Readers' Reviews


My First ABC of Arabic & Islam: Learn to Read & Write Arabic Through Islamic Words & Phrases 

(M. Diouri, 2024)

As a parent of a curious 5-year-old, I am constantly on the lookout for educational resources that make learning fun and engaging. "My First ABC of Arabic & Islam" caught my eye with its promise to introduce Arabic language and Islamic knowledge to young learners in an interactive way.


From the moment we started exploring the book together, my child was hooked. The colourful illustrations and friendly layout instantly appealed to their senses, making learning feel like a thrilling adventure. Even though the book is designed for nursery kids aged 3-5, I was pleasantly surprised by its depth and effectiveness in teaching Arabic.


What impressed me the most was the comprehensive vocabulary included in the book. With over 250 carefully selected Arabic words, my child not only learned the basics of the language but also gained insight into Islamic concepts. Each letter of the Arabic alphabet is accompanied by eight commonly known words from the Qur'an and Islamic knowledge, complete with Arabic script, pronunciation guide, and English translation. It was amazing to see my child recognise and pronounce Arabic words with confidence.


The activities provided in the book were a big hit with my child. From colouring beautiful illustrations to tracing and colouring large alphabet letters, every activity was designed to be enjoyable and educational. It was heartwarming to watch my child eagerly engage with each task, eager to learn more.


Overall, "My First ABC of Arabic & Islam" has been a fantastic addition to our home library. It has not only helped my child develop a love for Arabic language and Islamic culture but also provided us with valuable bonding time as we explore the book together. 


I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a fun and effective way to introduce their child to Arabic and Islamic teachings.


 — Customer Review (Parent of a 5 year old boy), Edinburgh, UK

The Arabic Alphabet Study Kit: 200+ Cut-Out Learning Visuals for Self-Study, Classroom Display & Kinaesthetic Learning Games

(M. Diouri, 2024)

As a student delving into the world of Arabic language, "The Arabic Alphabet Study Kit" has been an absolute game-changer. The vibrant and colourful learning cut-out cards provided in the kit offer a visually stimulating and engaging approach to mastering the Arabic alphabet. Each letter is beautifully represented in its various forms, making it easy to grasp the intricacies of Arabic script. The use of colours not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also aids in memory retention, making learning both enjoyable and efficient. Whether I'm studying on my own or participating in classroom activities, these cut-out cards have become an indispensable tool in my learning journey. 


"The Arabic Alphabet Study Kit" has truly revolutionized the way I approach learning Arabic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone embarking on a similar linguistic adventure.


 — Customer Review

An Abc of Palestine: A Journey To Discover Palestine & The Palestinian People For Kids & Grown Ups

(M. Diouri, 2023)

"This is an incredible book. Passionate, informative, and beautifully written, it captures the culture and struggles of Palestine in a brutally realistic yet uplifting way. It is evident that the author approached this work from a place of deep respect and appreciation for the Palestinian culture, a desire to educate others about the struggles experienced by Palestinian people, and a willingness to share this information with the world. 

In this book, each letter of the alphabet has an associated brief chapter describing a core aspect, symbol, or important event related to Palestine. The author has concisely captured a lot of information and relayed this in a simple and fluid format, which is easy to understand even for those with little prior knowledge such as myself. While the content itself is at times difficult to hear, the author has taken care to emphasise the hope, joy, and perseverance of the Palestinian people, who are still striving for a better future despite having experienced so much adversity. This is a really important and beneficial read for anyone wanting to learn more about the people and culture of Palestine, especially timely nowadays in light of the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.  I highly recommend this book and cannot give it enough praise."

— Diana Meirinho Domingues, University of Edinburgh


An ABC of Palestine takes the reader on a journey of phrases often used when the Palestinian cause is discussed yet their meanings and significance is not  always understood. The book is beautifully crafted with close insight into aspects of Palestine’s history and culture, the struggle and resistance of her people, and the unwavering solidarity and commitment to the rights of the Palestinians. The importance of Palestinian culture shines through every alphabet and key word introduced and its meaning, providing readers with a much-needed understanding of the struggles of the Palestinian people. Each letter unfolds a story, reveals the significance of a symbol, or discusses a significant event in the Palestinian narrative. The book, while unflinchingly realistic about the challenges faced by Palestinians, manages to uplift and inspire, aiming to educate and enlighten readers on the Palestinian cause. This book is a celebration of resilience in the face of adversity, a testament to the indomitable human spirit that urges readers to engage with the complexities of the Palestinian experience and contribute to a more informed and compassionate solidarity. 

— Dr Kholoud al-Ajarma Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, U. Of Edinburgh


— Reviews from Amazon Customers

I Am .... An ABC of Empowering Self-Affirmations: A Guided Journal for Self-Discovery, Self-Growth & Resilience (M. Diouri, 2022)

I have finished reading your book and it is a beautiful work - a true labour of love that radiates beauty and goodness. One cannot help but feel uplifted while reading it. May it bring forth blessings for all who share it and use it.

