Browse Tag
Shia
9 posts
Shia (الشيعة): One of the two main branches of Islam, Shia Muslims believe in the leadership of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and his descendants. They emphasize the role of the Imams as spiritual and temporal leaders.
Syria’s Crossroads: The Israel-Iran Conflict & The Damascus Church Bombing | Media Arabic Booster 06/25
Dive deep into the Syrian conflict with our June 2025 Media Arabic Booster. We analyze the aftermath of the Damascus church bombing, explore the history and etymology of the notorious Shabbiha militias, and provide expert vocabulary analysis for advanced Arabic learners.
Arabic Vocabulary for Diplomacy: Analyzing ‘Rift’ (قطيعة) and ‘Sanctions’ (عقوبات) | Media Arabic Booster 02/25
This month (02/25) in the Media Arabic Booster: The U.S. and Russia met in Saudi Arabia, and how the U.S. is trying to stop the flow of money to Lebanon through Iraq.
Hezbollah Under Attack & Iran’s “Soft Power” Play in Sudan | Media Arabic Booster 09/24
This issue examines the Arabic media's response to the attacks on Hezbollah and the death of Hassan Nasrallah, plus a deep dive into Iran's strategy in Sudan. Learn the vocabulary used to discuss military strikes, assassinations, and geopolitical influence.
“Arabic is the ‘endurance sport’ of the world’s languages” | Dominic Herbert | 9273 Roots #32
For triathlete and Cambridge-educated financier Dominic Herbert, learning Arabic is the ultimate endurance sport. He discusses his 30-year journey, from falling for the script in Pakistan to full immersion in Cairo and Beirut, and how the language transformed his career.
Kal-El and Ra’s al-Ghul: The Secret Arabic and Hebrew Origins of DC Comics Names
This article analyzes the Arabic and Hebrew origins of famous DC Comics character names. It explores linguistic and cultural connections for heroes like Superman (Kal-El) and villains like Ra's al-Ghoul, detailing their hidden meanings.
Sunnah.com & Shamela.ws: Investigating the Authenticity of Their Digital Sources
sunnah.com and shamela.ws are popular Islamic resources, but their digital sources are often unverified. This guest article by an open-source developer examines their origins and raises critical questions about the authenticity of online Hadith and Islamic texts.
Bedouin Influence on Classical Arabic Grammar and Lexicography
The development of Classical Arabic grammar and early Arabic dictionaries owes much to the Bedouins. Early grammarians considered Bedouins the most authentic speakers of Arabic, relying heavily on their spoken language to codify rules and nuances. This article explores the historical importance of Bedouins in shaping the Arabic language.
The correct pronunciation of Allah in Arabic: Tajweed Rules
Correctly pronouncing "Allah" (اللّٰه) in Arabic, especially the second Lām, is crucial for proper recitation according to Tajweed rules. This article explains when the Lām should be pronounced heavily (Tafkhim) after "a" or "u" vowels, and lightly (Tarqiq) after an "i" vowel, providing clear examples like "Bismillahi."
What is a “Kafir” in Islam? The Answer is More Than “Unbeliever”
The word "Kafir" (كافِر) in Arabic and Islam is often misunderstood. Its root, k-f-r, fundamentally means "to cover." This article reveals the word's diverse Quranic meanings, including "sower" and "ungrateful," illustrating its nuances far beyond just "disbeliever," and discusses its theological and modern implications.
