Novice Ab Initio is a dedicated and unhurried course designed to build a strong foundation for students who are truly starting from the beginning. Before the mixed classroom. Before the grammar. Just you, the Arabic script, and an instructor whose entire focus for six weeks is on making sure you can read.
Novice Ab Initio carves out dedicated space for the one skill that makes all of that possible: reading the Arabic script. Six focused weeks where learning to read letters and words, and write them by hand is the entire purpose — with room to practice, make mistakes, and build real confidence before moving forward. Students also learn foundational everyday phrases: greetings, introductions, the language of conversation.
When you complete Novice Ab Initio, you move into Novice Beginner with the one skill that makes everything else possible already in place. You won’t be catching up. You’ll be ready.
By the end of six weeks, you will:
Students should be women above the age of 17.
If this is your first Arabic course at Ribaat, you are required to submit a placement test. Click here for the Arabic Placement test.
Students are expected to attend 2 online classes each week, complete weekly assignments, submit a personal project and a final exam.
Live attendance is recommended whenever possible for the best learning experience. Recordings of the sessions will be made available for registered students who cannot attend live. Students will have access to course forums, recordings, and files until August 31, 2026.
This is a fast-paced, rigorous course and assignments are due weekly. Read the full policy for Arabic courses at this link:
Arabic Program Policies
This is an online course so students will need:
Text: None required
Registration fee (non-refundable, non-transferable):
Before enrolling, please read the Registration Fees & Policies.
For inquiries, contact registration@rabata.org

Course Category: Arabic
Course Code: ARL 221
Instructor:
Dr. Basma AlwaniDate: June 14 - July 25, 2026
Days:
Mondays & ThursdaysTime:
11:30 am - 1:30 pm CTRegistration is closed

Course Category: Arabic
Course Code: ARL 232
Instructor: Ustadha Um Talhah Sadaf Syed
Date: June 14 - July 25, 2026
Days :
Mondays & ThursdaysTimes : 7:00 - 9:00 am CT
Registration is closed

Course Category: Arabic
Course Code: ARL 111-2
Instructor:
Anse Saimah AsgharDate: June 16 – July 25, 2026
Days:
Thursdays & SundaysTime:
6:00 - 8:00 pm CTRegistration is closed

Course Category: Arabic
Course Code: ARL 131-1
Instructor:
Ustadha Samah AtefDate: June 17 - July 26, 2026
Days:
Thursdays & SundaysTime:
11:00 am - 1:00 pm CTRegistration is closed