- Haroon Shirwani, Head of Arabic,Eton College, UK

  

I really enjoyed reading through your manuscript and love the fact that it is both simple and challenging at the same time.

- Mr. Gavin Park, Head of the Middle School Stewart’s Melville College, Edinburgh, Scotland 

 

This beautiful little book comes like a breath of fresh air into a hot room where people are tired of shouting: a breath sweetened with kindness and seasoned with wisdom. I think this book offers a powerful antidote to the so-called toxic 4 habits of criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling. It seems to be the complete opposite of going on social media and complaining, tweeting and ranting about what is wrong with the world. It encourages readers to find within themselves something good and beautiful. I felt welcomed, at ease and inspired to try out some of the reflective exercises.

- Dr. Daphne Loads (EdD, SFHEA), Visiting Teacher, University of Edinburgh

 

This is a very accessible and enticingly presented A-Z of affirmations, with space for thoughtful daily reflections and journaling. This short book makes for enjoyable, easy reading. I did not expect to finish reading the book the same day I received it. This is a major positive point - it will not be easily put down and readers will want to come back to it. In a world full of the distractions of social media, there is something about the simplicity and conciseness of this book that will engross readers of all ages. The beautiful, poignant and diversely sourced quotes provide a vocal point for understanding and exploring the meaning of each affirmation. The reader is then invited to engage in personal reflection and journalling to explore how each affirmation may be embedded in their daily life. Readers who engage with both these aspects will no doubt benefit from improved self-esteem and confidence building. This book represents a strong antidote to the toxicity of self-criticism and negativity that many of us encounter online and in the world around us.

- Dr. Jehan S Al-Azzawi, Primary Teacher, Edinburgh, Scotland

 

A beautifully written guided journal, which highlights the positive aspects of our life! A unique journal that supports self-discovery and a daily positive mindset. It allows the reader, both adults and young people, to reflect on their daily routine with the help of quotes and exercises to complete. This encourages young people not only to read but to act and reflect on their own experiences. Happy reading!

- Mrs L Hawkins, Teacher of Drama, Stewart’s Melville College, Edinburgh, Scotland

 

I enjoyed reading the rationale of the journal and found the questions to be engaging and thought-provoking. I liked the wide range of synonyms that were offered. I would definitely recommend it to others as a useful tool for self-reflection and positivity. The book really encourages the reader to reflect on his or herself and to recognise great things about them. I think it is especially useful for those who may be going through a difficult time or may be struggling to see all their positive traits, or for those who may be feeling busy, overwhelmed or like they don’t have the time to journal. Personally, I often it hard to come up with qualities I like about myself, but when reading this journal I found certain words resonated with me and reminded me of certain traits of mine of which I am proud. I also enjoyed going through the journal and coming across certain words or traits which I wouldn’t normally ascribe to myself, but after reflecting, being able to find even a small example and get to know more about myself.

- Lily Wood, University of Edinburgh

My Arabic Learning Journals: Thematic Vocabulary (Language Journal & Notebook Series for Students of Arabic)

 (M. Diouri, 2022)

I have found this very useful as a beginner learning Arabic. It is formatted into clear sections that allow for easy organisation of key vocabulary. There is lots of space so I am looking forward to using this more as I expand my vocabulary. The notes section on each column is very useful as it allows you to make connections between key grammar points and words

- H.Eaton

  

This book is perfect for a Arabic beginner. As one myself and as a visual learner this book has been a really useful asset in memorising vocab as well as verbs.

- Lumaligiò

 

This book has been incredibly helpful to me throughout my Arabic course. It has really helped me with learning and memorizing Arabic vocabulary. I found the separation into eleven themes useful as it helped me compartmentalize every word. The fact that it allows you to write in your own words kept me engaged and made me more involved in the material, and the column separation helped me understand the connection between various arabic words. I would recommend this to any Arabic student!

- Leila El Zabri


Essential Arabic Readers: Arabic Script Handwriting Practice Handbook (Essential Arabic Readers

 (M. Diouri, 2023)

This is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to learn how to read and write the Arabic script. This book is packed with 200+ pages of handwriting practice space, making it ideal for beginners and young learners alike. The tracing worksheets are easy to follow and the inclusion of pronunciation symbols and a rich collection of vocabulary words makes it an excellent tool for building a strong foundation in Arabic.


 The handwriting guide and pronunciation tips are particularly helpful, and the inclusion of calligraphic and script styles of each letter provides a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic script. Additionally, the short sentences and selected quotes from literature and day-to-day communication help contextualize each letter, making it easier for readers to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. 


Overall, this book is an exceptional resource for anyone who wants to learn how to read and write the Arabic script, and I highly recommend it to both children and adult beginners.


