The MSA program is organized into five levels, with each course lasting 10–20 weeks. Some students complete three or more courses a year, while others take breaks between levels. Your timeline is flexible, designed to fit around your life commitments.

  • Every student—beginner or advanced—takes a placement test. This diagnostic (not pass/fail) allows our academic team to place you at the right level, so you build on your strengths without repeating material unnecessarily.

  • Once you’ve completed payment, you’ll take the placement quiz, book an orientation session, and gain full access to your online platform. You’ll then schedule your one-on-one live sessions and begin your first course.

  • Each course is $495 USD. For example, Level One (Foundations) includes three courses—each at $495. You’re not required to register for all at once, giving you financial and academic flexibility.

  • Yes. Tuition can be split into two monthly installments: one at enrollment, and the second one month later.

  • Qasid Online courses can be taken for a grade and credit, but that credit cannot be applied toward a degree at the moment. It may be possible to apply that credit toward a degree program at another college or university, depending on that institution’s academic policies.

  • Yes. Upon successful completion of a program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Qasid Online. Students may also request an official transcript for their coursework.