The Journey with Arabic

On a quiet morning, I sat in the courtyard of the Nurul Hakim Institute, holding a small book titled Al-Ajrumiyyah. At the time, I did not realize that this book would be my gateway into a vast world of beauty and knowledge.

I was a young middle-school boy whose soul yearned to discover something new, yet back then, Arabic letters seemed like impenetrable riddles. I listened to my teacher, Ustadh Sofyan Hadi—may God Almighty preserve him—as he explained the rules of grammar with enthusiasm. His words pulsed with life, sounding like an invitation for me to step into this enchanting realm.

The beginning was by no means easy; rather, it was fraught with challenges. How could I distinguish between Dhad (ض) and Zha (ظ)? How could I discern the subtle nuances between words? I stumbled often, but my teacher would always smile and encourage me, saying: "Arabic is not merely a language; it is a bridge to understanding the Book of God and a window overlooking a magnificent civilization." Those words planted a passion in my heart that drove me to press forward despite all the stumbles.

Over time, I gradually began to grasp the grammar, growing fonder of this language with every lesson. I would wake up before sunrise to review my lessons, jotting down every new word I learned in a small notebook. I searched for the beauty of the letters in every text I read, as though seeking hidden treasure.

After years of diligent effort, my journey led me to Ar-Raayah University in Sukabumi. There, I felt I was stepping closer to realizing my dream. Arabic was no longer just words and grammar; it had become a language that expressed thought and creativity. I was introduced to wonderful literary texts and began reading Arabic poetry for the first time. I read the poems of Al-Mutanabbi and felt his words touch my heart, as though he were speaking directly to me of ambition and resolve.

Yet the journey did not stop there. I subsequently enrolled at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Jakarta, and this stage marked a true turning point in my life. Here, I learned that teaching the Arabic language is not merely a profession, but a noble calling. I learned not only how to understand texts, but how to convey that understanding to others. For me, Arabic became a means of building bridges with others, especially those who do not speak it as their mother tongue. In the eyes of my fellow students of diverse nationalities, I saw a sincere love for learning this language, which only strengthened my resolve to be part of their journey.

In Jakarta, I also learned that Arabic is not merely a language of the past, but a language of the present and future. I delved deep into Quranic texts, reflecting on their meanings and sensing their profound connection to everyday life. It was not merely an academic pursuit, but a spiritual journey of faith that brought me closer to God.

Today, after years of learning and striving, I stand in the classroom at the Koba Foundation, looking at my young students and seeing in their faces a reflection of my own beginnings. I start each lesson with a Quranic verse or a Prophetic hadith, striving to unlock the doors to the beauty of the language for them just as they were once unlocked for me. I tell them stories about Al-Mutanabbi and Al-Jahiz, showing them how Arabic can serve as a window for understanding the world.

Teaching Arabic is not just a job to me; it is the continuation of a long-standing dream that began at the Nurul Hakim Institute. With every word I explain and every rule I interpret, I feel as though I am writing a new chapter in my love story with this language. Watching my students learn something new makes me feel that I have contributed to building a generation that carries the torch of Arabic.

My journey with Arabic has taught me a great deal: patience, perseverance, and an unending passion. This language is not merely a medium of communication, but a living spirit and a vibrant civilization. Every new day I spend with my students marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in an enduring love story with the language of Dhad.