LESSON ONE

TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO NAHW

It's believed that anytime you hear the word 'Nahw', what comes to your is that, *It is one of the
Arabic subjects or courses*.

This happens because you've prior Knowledge about it even if the knowledge is little.

As for one who knows nothing about it (Nahw), once the word is mentioned, he will conclude
that it is one of the Arabic words because 'Nahw' does not sound Yoruba-ish, Hausa-ish,
Igbo-ish or Japanish.

Based on this, one needs to know what Nahw really means, its focus, its initiator; in short, one
needs to know (if not everything) few things about it.
For this reason, let's look at some things about 'Nahw'. In other words, let's take introduction of
Nahw
*MEANING OF THE WORD (AN-NAHW)*

The word *Nawh* is one of the Arabic words.

Linguistically, it has diverse meanings among which are;

- ‫( الشبه‬Ashibhu)
Meaning *example*

-‫( الجهة‬Aljihatu)
Meaning *Angle*

And so on.

This explains that when an Arab says:

‫عبد الحميد *نحو* أبيه‬

He may, sometimes, mean; Abdulhameed is an *example* of his father

Technically, Nahw is defined as; *A knowledge with principles through which the rules of the last
letter of an Arabic words could be determined when the words are formed (as sentence).*
(Atuhfatus-saniyyah bi sharhil muqaddimatil ajroomiyyah pg 4)

From this definition, *Nahw as a field of knowledge,* could be defined as *a knowledge which
tells you the rules of the last letters of each of the Arabic words and without knowing these
rules, there would no communication because it would not be an ease to differentiate between
an object and a subject in a sentence.*
Let's take the following as an example;

Someone wants to inform you that he saw your dad then he says;
*‫*رأيت أبوك‬
Transliteration; Rahaytu abooka.

It is only the understanding of Nahw that would make you to understand that, indeed, *there is a
mistake in the above sentence* because since *your friend is the* one who saw your dad, then
he is the *subject* of the sentence, while *your dad* who was seen will be the *object*.

For this reason, the word *Abooka* should be *Abaaka* because every object will always fatha
above it or a letter which will indicate it.

Now, the right sentence should be constructed in this way;

‫*رأيت *أباك‬

Transliteration; Rahaytu abaaka

As we move forward, you'll understand better if you give rapt attention, bi idhnillah.
Ibn khaldun *(one of the greatest scholars of Nahw)* says;

"The most important of the sciences regarding Arabic language is Nahw; for without it, there will
be no (Arabic) communication.

*TOPIC OF NAHW*

Nahw is a knowledge which is based on Arabic words and it is by looking at their last letters (as
I have mentioned earlier).

For this reason, Nahw does not have anything to do with other languages such as Yoruba,
Hausa, Igbo and others; its only TOPIC is ARABIC LANGUAGE.
*
BENEFITS OF NAHW*

- With the knowledge of Nahw, one would be able to protect his tongue from mistakes while
pronouncing the Arabic words (the official words of Islam).
- with it, one would posses proper understanding of the Quran (the book of Allah).
- with it, the understanding of the ahadith (Statements) of prophet Muhammad (may the peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him) would be well-encamped in one's memory.
*THE INITIATOR OF NAHW*

The knowledge of Nahw was said to have been propounded by a scholar known as *Abul
Aswad Adduhlee* while some said his name is: *Abul Aswad Addawlee* and others said; the
name is *Abul Aswad Adduhalee*.
Whichever is right about the name, what matters to us is to know that the knowledge of Nahw
was propounded by a man called *Abul Aswad*.

And he propounded the knowledge with the instruction of one of the four greatest khulafah
(caliphs) of Islam *(Aliyyu Bn Abit-talib)*.
*RULING OF ISLAM REGARDING*

It is worthy to note that each knowledge, in Islam, has its ruling.

Based on the view of the linguists, the ruling of this knowledge is *Fardun min furoodil kifaayah*;
this could be translated to mean, if one person has understood it in a group or a community, it
suffices all others not to search for it because he will teach them all but if nobody understands it,
it is compulsory upon everyone to search for it.
However, to me, I am of the view that as a Muslim, one has to make it a mandatory knowledge
upon oneself. In other word, every muslim should search every high and low for the knowledge
because without it, both the kitab and sunnah (the things guiding our affairs) will not be properly
understood.

