CLASSICAL PROGRAM
The Classical Arabic Program takes you from having zero experience in the language to an intermediate level of understanding. It is comprised of five levels that gives you to mastery over necessary skills in grammar and morphology, and equips you skills in understanding, analyzing, translating, and interpreting of classical texts – Qur’an, Hadith and other Islamic legal, theological, philosophical and mystical texts.
HOW IS THE CLASSICAL PROGRAM STRUCTURED?
Our Online Classical Arabic program is taught over five core levels to move students towards mastery in Arabic.
The first three levels are foundational in that they focus on “linguistic mobility”, meaning equipping a student with the necessary skills in grammar and morphology, (nahw and sarf), and to excel in the reading, understanding, analyzing, translating, and interpreting of classical texts. Levels 4 and 5 represent a unique milestone in the student’s Arabic development and a transition from learning the language to using it as a tool to access classical texts. These courses are comprised of rotating special studies modules focusing on both classical and contemporary subject matter.
The Classical Arabic Foundations Program takes you from having zero experience in the language to a high novice level of understanding. It comprises of three courses that brings you to mastery over reading, writing and saying Arabic letters, and equips you with foundational grammar topics to be able to communicate topics about oneself, family and daily life issues.
There are six specific learning goals in CLA 101.
- Write the Arabic letters and related forms in legible Arabic handwriting;
- Read Arabic words with correct pronunciation;
- Recognize spoken greetings and introductory phrases in Arabic;
- Initiate social interactions, ask for information, and be aware of basic cultural aspects of social interaction in the Arab world;
- Comprehend simple written texts on familiar topics;
- and Compose simple paragraphs about yourself, friends and family.
here are four specific learning goals in CLA 102.
- initiate social interactions, ask for basic information, and be aware of basic cultural aspects of social interaction in the Arab world;
- comprehend simple written texts on familiar topics;
- compose simple paragraphs about themselves, friends and family;
- develop an awareness of Arab life and culture;
There are four specific learning goals in CLA 103.
- initiate social interactions, ask for basic information, and be aware of basic cultural aspects of social interaction in the Arab world;
- comprehend simple written texts on familiar topics;
- compose simple paragraphs about themselves, friends and family;
- present on a topic related to Arab culture, history or life;
The Intermediate Classical Arabic Program aims to provide students with the language proficiency and technical knowledge needed to begin the journey of accessing Classical Arabic. As such, it is divided into two parts: Grammar (201/202) and Skills (203 & 204).
CLA 201/202 is an introductory course in Arabic grammar (syntax) based on the renowned classical primer in Arabic grammar, al-Muqaddima al-Ajurrumiyya, with additional materials to lay a basic foundation of morphology. The course will consist of an organic mixture of interactive lecture, homework review, in-class exercises, and weekly reviews. The course will also make extensive use of Surah Yusuf, the accompanying course text, to which the grammatical concepts learned in class will be applied.
CLA 203 & 204 focus on all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) through a communicative approach to language learning and teaching.
CLA 201/202 is made up of two parts (together they form one course) : CLA 201 and CLA 202.
At the end of CLA 201, hardworking students should be able to:
- Use the ten verbal forms with competence, meaning:
- Be able to recognize the form and type of a derived noun, e.g. ism fa’il (active participle), Form 4.
- Be able to look up words in a root-word-based dictionary such as Hans Wehr.
- Be acquainted with several of the common meanings of the various forms, e.g. Form 4 for causation, Form 10 for seeking etc.
- Recognize and form the various derived nouns, al-mushtaqqat (derived nouns), namely the ism al-fa`il (active participle), ism al-maf`ul (passive participle), al-sifa al-mushabbaha (words resembling the active particple), ism al-tafdil (superlative), ism al-zaman (words indicating time), ism al-makan (words indicating place), and ism al-ala (words indicating an instrument).
By the end CLA 202 students should be able to understand the following aspects in Arabic grammar:
- The role of grammar in the Arabic language itself
- The three building blocks of Arabic speech: nouns, verbs and particles, and the signs for each
- The concept of i`rab (declension), namely that Arabic words are grouped into four groups based upon roles that they play in a sentence and that each group has a basic sign and various sub-signs.
