Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I am planning on going for Hajj in 2004. After Hajj, I am thinking of going to Syria to study Arabic. I wanted to ask if you think it would be okay, to travel to Syria, considering I am a Canadian Citizen with a US Green card, and the political situation in Syria? Also I would like to know if you think studying Arabic would be regarded as a fard nowadays?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Studying Arabic is a communal obligation (fard kifaya), and personally recommended for every believer, because the Qur’an and guidance of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) are both in Arabic and only best understood through it.
Given current political considerations, I would recommend:
a) Qasid Institute (www.qasidonline.com; see Sh. Nuh Keller’s recommendation at www.masud.co.uk) if you choose to study outside Damascus,
b) in Damascus, I would recommend arranging a program of Arabic study through Iqra’ Institute (www.iqrainstitute.net), whose programs are highly recommended, and superior to those offered by University of Damascus and Abu Nour.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani