Book Review: Arabic for the Beginners

Arabic for the Beginners
by
Abdul Hamid Siddiqui

Published by Islamic Book Service
ISBN: 81-7231-352-7

(Front cover of Book)

This is like the first book that I ever studied when I was learning Arabic. For those Muslims who have been around since the early 90's you may remember the author, the late Abdul Hamid Siddiqui (rahimahullah), he was the brother who translated Saheeh Muslim and Mishkat-ul-Misaabih into the English language way back in the 70's. He was one of the early pioneers of English translators who was striving to get authentic material out to the Muslims of the West who did not understand Arabic. His translations were a form of inspiration that challenged me to learn Arabic in the hopes that one day I would be able to benefit the people through translating, I ask Allah to have mercy upon him and grant him the Jannat-ul-Firdaous.

I had long since lost the original copy of this book until one day while browsing in an Islamic bookstore, I found a mint condition re-print for only $7.95. Even though I had already studied the book from begining to end four times, the thought of owning this classic masterpiece once again made me reminisce of the days when I would gnash my teeth and pull out my heart trying desperately to understand the difference between an Ism, a Fi'l and a Harf.

This book consists of 26 Lessons that cover all of the basic Arabic grammar rules. Almost each lesson contains a set amount of vocabulary words and exercises after each lesson. The book is simple to follow and fun to study from.

The most challenging aspect of this book is the General Reading section at the end of the book that tests how well you are understanding Arabic. It contains several stories and several Ahadeeth and Ayaat from the Quraan.