- The types of i`rab (declension): lafdhi (vocalized), taqdiri (implicit), and mahalli (based on the place of a word in a sentence).
- The types of mu’rab (declinable) words and the various signs for each in the various i`rab
- The types of verbs, past, present and future and which of them are mabni (non-declinable words) and which are mu`rab (declinable).
- The main particles that impact the fi`l mudari (present tense verb): the nawasib (accusative state impactors) and jawazim (jussive state impactors), their meanings and common usages, including an introduction to the conditional sentence.
- The reasons for which nouns become marfu` (nominative). This includes knowing the main definitions and structures of the fa`il (doer of a verb), na`ib fa`il (passive doer), mubtada (subject), and khabr (predicate), as well as the nawasikh (abrogating words) that affect the mubtada and khabr; namely “kaana” and its sisters, “inna” and its sisters, and “dhanna” and its sisters.
- The reasons for which nouns follow other nouns in i`rab; namely the na`t (adjective), `atf (conjunction), tawkid (emphasis), and badl (substitute). The discussion of the na`t involves an acquaintance with the types of definite and indefinite noun.
- The reasons for which nouns become mansub (accusative). This includes knowing the main definitions and structures of the maf`ul bihi (direct object), maf`ul mutlaq (verb emphasis), dharf makan and zaman (indicator of place and time), hal (temporary condition), tamyiz (clarifying word), mustathna (exemption), ism la (negated word), munada (called-upon), and maf`ul lahu (giving a reason).
- The reasons for which nouns become majrur (genitive), namely being affected by a particle of jarr (genitive state) and the idafa (possession) construct. The student will know the main meanings and usages of the particles of jarr and main usages of the idafa
This course aims to take students from a level of Novice-High to Intermediate-Low according to ACTFL standards. At this level, students develop the ability to create with language and communicate on a personal level. There are ten learning goals for CLA 203:
- To become familiar with and use vocabulary related to a variety of topics such as: daily routines, traveling, and personal history.
- To be able to create with language with ease on a familiar topic.
- To converse about daily life habits and routine using appropriate verbs with correct conjugation of the present tense.
- To be able to start and engage in simple conversations in Arabic by asking and answering questions.
- To talk about past experiences such as traveling and memories using the past tense conjugation.
- To read and comprehend texts about famous books and persons’ stories and offer lessons learned therein.
- To comprehend reading and listening passages about course-related topics and be able to answer comprehension questions.
- To understand the cultural aspects of the topics introduced in this course.
- To correctly use quotes from simple poetry and proverbs related to the course topics in a natural way.
- To write short paragraphs and create presentations about the course topics with accuracy and suitable choice of vocabulary and grammar.
This course aims to take students from a level of Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-Mid according to ACTFL standards. At this level, students develop the ability to talk about themselves, ask/answer simple questions and be able to offer description. Language production is expected to be at the level of sentences and/or “sentence chains” (as opposed to paragraphs). There are eight learning goals for CLA 204:
- To know and correctly use vocabulary introduced in the course about a verity of topics such as: eastern traditions, countries, and Prophetic Biography.
- To be able to compare places, countries and things in Arabic properly while using correct linguistic forms and grammar rules.
- To learn about distinctive places and countries in the Arab world.
- To speak with accuracy about various topics related to the Prophetic Biography.
- To comprehend reading and listening passages about course-related topics and be able to answer comprehension questions and quizzes.
- To understand the cultural aspects of the topics introduced in this course.
- To correctly use quotes from simple poetry and proverbs related to the course topics in a natural way.
- To write short paragraphs and create presentations about the course topics with accuracy and suitable choice of vocabulary and grammar.
The Advanced Classical Arabic Program aims further students’ language proficiency and deepen their technical knowledge of Classical Arabic such that they begin to work as independent learners. As with the Intermediate Level, it is divided into two parts: Grammar/Translation (301) and Skills (302 & 303).
CLA 301 is a course based on grammatical translation of the Seerah of Ibn Hisham using the rules that students have learned to date from previous levels. The course will use Martin Lings’ Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources as an aid for students to familiarize themselves with the sira and find the meanings of words. Every lesson will begin by reviewing homework assignment (normally a grammatical translation), then explain a new rule, then conduct a class reading and translation in light of that new rule, then assign homework.
