How Long Does It Take to Master Arabic?

Introduction

Learning Arabic is a serious journey that connects you deeply with the Quran, Islamic teachings and a rich culture that one can learn a lot from.

In this blog, we'll explore the journey of mastering Quranic Arabic, the time commitment required at different levels, and factors influencing your learning pace.

Estimated Time Commitment for Each Level

Beginner Level

• Approximate Time: 3-6 months, depending on intensity (approximately 200-300 hours).
• Key Skills Gained: Basic reading and writing skills, foundational grammar, and a limited vocabulary to understand simple Quranic verses.

Intermediate Level

• Approximate Time: 6-12 months, depending on prior knowledge (approximately 400-600 hours).
• Key Skills Gained: Enhanced grammar, expanded vocabulary, and improved reading comprehension to understand more complex verses and chapters of the Quran. Around this time frame you can expect to start putting sentences together too and communicate on a basic level. Obviously, this all depends on how much work you put in.

Advanced Level

• Approximate Time: 12-24 months, depending on dedication (approximately 700-1000 hours).

• Key Skills Gained: Proficiency in reading and understanding the Quran, ability to interpret complex grammatical structures, and familiarity with classical Arabic texts. At this stage you should also be able to talk about the most common daily topics.

After advanced level, you will spend the rest of your journey building vocabulary. This is done primarily through reading and listening. I cannot emphasise how important it is to practice daily. If you don’t use the language, you’ll forget a lot. Spend as much time as you can reading, listening, and speaking the Arabic language. In my journey, I never paid as much importance to writing, however, writing definitely is an important language skill that should be included in everyone’s language learning schedule.

Factors Influencing Learning Pace

Prior Knowledge of Arabic
Familiarity with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or any Arabic dialect can significantly speed up the learning process, as you already have a foundation to build upon.

Study Time Dedication
The number of hours dedicated to studying each week greatly impacts your timeline. More hours per week generally translate to faster progress; the more you put in, the more you get out!

Individual Learning Styles
Different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) can influence how quickly you absorb and retain information. Tailoring your study methods to your preferred learning style can enhance efficiency.

Typical Timelines for Different Paces

Full-time Learners
Students who dedicate significant time daily (4-6 hours) can often reach an advanced level within 1-2 years. This intensive approach is ideal for those who can immerse themselves fully in their studies. However, even if you put in an hour daily, you will see the fruits of your labor; it might just take you a bit longer to reach the finish line. This isn’t a problem though. The main thing is that you are on your journey and remaining consistent.

Part-time Learners
Students who study part-time, balancing other commitments, typically progress at a moderate pace. Dedicating 1-2 hours daily or 10-15 hours weekly can lead to reaching an advanced level in 2-4 years.

Self-paced Learners
Those who follow a self-paced learning path may take longer, depending on their consistency and dedication. This flexible approach allows learners to balance their studies with other responsibilities, often leading to a varied timeline.

Flexible Learning Options at Ijaada Institute

Self-paced Study

• Benefits: Flexibility to learn at your own pace, suitable for those with irregular schedules.
• Structure: Access to resources, pre-recorded lessons, and practice exercises that you can use as per your convenience.

Scheduled Live Classes

• Benefits: Real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and structured learning pathways.
• Structure: Regularly scheduled classes provide interaction with instructors and peers, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Blended Learning
Combining self-paced study with scheduled live classes offers a balanced approach, allowing you to benefit from the flexibility of self-study while enjoying the structure and support of live sessions.

Conclusion

Learning Quranic Arabic is a rewarding journey, regardless of the time it takes. Dedication, consistent practice, and the right learning environment can lead you to success.