 — Amazon Customer Review

My First Arabic Alphabet & Colouring Book [Arabic for Little Ones]: (Arabic Alphabet & Sounds Resources for Children) (Arabic For Little Ones

 (M. Diouri, 2023)

This book is a beautiful and educational resource for children who are just beginning to learn Arabic. The stunning collection of illustrations in this book is truly captivating. Each page features an Arabic letter accompanied by a beautiful image that begins with that letter as well as the same illustation (and Arabic text) enlarged for colouring purposes. The intricate details and vibrant colours are sure to capture the attention of children and keep them engaged. In addition to the eye-catching illustrations, the words are listed clearly in Arabic, and the multilingual translations in 14 languages make it easy for young learners to understand the meanings of the words in their own language. I particularly appreciate the interactive element of the book. The colouring activities are a fun way for children to engage with the material and reinforce what they have learned. The book also includes a pronunciation guide to help children pronounce the Arabic letters correctly. I found the book an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and anyone who is interested in teaching children about the Arabic language and culture. It's sure to capture the hearts and minds of young learners everywhere. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce children to Arabic


 — Amazon Customer Review

CoronaVirus Lexicon: A Practical Guide for Arabic Learners & Translators  

(M. Diouri & M. Aboelezz, 2023)

The manuscript has a clear introduction, with each section building upon the previous one. The sections flow smoothly and are connected in a meaningful way. It is useful for translators and Arabic learners; both groups can benefit from the lexicon without being overwhelmed by irrelevant or overly complex information. This lexicon organises words based on real-life situations and current themes, allowing users to explore emerging of new meanings and contexts over time. This approach offers a new perspective on the evolution of health and education matters and provides insights into the cultural and social changes that have shaped language use’. 

— Dr Sara Al Tubuly​, Lecturer in Arabic Language and Linguistics, The Al-Maktoum College, Dundee, Scotland


”الحكم على الشيء فرع عن تصوّره“

تعدّ هذه العبارة من القواعد التي ينطلق منها أهل العلم، وتصف غاية العمل المتميز الذي بين أيدينا "معجم فيروس كورونا" الذي حظيت بتفحّصه، إذ جاء استجابة سريعة بعد أوقات عصيبة مرّ بها العالم إبّان تفشّي جائحة كورونا.  يردم هذا المعجم فجوة في تصوّر الواقع الطبّي والاجتماعي والتعليمي الذي تبدّل حولنا وتقلّبنا فيه، فحشد المصطلحات التي تعرّض لها العالم ورصد مقابلاتها العربية فصيحة وعامية، كما انطلق ليعزّزها بالعمق الثقافي في رصد الأمثال والأقوال ما وقر منها في العربية وما طرأ. إلى ريادة اضطلع بها "معجم كورونا" في حقله، يتميّز بمنهج واضح، وتقسيم رائق، وأسلوب لطيف، وتصميم ظريف. حتى إن متصفّحه يخاله كتابًا للقراءة لا سِفرًا مرجعيّا. ولم يُخرج لنا بتلك الملح إلا لحرفة امتاز فيها فريق العمل من أستاذين بارعين مراد الديوري ومريم أبو العز، وهو ما ألفناه منهما في غير عمل، راجيًا لهما ولمعجمهما التوفيق والانتشار، ومنهما العزيمة والاستمرار.

— Dr. Montasir Fayez Faris Al Hamad, Associate Professor of Arabic Language, University of Qatar, Qatar


The lexicon demonstrates a clear and logical vision, approach, and objectives. The guide is impressively well-structured and inclusive, serving as a valuable resource for the CoronaVirus lexicon and a suitable reference for pandemics in general. It undeniably addresses a significant gap in public health and medicine in Arabic. Moreover, including carefully selected quotes at the beginning of each chapter effectively links the manuscript's structure and scope. The authentic photos and signs within the guide contribute vibrancy to the lexicon. Overall, the manuscript will undoubtedly become an indispensable reference for learners and translators of the field.  


— Dr. Yehia A. Mohamed, Associate professor of Arabic, Georgetown University in Qatar



سعدت بمراجعة المخطوطة الرقمية من معجم فيروس كورنا بناء على رغبة المؤلفين، وقد زاد من أسباب سعادتي ما لمسته من جهد مبذول، ورؤية واضحة، وبنية متماسكة، ومنهج متسق.  وما لفت نظري أيضا قدرة المؤلفين على التجديد والإبداع في نحت المصطلحات ونقل مفاهيم علمية دقيقة إلى اللغة العربية بيسر ووضوح.  وقد حرص المؤلفان على إضافة مزيدا من الحياة والحيوية إلى الكتاب من خلال إضافة صورا ولافتات وإرشادات أصلية إلى المعجم.   يصلح الدليل العملي لدراسة الجوائح والأوبئة عموما ولا تتوقف فائدته عند جائحة كورونا فحسب. ويسد الدليل فراغا في المكتبة العربية في مجالي الصحة العامة والطب. وفي رأيي سيصبح المعجم مصدرا أساسا لمتعلمي العربية والمترجمين في هذا المجال.


— Dr. Yehia A. Mohamed, Associate professor of Arabic, Georgetown University in Qatar