Madinah Arabic Reader Books 1–8: A Complete Study Guide
The Madinah Arabic Reader is an eight-book course by Dr. V. Abdur Rahim that teaches Arabic step by step, with a focus on the classical Arabic of the Quran. It is used by schools, madrasahs and home learners around the world, and you can download all eight books free from our store.
Download the Madinah Arabic Reader free
Start with Book 1, or see all eight books in one place.
Download Book 1All 8 booksThis guide explains who the series is for, how it differs from the better-known Madinah University course, and how to study it so the lessons actually stick.
About the author
Dr. V. Abdur Rahim taught Arabic for many years at the Islamic University of Madinah and served as Director of the Translation Centre at the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran. He is also the author of the Arabic course used at the Islamic University of Madinah to teach non-Arab students, and of At-Tibyan, a guide to reading the Quran.
How the books work
Each lesson is built around a short conversation that shows a new pattern of the language in use. Exercises follow, so you practise each pattern until it becomes natural. The vocabulary draws on classical and Quranic Arabic as well as everyday words, and grammar is taught through use rather than long lists of rules.
The eight books build on one another, so start at Book 1 even if you know a little Arabic. The early lessons move quickly for anyone with some background.
Madinah Arabic Reader or the Madinah University course?
Dr. Abdur Rahim wrote two series that are often confused. Both are excellent; they suit different learners.
| Madinah Arabic Reader | Arabic Course for English Speaking Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Books | 8 | 3 |
| Pace | Gradual, in smaller steps | Faster and more compact |
| Popular with | Schools, madrasahs and younger learners | Adults and self-study learners |
| Free download | Books 1–8 | Books 1–3 |
Choose one series and finish it rather than switching back and forth.
Before you start
You need to be able to read Arabic letters with their vowels. If you are not there yet, begin with At-Tibyan – The Easy Way to Qur'anic Reading, also by Dr. Abdur Rahim. Children can start with our Arabic alphabet flashcards and tracing worksheets, and our guide on how to teach kids the Arabic alphabet.
A simple weekly routine
- Day 1, read: read the lesson's conversation aloud twice. Note any new words.
- Day 2, understand: study the new pattern. Write three sentences of your own that use it.
- Day 3, practise: complete the exercises in writing, without looking back at the lesson.
- Day 4, review: check your answers, then revise the new words with flashcards. Paper cards or a free flashcard app both work.
- Every week, connect to the Quran: find one new word or pattern in a verse you already know. Seeing it in the Quran is what makes it stick.
Twenty to thirty minutes a day is enough. A steady pace finished is better than a fast start abandoned.
Tips for teachers and parents
- Act out the conversations in pairs. Saying the lines aloud builds confidence quickly.
- Finish each session with a two-minute quiz on new words.
- For extra practice with young learners, our Learn Arabic for Kids activity pack and 325-page Arabic worksheets bundle give ready-made printables.
After Book 8
- Build vocabulary with 80% of Quranic Words, a list of the words that make up most of the Quran.
- Read with a word for word English Quran to apply what you have learned.
- Move on to Selections from the Glorious Qur'an with Lexical and Grammatical Notes.
Download all 8 books free
Add the books to your cart, check out for £0, and your download links will arrive by email. New to learning Arabic? See our step-by-step guide, How to Learn Quranic Arabic.