Six years teaching experience in Arabic and Islamic studies and Quran at Islamic University

Find out more about Zia

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  Arabic is not my mother tongue; my native languages are Pashto and Urdu. I began learning Arabic through traditional Islamic education, where inspiring teachers encouraged me to understand the language deeply rather than simply memorise its grammatical rules. Over the years, I studied Arabic grammar, morphology, literature, rhetoric, conversation, and classical Islamic texts. I later completed a Master’s degree in Arabic Studies and passed the Arabic Placement Test at the International Islamic University Malaysia. Continuous study, teaching, reading, and communication have helped me develop a high level of proficiency in Arabic.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language’s culture?

  I consider the famous Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi an important representative of the richness and expressive power of the Arabic language. His poetry demonstrates the depth of Arabic vocabulary, eloquence, wisdom, and imagination. From an Islamic perspective, the preservation and development of Arabic are also closely connected to the scholars who dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching the Qur’an, Hadith, grammar, and Arabic literature.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One Arabic phrase I particularly appreciate is “أهلاً وسهلاً” (Ahlan wa sahlan). It is commonly translated as “welcome,” but its meaning reflects warmth, hospitality, and making another person feel comfortable and respected. I also appreciate the tradition of beginning a conversation with “السلام عليكم” because it is not merely a greeting; it is a sincere prayer for peace, safety, and well-being.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Arabic is important to me because it is the language of the Qur’an and a major language of Islamic scholarship, history, and civilisation. Understanding Arabic allows a person to engage directly with the Qur’an, Hadith, classical literature, and scholarly sources without depending entirely on translations. It is also an international language that connects people from many countries and cultural backgrounds. Teaching Arabic allows me to share this valuable linguistic and intellectual heritage with others.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language, and what can help the learning process?

  One of the main difficulties is that learners often concentrate heavily on grammar while receiving too little opportunity to listen, speak, and use Arabic in real situations. Differences between Modern Standard Arabic and regional dialects can also cause confusion.
  
  The learning process becomes easier when grammar is introduced gradually and combined with conversation, listening, reading, vocabulary, and practical exercises. Regular practice, repetition, encouragement, and lessons adapted to the student’s level are essential. I also use examples from daily life and, when appropriate, selected Qur’anic expressions to make the language meaningful and memorable.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  During my early Arabic studies, I could understand grammatical rules and translate written passages, but speaking spontaneously was more challenging. One of my teachers encouraged us to use Arabic in ordinary classroom conversations, even if we made mistakes. This taught me that mistakes are not signs of failure; they are a natural part of learning.
  
  That experience still influences my teaching. I create a supportive environment in which students are comfortable speaking, asking questions, and correcting their mistakes. Confidence often develops before complete fluency, so students should be encouraged from the beginning.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Coming to Malaysia for higher studies has significantly broadened my experience of Arabic. At the International Islamic University Malaysia, I have interacted with lecturers, scholars, and students from different Arab and Muslim countries. These interactions exposed me to a variety of accents, expressions, and communication styles.
  
  Participating in academic discussions, conferences, and presentations has also strengthened my formal and academic Arabic. This international environment has shown me that Arabic is not limited to one country; it is a language that connects diverse cultures and scholarly traditions.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I combine strong academic qualifications with approximately five years of teaching experience. I have studied Arabic through both traditional Islamic education and modern university programmes, including a Master’s degree in Arabic Studies. This enables me to teach Arabic grammar, morphology, reading, writing, conversation, Qur’anic Arabic, and classical texts.
  
  I can communicate in Arabic, English, Urdu, and Pashto, which helps me explain difficult concepts to students from different backgrounds. I adapt every lesson to the learner’s level, goals, and preferred learning style. My aim is not only to teach rules but also to help students understand, enjoy, and confidently use Arabic. I teach patiently, encourage questions, and consider every student’s progress a shared achievement.