Subhannakallahuma wabihamdik ashadu a-lailaha illa anta astagafiruka wa atubu ilayk

LESSON TWO*
*AL-KALAAM*
In this presentation, we'll be taking:

- Meaning of Alkalaam
- Categories of AL-KALAAM
- How to form AL-KALAAM etc
Alkalaam is an arabic word which means *STATEMEMT*

And when talking about ALKALAAM in the study of Nahw, it should be noted that we are
referring to *Arabic statement* because it has been explained last week that;

*Nahw is a knowledge which is based on Arabic words* by looking at their last letters.

Nahw does not have anything to do with other languages such as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and
others.
Now; though it has been said ALKALAAM is an Arabic word and it means statement but how
does Nahw really look at it?

Class, In Nahw, ALKALAAM could be defined in two ways;

* According to the linguists.
* According to the Nahw scholars
*Alkalaam according to the definition of the linguists* is anything that is done to achieve the aim
of communication.

In other words, it means whatever one does all in the name of communication and people
comprehend him.
Based on this definition, shaking of head, writing, humming, pointing at, looking could be
regarded as *Alkalaam*.

In fact, if slapping and beating could be used to communicate, it is Alkalaam according to the
linguists.

However, this definition of a statement is different from the definition of the scholars of Nahw.
Alkalaam to the Nuhaat (Scholars of Nahw) is defined as:

‫ هو اللفظ المركب المفيد بالوضع‬:‫الكالم‬

Alkalaam: huwa lafsul murakkabul mufeedu bil wadi'

*Statement: is the expression that is compounded and makes benefit (beneficial) when it is
uttered*
Now, since what this lesson is all about is Nahw, let's take this definition of the scholars of Nahw
and analyse it.
In Nahw, before a statement could be meaningful, it has to comprise the following four things.
* It has to be lafsu (expression)

* It has to be Murakkab (compounded)

* It has to be Mufeed (beneficial)

* It has be composed/uttered using Arabic letters (Alwadi')

TAKE NOTE:

As for the first which is *lafsu*, the Nuhaat say that to make a kalaam (statement), the
expression must be made by the Arabic letters such as these;

)‫د‬/‫س‬/‫َأ َس ٌد (أ‬

ٌ ‫) ِب‬
‫ت‬/‫ن‬/‫نت (ب‬
Consequently, if an expression is constituted by another letters aside from the Arabic letters, it
cannot form a statement.
2/ *murakkab* (compounded);
the scholars say that to make a statement, *two, three, four or many Arabic words should be
compounded.*

For example;
‫ َأ َس ٌد‬is a word

‫ ٌ ِبنت‬is a word
Therefore, to make a compound, we say;

ٍ ‫َأ َس ُد ِبن‬
‫ت‬
Meaning; *A lady's lion*
3/ *Almufeed* (beneficial),

Before the compounded words could be seen as a statement, they should be beneficial in the
sense that whoever hears them would be satisfied and would have no reason to be confused or
worried.
Look at the two compounded words above, I believe that whoever hears or listens whenever
they are uttered won't be disturbed.

But, if someone says;

‫ض َر اُألسـ َت ُاذ‬
َ ‫ِإ َذا َح‬...

Meaning; when the ustadh comes...

And after saying this, the speaker keeps quite, do you think the listener won't be confused or
worried?

Of course, the listener would be disturbed and curious.

For this reason, these compounded words won't be seen as alkalaam according the nahw
scholars because they are not beneficial.

Despite the fact that they are formed using Arabic letters, compounded, they still confuse the
listener(s).
In order, the compounded words are *Incomplete sentence*. A useless statement perse
4/ *bilwadi'* (dropped using the Arabic letters)

What is meant with this is that whatever Arabic letters/words one wants to utter, they should be
used just as the way the arabs use them.

For example; if one says:

َ ‫َند ُخ ُل‬
‫الج َّن َة‬
Meaning: we shall enter the paradise.
This is different from giving the statement different meaning thinking that one is speaking Arabic.
For more understanding, take the following. They are some of the sentences which are in line
with the aforementioned conditions;

* ‫العلم نافع‬. Alilmu naafihun

* ‫هللا ربنا‬. Allohu Robbuna

* ‫ الجنة فسيحة‬Aljannatu faseehatun

In conclusion;
What is referred to as Arabic statement/sentence according to the scholars of Nahw is different
from that of the linguists as arabic statement to them should go in line with the four
aforementioned conditions.
It seems the time allotted for this lesson has elapsed; thus, we shall be moving further in the
next class. May Allah keep safe till then and after.

