Learning about Islam, Arabic, etc

[Abdul-Halim265]

Being someone who is interested in Islam, I purchased a translation of the Quran. From what I have read so far, it contains many wonderful messages which are invaluable to daily life.

I will carry on reading further, and carry on my exploration of Islam from my home country (I live in the UK).

However I was wondering if anyone could suggest to me any reputable, very good books/texts on Islam which would enable me to gain a better understanding of Islam as a religion itself, the Quran, Arabic, etc.

- Ben

 

[Seeking Peace]

Being someone who is interested in Islam, I purchased a very good English translation of the Quran, translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. From what I have read so far, it contains many wonderful messages which are invaluable to daily life.

I will carry on reading further, and carry on my exploration of Islam from my home country (I live in the UK).

However I was wondering if anyone could suggest to me any reputable, very good books/texts on Islam which would enable me to gain a better understanding of Islam as a religion itself, the Quran, Arabic, etc.

I have recently been to Syria to film a documentary, and the Arabic I do know has been useful. However I would also like to deepen my understanding of the language itself, and immerse myself in learning more of it - could anyone recommend me some useful resources for learning Syrian Arabic (a branch of Levantine Arabic) such as books, CD's, etc? Thanks.

- Ben

hey there little brother (soon to be little brother in Deen In Shaa Allah...)

hope you are doing great In Shaa Allah..

here are some links to Books and Library on TTI...

http://turntoislam.com/community/#islam-library.69

http://turntoislam.com/community/threads/download-free-books-everyday-turntoislam-com.3857/

both links contain loads of material...hope you gain In Shaa Allah..

take care, stay blessed...may you be in His protection..

peace..

 

[Abdul-Halim265]

Deleted

 

[Janaan]

I thought you were a Muslim already, maashaa'Allaah. May Allaah make this journey easy for you.

A brother had collected many books on Islam together in this thread, jaazaahullaahu khayr so take a look. I hope the links are still working inshaa'Allaah. http://turntoislam.com/community/threads/pdfs-for-non-muslims-to-discover-islam.66936/

I'm not sure much about Syrian Arabic though, hopefully someone else will help you out!

 

[Abdul-Halim265]

Deleted

 

[Hassan]

Sorry I took my time replying. You might get quite far from a book, but to crack the pronunciation you really need a person to teach you the alphabet. Sorting out ka from qa, and all those t's d's and th's is not so easy and the written explanations are more confusing than a help, or they were to me. Get that practise from wherever you can, a class, a very patient friend or you might find something online. Then you are up and running.

I notice the book "Colloquial Arabic" is available in Levantine. I used those books for another language, and do prefer them over other available books, but if you're determined, which book doesn't really matter. If you really need Syrian Levantine, I'd get in touch with the Waterstone's near SOAS in London, I remember them having all kinds of specialised language books, so if they can't sell you a Syrian Arabic course or tell you where one is, there may not be one.

 

[Abdul-Halim265]

Sorry I took my time replying. You might get quite far from a book, but to crack the pronunciation you really need a person to teach you the alphabet. Sorting out ka from qa, and all those t's d's and th's is not so easy and the written explanations are more confusing than a help, or they were to me. Get that practise from wherever you can, a class, a very patient friend or you might find something online. Then you are up and running.

I notice the book "Colloquial Arabic" is available in Levantine. I used those books for another language, and do prefer them over other available books, but if you're determined, which book doesn't really matter. If you really need Syrian Levantine, I'd get in touch with the Waterstone's near SOAS in London, I remember them having all kinds of specialised language books, so if they can't sell you a Syrian Arabic course or tell you where one is, there may not be one.

No problem. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out with this; I really appreciate your efforts on my behalf. I'll continue to learn Arabic and take your advice into account. Shukran jaziilan saddiqi!