CLA 302 & 303 focus on all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) through a communicative approach to language learning and teaching.
By the end of this course, students will be able to use Hans-Wehr and a classical dictionary (Lisan al-`arab) to grammatically translate any section of the sira of Ibn Hisham. In order to achieve this goal, students will gain proficiency over:
- Morphology rules
- Grammar rules
- Ancient Arabic style and conventions
- Seerah vocabulary
- A high-level overview of the Seerah narrative so that they can locate a section within this narrative and use that as an aid to deciphering the meaning
- Grammatical translation practice based on all of the above
This course, along with CLA 303, aims to take students from a level of Intermediate-Mid to Intermediate-High according to ACTFL standards. There are eight learning goals for CLA 302:
- To use the vocabulary introduced in the beginning of each chapter properly and accurately.
- To understand general ideas and details mentioned in authentic texts about a variety of topics such as: historical events and biographies.
- To comprehend reading and listening passages about course-related topics and be able to answer comprehension questions and quizzes.
- To understand classical vocabulary used in hadith literature related to the topics introduced in the course.
- To be able to describe and compare in Arabic with proficiency and accuracy.
- To understand the cultural aspects of the topics introduced in this course.
- To correctly use quotes from simple poetry and proverbs related to the course topics in a natural way.
- To create writing passages made up of multiple paragraphs and create presentations covering course topics with linguistic accuracy, choice of vocabulary and grammar suitable for this level.
The aim of this level is to further solidify a student’s proficiency in the language functions of the Intermediate-High level according to ACFTL standards. By the end of this course, students will be able to express ideas with confidence and clarity and communicate in Arabic with greater ease and accuracy. There are ten learning goals for CLA 303:
- To use the vocabulary introduced in the beginning of each chapter properly.
- To understand general ideas and details mentioned in authentic texts about a variety of topics such as: society, life lessons, poetry, Arabic stories, and famous characters.
- To analyze and give opinions on issues related to the course topics.
- To produce language with ease, clarity, and accuracy using correct grammar and linking words.
- To be able to communicate thoughts and ideas, engage in comparisons, narrate stories, use tenses and grammar accurately, and have good understanding of native speakers language and pronunciation when listening.
- To comprehend reading and listening passages about course-related topics and be able to answer comprehension questions and quizzes.
- To understand classical vocabulary used in hadith literature related to the topics introduced in the course.
- To understand the cultural aspects of the topics introduced in this course.
- To correctly use quotes from simple poetry and proverbs related to the course topics in a natural way.
- To create writing passages made up of multiple paragraphs and create presentations covering course topics with linguistic accuracy, choice of vocabulary and grammar suitable for this level.
The Level 4 Classical Texts Program is primarily concerned with the application of Arabic grammar to understanding classical texts. There is one main text, إحياء علوم الدين which is supplemented by other texts listed below. They range from grammar texts, dictionaries and research texts that will supplement the core text.
Research Texts | Additional Texts |
شرح الزبيدي
الأربعين في أصول الدين منهاج العابدين |
المصباح المنير
مفردات ألفاظ الفرآن |
All of the texts will be approached at an introductory level and are not expected to be completed. Only those aspects which are relevant to strengthening a student’s understanding in reading will be introduced from the theoretical side of the course. However, at the end of the course, the student should be capable of continuing to study the texts on their own.
By the end of this course, students will be able to use Hans-Wehr and a classical dictionary (Lisan al-`arab or al-Misbah al-Munir) to completely vowel and grammatically translate any section of the Ihya. In order to achieve this goal, students need to:
- use an Arabic dictionary to look up the meaning of a word,
- determine the grammatical state of a word, and
- basic knowledge of weak letter and irregular verbs (mithal, ajwaf, naqis, muda’af, mahmuz)
- grammatically analyze simple noun and verb sentences without the aid of a translation and more complex noun and verb sentences with the aid of a translation.