SubhaanakaLohumma wabihamdika ashadu an lailaha illa anta astagfiruka wahatoobu ilayk

LESSON THREE
O
TOPIC *Anwaa'ul kalaam*
(‫)أنواع الكالم‬
*Categories of Statement
Alkalaam (statement) is categorized into three. In other, it is usually formed by three
components which are;

*‫اَِإلس ُم‬ Name

*ُ‫اَلفِعل‬. Action

َ َ‫ا‬.
* ُ‫لحرف‬ Particle
1- *Name* (Alismu);

Alismu is sometimes referred to as a NOUN.

It is is a word which has a meaning on its own without attaching it to any time, or particle.
*Example;* ‫ِيد‬ ِ ‫الحم‬ َ ‫َعب ُد‬
ٌ
‫ َمس ِج ٌد‬،ٌ ‫ َرجُل‬،‫ُر َقيّة‬
Abdulhameed, Ruqoyyat, Rojulun (A man), Masjidun (A mosque) etc.

When any of the these words is uttered, one would understand that it refers to a particular
object.
2. Alfi'l *Action word or a Verb*;

This is a word which has a meaning on its own but which cannot be understood without
attaching it to certain times.
*Example*

َ ‫َك َت‬
‫ب‬ He wrote

ُ‫َيك ُتب‬ He is writing /He will write

‫اك ُتب‬ write

When you look at the meanings of the three words, you would observe that they are all pointing
one thing; which is *(writing)* but each has a specific time.

In summary, they are all attached to certain times.

The first says; he wrote *(past tense)*

The second says; He is writing or He will write *(present or future tense)*

The third says; write *(command tense)*

3. Alharf *Particle*;

This is a word which has no meaning on its own; it is not and will never be meaningful until
when it is attached to other words.
**Examples*

‫مِن‬. From
‫ح َّتى‬.
َ Until
‫ َقد‬. Indeed
َ
‫إ ِلى‬. To
These are the words which are called conjugations in English language. It is interesting to note
that these and those of "interjection" are all Huroof in Nahw.

Look at them all, you would see that none of them is meaningful.
But look at this;

*‫مِن* عبدالحميد *إلى* إبراهيم‬

Min Abdulhameed ilaa ibraheem.
*From* Abdulhameed *To* Ibrahim.
You would see that by attaching the words "Min" and "Ilaa" to other words, they became
meaningful.
In conclusion, Arabic statements are formed from the three categories above: *Name, Action
and Particle*.
Let's also look at the following:

*‫َك َت َبت ُر َقي ٌَّة‬

Ruqoyyat wrote

َ ‫َك َت‬
*‫ب عبد الحميد‬
Abdulhameed wrote

*‫مِن* عبدالحميد *إلى* إبراهيم‬

*From* Abdulhameed *To* Ibrahim.

SubhaanakaLohumma wabihamdika ashadu an lahilaha illa anta astagfiruka wahatoobu ilayk

LESSON FOUR

TOPIC; ‫سم‬ ُ ‫َعالَ َم‬

ِ ‫ات اِإل‬
'Alamaatul ismi
Meaning; *signs of a name/noun*

Last week, it was explained that; *Alkalaam* (statement) is categorized into *three* which are;

*‫ُ*اَِإلسم‬ *Noun/Name*

*ُ‫*اَلفِعل‬. *Action*

* ُ‫لحرف‬َ َ‫*ا‬. *particle

After stating this, each of them was defined and examples were given
Aside from definitions and examples, however, *there are signs with which each of the three are
detected* and that is what we are gonna be looking at this morning.
So let's take
‫سم‬ ُ ‫َعالَ َم‬
ِ ‫ات اِإل‬
*signs of a name/noun* first!

NOTE:
Alismu (name/noun) is known with four signs.

In other words, once you see any of these signs on an Arabic word, you should know that the
word is an ISMU
َ
1/ *Alkhafd* ُ‫الخفض‬

Alkhafd, according to the scholars of Nahw, is translated as KASROH (_).

That is, a vowel which is usually placed beneath an Arabic word.

