

THIS COURSE FOCUSSES ON BUILDING YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN ARABIC TO CONNECT YOU MORE INTIMATELY WITH YOUR WORSHIP
AND THE QURAN.
LEARNERS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE ANY BACKGROUND IN ARABIC APART FROM READING THE ARABIC SCRIPT
Course Description
The Candlelight course is a programme with an intensive study of the Arabic language designed to enable students to appreciate the subtle literary features unique to the Arabic language as well as developing a strong command in speaking, writing and understanding the Arabic Language.
The course includes a study of Modern Standard Arabic so that students are well acquainted with the contemporary usage of the Arabic Language. Modules of study include Grammar, Comprehension, Communication and Contemplation. The course has classes that run four hours weekly (Tuesday evening & Saturday morning) to ensure accommodating students, working professionals and others.
Course Objectives
In order for the course to meet these objectives effectively, the Arabic programme has been carefully designed and tailored with sufficient time allocated to each area of study including speaking and writing. We hope this will expose students to a holistic study of the Arabic language.
- To read a range of Arabic texts independently
- Develop listening and speaking skills
- Building a strong foundation to progress onto Year 2
Assessment
Students on the Candlelight course are formally assessed termly and have weekly assignments. Contemplation and Comprehension modules, exams will be in written format. The Conversation module will be assessed orally. Students may speak to class teachers for information on specific details regarding the exam format for each subject.
As the course is condensed, students are recommended to revise their class notes on a weekly basis. Students may additionally be given tasks or projects by respective teachers to be carried out throughout the year. Outside of class, students are recommended to spend a minimum of 4-5 hours of study time per week. Students are given a recommended reading list that has been tailored to their program of study.
Student Testimonial
“Candlelight Arabic not only teaches you the Quran but also equips you with the necessary skills to understand something from every chapter, page and line from the Quran. The programme is a must for anyone who seriously and sincerely wants to strengthen their relationship with the Quran” – Noreen Akhtar, Candlelight Student
Curriculum
The course introduces students to the two essential disciplines of nahw (grammar) and sarf (morphology) that provide the essential structure of the language. Students learn to identify these structures in texts and practice them to perfection in order to produce accurate speech and writing themselves. The main book for guide in class will be: “Learning Arabic for Non-Arab Speakers (i.e Durusu Lugah)” & “Qisasun Nabiyyin”, and other materials.
1. Durus Lugah
Students study traditional Arabic Grammar and Morphology in order to access the structure of the Arabic language. In year 1 we focus on Nahw.
2. Communication
The communication module is a practical conversation class wherein students can engage in conversational Arabic with teachers and classmates. Lessons are based on different themes, with the aim to simulate a natural Arabic speaking environment. Student will be assessed orally for this module.
3. Comprehension
This module is a chance for students to engage with Arabic texts and carry our reading, writing and comprehension exercises. Candlelight exposes students to a wide range of texts throughout the year. Whilst the main focus will be Lugah related works and texts. Candlelight exposes students to the works of modern literary figures and scholars. Students are trained in developing their listening skills by engaging with modern media such as videos, websites and online publications. Listening consolidates vocabulary learning by demonstrating it’s correct usage.
4. Contemplation
This module is focused on contemplating the words of the Quran and other word of wisdom in Arabic language. There will be a focus on a linguistic analysis of the words of the Quran so that students can apply their language skills in understanding the Quran. Students will study selected words of wisdom.
Course Instructors

Shaykh Mahmoud Aliko
CANDLELIGHT ARABIC INSTRUCTOR
Shaykh Mahmoud is a Syrian educator with extensive experience in teaching and Islamic scholarship. He graduated from Damascus University, Natural Science Department. Also, studied at Al-Daawa Al-Islamia University with a degree in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies. He obtained a Higher Diploma in Comparative Fiqh from Omdurman University, Sudan. He possess over 15 years of experience teaching Science and Biology in Syria, Saudi Arabia, and England. He currently teaching at Eden Boys’ Academy, UK. Shaykh also has completed PGCE and achieved QTS from Birmingham University recently.
Shaykh Mahmoud is Imam and Khateed of Friday Khutab at Omar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque for four years. He is dedicated to inspiring students both in academic learning and personal character development.
He strives to integrate modern teaching strategies into the field of Islamic Studies to make learning more engaging and effective. Shaykh Mahmoud is passionate about building a meaningful connection between Science and Faith, helping students appreciate harmony between knowledge and spirituality.

Shaykh Ibraheem Ahmad
CANDLELIGHT ARABIC INSTRUCTOR
Ibraheem Ahmad holds a BA in Sharia Law from the prestigious Al Azhar University, demonstrating a solid foundation in Islamic jurisprudence. Furthering his expertise, he pursued an MSc in Islamic Banking, Finance, and International Business from the University of Dundee, equipping him with advanced knowledge of finance principles within an Islamic framework. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Islamic Finance.
He is an active member of several global Islamic finance bodies, reflecting his deep engagement with the industry’s development and regulatory standards. His expertise is recognized internationally, as evidenced by his role as an in house scholar and Imam at the European Islamic Centre, (UK) and the Muslim Forum of Britain, where he contributes to academic and practical discourse.
Before founding Sharia Labs, a consultancy dedicated to advancing Sharia-compliant financial solutions, Shaykh Ibraheem played a key role in developing a range of Islamic banking products in the UK and GCC regions. His work spans advisory roles and the hands-on creation of ethical financial solutions, making him a key figure in the field. Through Sharia Labs, he provides expert guidance on Islamic finance, Sharia compliance, and ethical investment strategies, helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the industry.
Course Schedule & Fees
Start Date | Wednesday 17th September |
|---|---|
Class Day(s) | Wednesdays & Saturdays |
Class Timings | Wed 7:30pm - 9:30pm & Sat 10am - 12pm |
Course Fee | £480 (for the full year) |
Payment | Option 1 One Off Payment
Option 2 3 Instalments (paid over 9 months) |
Get In Touch
Send us a message using the
form below or call on:
07434 981 786