- students should have an appropriate level of language skills (at least the equivalent Level 4 skills level)
- grammatical translation practice based on all of the above
This course prepares students to use Classical Arabic for communicative and academic purposes. Students are expected to reach an Advanced-Low level of proficiency by the end of the course. This course focuses on building fluency in the four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. They are developed through texts, practice drills, communicative and analytical activities with a focus on newly introduced vocabulary items, idioms, and grammatical structure. Grammatical accuracy will be emphasized with a priority given to the reading skill supported by authentic texts in Arabic. Texts include:
- Tafsir of Surah Fussilat & Duha
- Biography of Imam Abu Hanifa
- Introduction of Ulum al-Balagha
- Ibn Batuta and his journeys
- Sermons of Scholars & Companions
- Scholars & History of Andalusia
- Sermons & Counsel of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The Level 5 Interdisciplinary Classical Texts Program is a capstone course in which students are challenged to critically engage an authentic Arabic text through the use and application of the grammatical and morphological concepts and principles that they have acquired in previous levels. The course is designed to push students pass the point of simply understanding what they are reading to a level at which they gain the tools necessary to analyze and synthesize meaning.
At the end of this course, students will demonstrate:
- confidence and proficiency in reading Arabic aloud with correct vowelling, both prepared and at sight, and the ability to translate it into modern-day English
- the ability to break down the argument/discussion of pertinent textual material into sections based on topic
- an awareness of points of khilaf that appear in authentic texts of this and similar genres
- increased confidence in dealing with ambiguity in meaning/intent
- a basic familiarity with limited secondary sources relevant to the analysis of texts of this genre
This course prepares students to use Classical Arabic for communicative and academic purposes. Students are expected to reach an Advanced-Mid level of proficiency by the end of the course. This course focuses on building fluency in the four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. They are developed through texts, practice drills, communicative and analytical activities with a focus on newly introduced vocabulary items, idioms, and grammatical structure. Grammatical accuracy will be emphasized with a priority given to the reading skill supported by authentic texts in Arabic. Topics include:
- Linguistic Miracle of the Quran
- Tafsir of the Quran
- Science of Hadith & Commentaries
- Sermons
- Passages from the Seerah
- Counsels of the Four Imams
- The Names of God
“The extra materials, like the grammar worksheets and online videos for grammar, are SO helpful for me; difficult grammar concepts are offered in clear, concise, ways that I did not get with my Arabic experience at my university. Learning Arabic is definitely a challenge for me, and I think the best part about the experience in studying with Qasid is seeing the improvements from my studies. Although I still have a lot more to learn and improve on, I feel more comfortable with reading and grammar, and I’m starting to understand more while listening.”
WHAT IS THE CLASSICAL PROGRAM?
The Classical program leverages the full power of a solid, academically-designed curriculum of pre-recorded media (video, text, quizzes) and combined with 1-1 live sessions. What you’ll receive:
10 WEEK COURSES
Working at an average pace, students typically can complete the equivalent of 1 university quarter’s worth of Arabic. This means that after 3 (10 week) sessions you’ve completed the equivalent of 1 year of university Arabic.
PRIVATE 1-ON-1 SESSIONS
You get one class hour/50 minute live session (ONE ON ONE) per week with your instructor. Get personalized, one-on-one instruction with Qasid’s faculty without leaving the comfort of home.
DEDICATED LMS
Get access to our Qasid-branded Learning Management System (LMS) during the 10 week enrollment period; the LMS contains the entire Classical curriculum (hundreds of videos, PDFs, quizzes, etc.)
ACADEMIC MENTOR
On top of your live 1-on-1 instructor, you also have an Academic mentor that will guide you through learning online and overcoming any learning challenges you face to get you to achieve your goals faster.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Although your classes are 1-on-1 with your instructor, you’ll get access to in our private, student-only community, you’ll be able to post your questions to your fellow students.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Get access to our Qasid-branded Learning Management System (LMS) during the 10 week enrollment period; the LMS contains the entire Classical curriculum (hundreds of videos, PDFs, quizzes, etc.)
EASE OF SCHEDULING
You no longer have to worry about trying to fit your schedule into a Qasid-determined once-per-week group time.With 1-1 sessions, your instructor will have multiple times for you to choose from, and you select one that works for you. This radically simplifies timing, and helps to increase the odds that you’ll be able to make each and every live session.
MORE TIME FOR YOU
A session with 10 other students means that you need to “share” the instructor’s attention and time. When it is just you, 100% of that time is yours. The benefits increase exponentially.