Example of a word with Khafd is;

‫رت ِبالم َُعلِّ ِم‬

ُ ‫َم َر‬

Transliteration:
Mararatu bill mu'allimi

Meaning;
I passed by the teacher
Explanation:

When look at the example vividly, you would observe that the word with khafd is ALMU'LLIM;
thus, it is our NOUN in the sentence.
2/ ATTANWEEN.

Attanween in English is called NUNATION!

It refers to the known vowels *fathataan, kasrotaan and dommattaan ًٍٍٍ ٌ.*

So, any Arabic word you see any of the vowels above/below it, is a NOUN.
ٌ ‫ِإ َّنا مُؤ ِم َن‬
Example; ‫ات‬

Transliteration:
Innaa muhminaatun

Meaning;
we are believers

Our NOUN in that statement is MUHMINAATUN because of the dommattaan above its last letter
3/ ALIF AND LAAM.

We are all familiar with the two letters (‫)ا ل‬.

Whenever they precede any Arabic word, then it should be understood that the word is a
NOUN.
Example; ُ‫( ال َبيت‬Albaytu) The house

‫ ال َق َل ُم‬Alqalamu The pen

‫صيَّا ُد‬
َّ ‫ ال‬Assayyaadu The hunter
Look the above examples, you would see that each of the word is preceded by Alif and Laam so
without an iota of doubt, they are all NOUN.
4/ *precedence by any of the hurooful jarri*.

In Nahw, there are letters known as hurooful jarri.

Whenever, these Hurooful Jarri precede any Arabic noun, they will cause the last letter of the
noun to have kasroh beneath it.

Note: as the lesson goes on, I may be using Harf and Huroof interchangeably.

Harf is a singular word while Huroof is plural so do not be disturbed

To make my self clear, once any of the letters are seen before a word, what would be below the
last letter of the word is (vowel) Kasroh and when that happens, then the word is a NOUN.
Here are some of the hurooful jarri; ، ‫ِإلى مِن َعلى َعن فِى‬
Now let's take an example;
ُ ‫َأ َك‬
ِّ‫لت َعلى ال ُكرسِ ي‬
Akaltu alal kursiyyi

I ate on the chair

ُ ‫َخ َر‬
ِ ‫جت م َِن ال َبي‬
‫ت‬

Kharajtu minal bayti

I came out of the house

َ ‫ِ َذ َه‬
َ ‫ب ِإلى ال َم‬
‫در َسة‬

Dhahaba ilal madrasati

He went to the school

When look at the words; *kursiyyi, bayti and madrasati*, you would see that they all have kasroh
below their last letters and for this, they are all NOUN
SUMMARY:
Alismu (noun/name) is known with four signs.
1/ Kasroh
2/ Attanween
3/ Alif and Laam
4/ Precedence by hurooful jarr
This is where we are going to stop this week. I beseech Allah to grant us all sound
understanding.

Subhannakallahuma wabihamdik ashadu a-lailaha illa anta astagafiruka wa atubu ilayk

LESSON FIVE;
TOPIC: ALĀMĀTUL FI'L (SIGNS OF VERB)

Just like its associate, ARABIC VERB also has FOUR SIGNS with which it is known.
The signs are as follows;
1/ QAD. ‫َقد‬
2/ SEEN ‫س‬
3/ SAWFA ‫وف‬ َ ‫َس‬
4/ ATTĀHU ATTAHNEETH ASSĀKINAH (Feminine Taa with sukoon) ‫ت‬
Aside from the LAST SIGN (Taa) which always appears after the last letter of a verb, the FIRST
THREE SIGNS do precede a verb.
This means when any of the signs comes before or after a word in any sentence/phrase/clause
etc, the word is no doubt a verb.
Examples;
1/ ُ‫َقد َقا َل هللا‬

Transliteration;
Qad Qaala-Allahu

Translation;
Indeed, Allah has said...
ِ ‫َس َيع َل ُم ال َكا ِف ُر َغ ًدا َم ِن ال َف‬
2/ ‫اِئز‬

Transliteration;
Saya'lamul kāfirul gaddan manil fāiz

Translation;
The infidel will know, in future, who is the successful
3/ ‫وف َيس َتغ ِف ُر هللا َل ُه‬
َ ‫َس‬

Transliteration;
Sawfa yastagfiruLohu lahu
Translation;
Allah will soon forgive him
4/ ‫َنا َمت َغ ِن َّي ُة‬

