QRN151: The Peak of Eloquence

• Learn why the Qur’an is the centerpiece of the Arabic language
• Investigate various grammatical constructions and see how the Qur’an has employed them
• Appreciate how what seem to be grammatical errors are actually employed to create a powerful rhetorical affect
• Recognize some of the reasons why the Qur’an can never be justly translated
• Understand the importance of learning Arabic in order to fully interact with the Quran

• Prerequisite: Introductory level Arabic course [Introductory Arabic 1], so that you have a basic understanding of: grammatical states, gender agreement, singular/dual/plural, simple noun sentences, and simple verb sentences. Complex knowledge is not required, and both beginning and advanced students of Arabic will benefit.
• The Quran and Its Disciplinesis a recommended supplementary course.
• Estimated Commitment Per Week: 2-3 hours
• Learn how to make sure your computer is ready.

• LESSON 1:
  The Qur’an as the Centerpiece of the Arabic Language
• LESSON 2:
  The Eloquence of Unexpected Grammatical States
  
• LESSON 3:
  The Eloquence of Unexpected Verb Tenses
• LESSON 4:
  The Eloquence of Apparent Violations of Number Agreement
• LESSON 5:
  The Eloquence of Apparent Violations of Gender Agreement
• LESSON 6:
  The Eloquence of Apparent Violations of Rational—Inanimate Being Agreement
• CONCLUSION:
  How to Learn Qur’anic Arabic

For 1400 years, the boldly confident Qur’anic challenge to all of mankind “to produce a single chapter like it” (2:23) in moving eloquence has remained unanswered. For centuries, scholars have dedicated their lives solely to understanding the Qur’an through its grammatical and stylistic constructions, as well as unraveling its various mysteries, secrets, and divinely inspired message. This dedication led to the codification of a myriad of disciplines of the Arabic language, particularly grammar, morphology, and rhetoric—all confirming the tremendous rank of the Quran in Arabic literature Truly, no translation or simple explanation can do justice to the masterpiece that is the Qur’an.

Some academics and opponents of Islam have claimed that the Qur’an has grammatical errors, posing such questions as: why are there gender disagreements? Why are there number disagreements? Why are some verb-noun constructions inconsistent? These supposed grammatical errors, however, actually demonstrate the finesse of the Arabic grammar manifested in the Quran. Each unexpected grammatical state, unexpected verb tense, and apparent violation of number, gender, or rational-inanimate being agreement is used to convey powerful shades of meaning. This course seeks to answer the above questions by explaining and clarifying some of the finer points of Arabic grammar, thus revealing the splendid eloquence of the Qur’an.

The course is based on Tahta Rayat al-Quran by Shaykh Abdul Karim Tattan, a contemporary expert in Arabic, tafsir, and theology living in the U.A.E. who studied with top scholars in Syria, most notably Shaykh Muhammad al-Hamid. Shaykh Abdul Karim authored this book in response to questions that were posed to him by his English-speaking acquaintances who read on the internet that certain verses in the Quran contain grammatical mistakes. The instructor of this course, Shaykh Hamza Karamali, studied this book with Shaykh Abdul Karim in order to convey its contents to the English-speaking world. By studying this important work, you will be sent on journey towards understanding the brilliance of the Qur’an.  Not only will the apparent errors be clarified, but you will understand why it is the peak of eloquence.

• Weekly live session will be conducted by Shaykh Hamza Karamali.
• Printable course slides will add structure to lessons.
• A short essay assignment on one of the five topics covered in the course will help ensure your understanding of the material.

• “I love this course. I would recommend it to anyone studying Arabic. It's a great supplementary course to one's studies and there's so much benefit in seeing the difference between the language of the ancient Arabs, classical Arabic, and modern standard Arabic. Ignorant people may criticize the Quran's linguistic style, but through the knowledge given in this course, one sees first hand that it's only because they do not have a taste for the Arabic language! This course gave me a deeper insight into the Arabic language, and once again, proved that the Quran is the speech of God Most High. Surely, a man did not write it. Shaykh Hamza is a passionate teacher and he really has a way of conveying the absolute, undeniable truth to his students. SubHanAllah, I loved it...absolutely loved it.”
  Naeilah Ackbarali
  Student, Damascus, Syria

  “I would, and have, recommended this course to others because it was an eye opener into the hidden meanings in the Qur'an and an encouragement for learning the Language of the Arabs. Sh. Hamza is awesome. That's all I can say. May Allah preserve him.”
  Talut Dawood
  IT Analyst, Raleigh, USA

  “I would recommend this particular course to others because it shows the value of the various Arabic sciences - and just how much we are missing in translation. It gives incentive to study.”
  Mohyudin Dingle
  Student, Nuneaton, UK

  “For those who want to learn Arabic and attain a very high level of understanding, fluency, and profiency the road is loooong.....and so this course was so refreshing in imparting inspiration to one's high aspiration.”
  Min Shin (Sumaiyya)
  Pharmacist, Atlanta, USA

  “Difficult course but breathtaking: Sheikh Hamza Karamali managed to shed a light on the beauty of Arabic language still making sure that both advanced students and beginners in Arabic could enjoy the course. it gives a glimpse on the beauty of Classical Arabic and the weight of each and every word of the Qur'an al Kareem. Now this door is slightly opened, it is a start to a long path of learning. Sheikh Hamza Karamali is extremely clear and patient; he explains until all students have understood. He is a very structured and intelligent ustadh, mash'Allah.”
  Safiyah Paine
  Freelance trainer, Bloomington, United States

  “Sheikh Hamza shows the students a glimpse into the Koran's eloquence and he explains how an in depth knowledge of the Arabic language is necessary to understand the nuances of the Koran. It was very inspirational.”
  Umar Kovacik
  Student, Milwaukee, USA

  “I would recommend this particular course because it motivates one to gain a detailed knowledge of the Arabic language. The instructor was very sincere and a great motivator.”
  Joseph Zichella
  Dental Student, Denville Morris, United States

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