Short Course: Arabic L1 - Reader: Exploring Ibn Arabi's Divine Sayings and Poetic Qasidas
"The universe is the outward form of the Real, and the human being is His inward form... The breath of the All-Merciful extends to all things. Thus all things have their existence from the Breath, and the world is like the letters articulated by that Breath." — Ibn Arabi, on the metaphysics of Divine articulation
Dear Seeker of Sacred Knowledge,
Join us on a 2-week immersive reading practicum designed for Level 1 Arabic students ready to engage with profound Islamic spiritual literature. This course bridges foundational Arabic skills with authentic sacred texts, offering both linguistic development and spiritual enrichment.
Week 1:
Divine Discourse - Ibn Arabi's Mishkat al-AnwarExplore selections from Ibn Arabi's luminous collection of Hadith Qudsi (sacred traditions where Allah speaks in the first person). These intimate divine communications offer accessible Arabic while revealing profound spiritual truths. Students will:
- Read and translate selected hadith with guided support
- Learn key vocabulary related to divine attributes and spiritual states
- Reflect on the meanings through group discussion
- Practice pronunciation and comprehension skills
Week 2:
Poetry of Devotion - Classical QasidaImmerse yourself in the melodic beauty of Islamic devotional poetry. The class will collectively choose one masterpiece to study from:
- Du'a al-Madhlum (Prayer of the Oppressed) - A powerful supplication for divine justice
- Qasida al-Burda - Imam Busiri's celebrated ode praising the Prophet ﷺ
- Hizb al-Bahr (Litany of the Sea) - Imam Shadhili's prayer for protection and spiritual opening
Students will experience how Arabic poetry combines linguistic beauty with spiritual power, learning to read with both mind and heart.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain confidence reading authentic Arabic spiritual texts
- Build vocabulary in religious and poetic contexts
- Understand basic rhetorical devices in Arabic literature
- Connect language learning with spiritual contemplation
Prerequisites: Completion of Arabic Level 1 or equivalent (ability to read Arabic script and basic vocabulary)
Format: Interactive reading sessions with line-by-line exploration, group recitation, and reflective discussion.
Instructor: Sulaiman Saqib Safdar
Focus: Reading practice, comprehension and spiritual reflection rather than grammar instruction, which comes later in Level 2
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain confidence reading authentic Arabic spiritual texts
- Build vocabulary in religious and poetic contexts
- Understand basic rhetorical devices in Arabic literature
- Connect language learning with spiritual contemplation