"Roots & Routes” is a newly launched community learning programme designed for both Muslim and non-Muslim members of the Scottish community in Edinburgh and beyond. This programme features a series of "pop-up" Arabic-Islamic study circles delivered by Mourad Diouri, author and teaching fellow at the University of Edinburgh, with guest appearances from learned members of the community. These study circles focus on fundamental Arabic rootwords related to various themes, while also exploring the deeper meanings of everyday Islamic practices and concepts such as Salah (Prayer), Du’aa (Supplications), Dhikr (Remembering Allah), Divine names of Allah, Hajj (Pilgrimage), spirituality, and much more. 

Themes we will explore include:

1. Understanding Allah

2. Embracing Remembrance (Duaa’ & Dhikr)

3. Pursuing Knowledge in Islam

4. Exploring the Quran & Hadith

5. Engaging in Acts of Worship (Prayer)

6. Observing Acts of Worship (Fasting & Charity)

7. The Purification of the Soul

8. Unveiling the Unseen World in Islam

The sessions are interactive and engaging, building on participants' existing knowledge and practice of Islam. Geared towards total beginners and newcomers to Arabic, this course provides an inclusive space for everyone to explore Arabic and Islam.

The sessions also include: 

• Rehearsing the basics of pronunciation of Arabic sounds 

• Revision of the basics and must-know rules of Arabic grammar to improve your understanding of Islam

Each study session is a discussion rather than a lecture. This circle isn't designed to teach you spoken Arabic but to deepen your understanding of the Arabic you already know. It's not just about listening; it's about engaging, contributing, and socialising. The sessions aren't solely for non-Arabic speakers; it's for everyone to share knowledge and enrich the group. In short, everyone is welcome. 

There is a heavy emphasis on the social aspect and building strong bonds within the community.

To register for the next session, book your place at R&R Booking Form (or check the section below "Forthcoming & Past Events"

To receive updates on forthcoming sessions & announcements, join our WhatsApp Community & Groups

(1) Understanding Allah

Allah (God), ‘Ilāh (god), Rabb (Lord, Sustainer), Allahumma (O Allah), Rabbi (My Lord), Rabbanā (Our Lord), etc…

(2) Believing in Allah

Islam, Muslim, Salām (peace), ʿibādah (worship), Tawhid (Monotheism), Imān (Faith or belief), Shahada (Declaration of faith), Ihsan (Excellence in worship), Aqidah (Islamic creed), Taqwa (Consciousness and piety towards Allah), Kufr (Disbelief or denial of Allah), Shirk (Associating partners with Allah), Qadar (Divine Decree), etc…

(3) Praying to Allah

Salāh (prayer), Wudu (Ablution), Niyyah (Intention), Takbiratul Ihram (Opening Takbir), Qiyām (Standing), Rukūʿ (Bowing), Sujūd (Prostration), Jalsa (Sitting), Sitting for Tashahhud, Tasleem (Salutations), Azān (Call to prayer), Iqaāmah (second call to prayer), etc…

(4) Remembering Allah

Duʿā (Prayers, Supplications), Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah), Taḥmid (Saying "Alhamdulillah"), Tasbīḥ (Saying “Subhanallah”), Tahleel (Saying “lā ʾilāha ʾillā llāh”,  Takbeer (Saying “Allāhu ʾakbar”), Basmalah (Saying “Bismillah”), Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), etc…

(5) Understanding the Words of Allah

Qur’an, Qāri’ (reader), Tarteel (Reciting the Qur’an) Tajwīd (art of reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm), Tafsīr (Interpreting the Qur’an), Hifz (Memorisation of the Qur’an), Waḥy (Revelation of the Qur’an), etc…

(6) Showing Gratitude Towards Allah

ḥamd (gratitude), Tahmid (Saying "Alhamdulillah"), Shukr (thankfulness), etc…

(7) Delving into the Beautiful Names of Allah

Names of Allah, Asma' wa Sifat (Names and attributes of Allah), Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah), Rahḥma (Mercy & compassion), Maghfirah (Forgiveness), ʿadl (Fairness and Justice), ʿilm (knowledge), Rizq (Provision), ḥubb (love), etc…

(8) Giving for the Sake of Allah

Infāq (Spending for the sake of Allah), Nifāq (hypocrisy), Zakat (Obligatory almsgiving), Sadaqah (Voluntary charity), Sadaqah Jariyah (Continuous charity), Fuqaraa’ (The poor), Masaakin (The needy), Fi Sabilillah (In the way of Allah), etc…

(9) Fasting for the Sake of Allah

Sawm (Fasting), Ramadān (رمضان), Suhūr (Pre-dawn meal), Iftār (Breaking the fast), Tarāwiḥ (Night prayers), Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), Iʿtikāf (Spiritual retreat), Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), etc…

(10) Making the Sacred Journey to Allah

Hajj (Pilgrimage), Umrah (Lesser pilgrimage), Ihram (Sacred state), Tawaf (Circumambulation), Kaaba (The Kaaba), Qurbani (Sacrifice), Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), Hajj Mabrur (Accepted Hajj), etc…

(11) Returning Back to Allah

Tawbah (Repentance), Rujūʿ (return), ʿawdah (return), Akhirah (The Hereafter), Mawt (Death), Janazah (Funeral), Qabr (Grave), Qiyamah (Resurrection/Day of Judgment), Jannah (Paradise), Jahannam (Hell), Rūh (Soul/Spirit), ʿIzra'il (Angel of Death), etc…

Go to the Recommended Reading list