FULL ATTENTION & FOCUS ON YOU
One-on-one means that your instructor can zero in on precisely the language issues and challenges that YOU are having, not what 15 others are having.
WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE
Finally, 1-1 allows you to move at a pace that works for you. Move faster or slower as you and your instructor determine is best for where you’re at. Busy week at work? No problem – slow things down. Found extra time this month? Fantastic – move ahead at lightning speed.
“Qasid Institute is a reputable institute with a tried and proven method of production. It expanded my knowledge of Grammar and ability to speak to others. It provided the perfect outlet to study for those at home who otherwise couldn’t find time for studies on the ground.”
HOW AM I GOING TO LEARN?
Each course is filled with step-by-step training videos, done-for-you worksheets, exercises, and quizzes. You’ll watch and learn from your computer, tablet or mobile device. Our goal is to make your online learning experience as easy and effective as possible.

Module Based Video Training
For every topic, we have a module that is released every time your progress with the course on our learning management system website. Each Module is filled with lively and informative grammar presentations that detail key grammar concepts covered in the course, resource lists, and homework designed to help you put everything you’re learning to use.
Self-Paced Grab and Go Lessons
You’re busy—we get it. Our goal is to make your learning experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Each of our core training videos is short, only 10 to 25 minutes long, and can be played on your computer or downloaded to your tablet or smartphone and watched on the go.


Weekly Homework/Assignments
For every topic, we have multiple assignments, quizzes and learning exercises to help you put everything you’re learning to use. We’ve chosen the best and most relevant examples to help you apply grammar topics to appropriate texts.
Mastery Exercises and Assignments
For every new grammar topic presented, we have a series of online quizzes and assignments, giving you an ability to directly assess your understanding of the concept at hand. On top of that, we have a mastery component to each topic for students who want to master the topic at hand and excel at each point in their study.

“What differentiates the Qasid experience for me is the balance between independent online study and the intensity of a traditional classroom experience. My weekly coaching sessions complement the online curriculum by lending accountability to my studies, which I’m grateful for. Theses sessions also lend very practical applications and allow me to make myself vulnerable with my new language, which I find critical to the learning process. I am happy in my progression and content in the knowledge that I can continue to grow within the Qasid framework for a long time to come…”
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
Our online programs includes dynamic support structures to keep you on track every step of the way.
QASID ONLINE SUPPORT
As always, we’re here to serve you. If you have technical issues or are simply having a challenge you need help with, write help@qasidonline.com and we’ll be happy to take care of you.
ACADEMIC MENTORING
At the beginning of the program, we hold an academic orientation call to get students onboard with how our online learning platform works and how to stay motivated to get your Arabic goals achieved.
OFFICE HOURS
Throughout your program, we hold “Office Hours” calls during the weeks to tackle your toughest questions and keep you inspired, energized and taking action.
COMMUNITY
In our private, student-only community, you’ll be able to post your questions to your fellow students. With a global community by your side, questions are rarely left hanging!
“The online staff at Qasid have been exceptional. They are warm and encouraging, genuinely supportive of one’s ambition to study, and are eager to help circumnavigate any obstacles that may arise. I have seen a huge improvement in skills, my speaking and listening skills are much better than they were.”

100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
You Can Test Drive the first week of the Classical Program, 100% Risk Free.
Our mission is to help you achieve a high level of fluency in Arabic and realize your full potential so you can accomplish your academic or professional goals. That’s why we invite you to take the first week of our program risk-free. If you don’t feel we’ve delivered on our promise within those Modules, we’ll happily refund 100% of your money.
GET STARTED WITH THE CLASSICAL PROGRAM
Click on the button bellow to enroll for our online classical program. Course begins immediately after placement exam.
Level 1: Foundations
- 3 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- Access to Digital Library
- Official Certificate
Level 2: Intermediate
- 3 Core Courses
- (201/202) Self-Paced
- 203 & 204 Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- Access to Digital Library
- Official Certificate
Level 3: Advanced
- 3 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- Access to Digital Library (CLA 302 & 303)
- Official Certificate
Level 4:Classical Texts
- 2 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- X
- Official Certificate
Level 5:Classical Texts
- 2 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- X
- Official Certificate