Learning Arabic language of the Quran is a spiritual journey like no other. Yet, many beginners fall into traps that slow their progress or leave them frustrated. If your ultimate goal is to understand the Quran in Arabic, it’s crucial to follow the right strategy, one focused on meaning, root words, and spiritual connection.
There are 10 common mistakes learners make, quite often unfortunately! I have compiled these mistakes and how to avoid them. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve already begun your Quranic Arabic studies, these tips will help you stay focused, inspired, and consistent.
1. “Arabic and Mandarin are the most difficult languages”
While I cannot say how difficult Mandarin is, Modern Standard Arabic is no where near how difficult most non-Arabic speakers think! Thinking that Arabic is very complicated can and will block your progress. Arabic is not as difficult as people say: it’s as difficult as you believe it is. People often confuse different with different. As with any language there are a set of grammatic rules. Once you master them, everything else begins to fall in place.
If you approach the language with a mindset of defeat (that learning arabic is difficult or tiring), you’ve already lost the battle. Arabic is definitely learnable, beautiful, and within your reach. Many have mastered the Arabic Language from Salman Al-Farisi (رضي الله عنه) to Imam Al-Bukhari to thousands of modern-day learners despite it being far from their mother tongue. Millions across the globe can read the Quran independently, ponder and understand its deeper meaning.
2. Not Focusing on the Right Goal
Your goal isn’t to speak fluently with Arabs, travel through North Africa, or debate in Arabic. Or maybe it is? Your goal is understanding and learning Arabic language of the Quran, its root words, its structure, and its divine meanings.
That means your learning method should match that purpose. Don’t waste time on casual conversation phrases or regional dialects. Instead, focus on:
- Quranic vocabulary and root patterns
- Sentence structure and word placement
- The context behind verses and divine word choices
Understanding the meaning is a completely different skill than speaking fluently.
3. Focuing too little on Arabic Grammar (Nahw)
If you want to truly grasp what the Quran is saying, you must learn some grammar. Arabic nahw (syntax) and sarf (morphology) help you understand why words are placed a certain way — and what that reveals.
The i’rab (grammatical structure) of a sentence can change its meaning entirely. It shows emphasis, tone, and even miracles in the Quranic arrangement. A translation simply cannot match that. And the most exciting this is: grammar rules are concise and replicable. As you start learning more, you will see a set and defined pattern and you’d easily identify them as you read the Quran.
4. Focusing Too Much on Grammar!
Yes, grammar is important, but don’t get stuck in it. If you spend hours memorising complex rules without applying them, you’ll end up discouraged.
Your purpose is not to become a linguist or a public speaker. You goal is to understand and reflect on the Quran. Once you grasp the grammar basics, shift your focus toward real verses, reflection, and spiritual growth. That’s where the real benefit lies.
5. Not Practicing and Learning Daily
Learning the Arabic language for the Quran isn’t a one-time course — it’s a daily habit. You should definitely make an excellent head start by intensifying your learning in the beginning, but you should still immerse yourself in the beauty of Quranic Arabic every day.
Even 10–15 minutes of consistent study, review, or Quranic reflection will build momentum. Without regular practice, you’ll forget what you’ve learned and lose your connection to the language.
Make it a part of your daily life, like your prayer or dhikr, no matter how busy your day is!
6. Jumping from One Resource to Another when Learning Arabic Language of the Quran
Certainly, one of the most harmful habits is jumping between YouTube channels, apps, or teachers every week. This makes your learning disjointed and often leads to confusion.
Even worse, many Arabic resources are designed for spoken Arabic, not Quranic Arabic. Choose materials that are specifically focused on understanding the Quran, and stick with them. Consistency always beats variety.
7. Not Focusing on Root Words and Patterns
Quranic Arabic is built on powerful root systems. Recognizing common patterns like:
- faʿala → fāʿil (doer form)
- ṣadaqa → ṣādiq (truthful)
- rakʿa → rākiʿ (one who bows)
…will unlock new layers of understanding.
Instead of memorising isolated vocabulary, learn root words and how they morph. This will dramatically increase your ability to decode verses even if you’ve never seen them before.
8. Not Stimulating Yourself with Activities and Quizzes
No matter how motivated you are, boredom kills progress. If your Arabic learning is dry and repetitive, you will eventually stop.
Incorporate:
- Online quizzes and mini tests
- Listening to Quran recitations while looking at the Arabic
- Writing down root words you’ve learned from a verse
Learning Arabic should feel exciting, not like a chore.
9. Relying on Translation of the Arabic Language of the Quran
Finally — and perhaps most importantly — relying on translations will never help you truly understand the Quran.
Translations can offer surface meanings, but they can’t capture the depth, rhythm, and precision of Allah’s ﷻ words. You’ll miss the “balagha”, subtle connections, the beauty of repetition, and the miracles of root word interplay.
If your goal is to understand the Quran, then learn to read it in Arabic — with reflection, with grammar, and with heart.
10. Learning the Arabic Language Entirely on Your Own
While it’s possible to make progress on your own, learning Arabic without guidance or support can quickly become discouraging. Many motivated students start with enthusiasm but lose momentum over time.