Transliteration;
Naamat Ganiyyatu

Translation;
Ganiyyah sleeps/slept
From the above examples, the words; Qaala, Ya'lamu, Yastagfiru and Naama are all verbs. (In
case you are confused, check the explanations before the examples).
However, there are also other two signs which the scholars of Sarf do attach to the four (known)
signs. These are;
1/ ANNOONUL MUSHADDADAH (Noon with Shaddah) ّ‫ن‬
This Noon is used in making an emphatic statement or command.
Example;
َّ‫اك ُت َبن‬

Transliteration;
Uktubanna

Translation;
Write (command).
It worthy to note that if one says ‫ اكتب‬uktub, it suffices as a command but the first is more
emphatic.
2/ YĀHU SĀKINAH (letter Yāhu with sukoon) ‫ى‬.
This type of Yahu is used to COMMAND TO A SECOND PERSON WHO IS A FEMALE.
Example;
‫واشر ِبى‬
َ ‫ُکلِى‬

Transliteration;
Kulee washrabee (as used by Allah to command the Mother of Prophet 'Eesa in Suratu
Maryam)

Translation;
Eat and drink
Note that these last two signs are like the letter (Tā); because they also come after verbs.
This means that, our verbs in the examples given are;

1/ Uktub
2/ Kul and Ishrab.

Subhannakallahuma wabihamdik ashadu a-lailaha illa anta astagafiruka wa atubu ilayk

LESSON SIX

TOPIC: DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE NOUNS

‫;النكرة والمعرفة‬
(Definite and Indefinite Nouns)
‫ النكرة؛‬Indefinite Noun

The scholars of Nahw define it as;

‫ص َل َح ُد ُخولُ(ال) َع َلي ِه‬ ٍ ‫قري ُب ُه ُك ّل‬
َ ‫اسم‬ ِ ‫ َو َت‬،‫آخر‬
ِ ‫ون‬ ُ ‫اسم َشاِئع فِى ِجنسِ ِه ِب َح‬
َ ‫يث اَل َيخ َتصُّ ِب ِه وا ِح ٌد ُد‬ ٍ ‫ ُك ُّل‬.
ٍ
Transliteration:

Kullu ismin shāihin fee jinsihi bihaythu layakhtassu bihi wāhidun doona ākhar; wataqreebuhu
Kullu ismin salaha dukhool (Alif and Lam) alayhi
Translation:

It is every noun that is popular in its category which a set of nouns cannot claim to belong to it.

To make it clearer, it is all names that both letter "Alif and lam" can precede.
Example; ‫ ُأ ٌّم‬، ٌ‫ َأب‬،‫نت‬
ٌ ‫ ِب‬،‫ َو َل ٌد‬،ٌ‫َر ُجل‬
Transliteration:

Rajulun
Waladun
Bintun
Abun
Ummun
Translation:

1. A Man 2. A Boy 3. A Girl 4. A Father 5. A Mother

Looking at the above listed, one will discover that they are all popular nouns but they are not
referring to any particular thing because they are all in an indefinite case.

Hence the word "Man" as it's written above cannot be claimed by one person; it is for every
men.

Once the word is mentioned, every men will be attentive

Also, they are not preceded by alif and lam.
So those are the two characteristics that make them nakrah (indefinite).
‫عر َف ُة؛‬
ِ ‫ال َم‬
Definite noun;

This, on the other hand, is defined as;

‫اِس ٌم َي ُّد ُل َع َلى م َُعي ٍَّن‬
Transliteration:

Ismun yadullu ala mu'ayyanin

Translation:

A noun that is referring to an exact thing/person.

Example;

‫ الم َُعلِّ ُم‬، ُ‫ اَألب‬،‫ اُأل ُم‬، ‫الو َل ُد‬

َ
Transliteration:

Alwaladu
Alummu
Alabu
Almu'allimu
Translation:

1. The Boy

2. The Mother

3. The Father

4. The Teacher
Look at the words above, you will see that unlike the one's of nakrah, they are all preceded by
"Alif and lam".
Let's take the first word and analysis it

‫د‬/‫ل‬/‫و‬/‫ل‬/‫ا‬
I guess you got that!
Two, all are pointing to particular things.
Unlike the "‫ أم‬Ummun", the word "‫ األم‬Alummu" is indeed referring to one particular mother.
It is worthy to note, however, that Alma'rifah is grouped into six.

Subhannakallahuma wabihamdik ashadu a-lailaha illa anta astagafiruka wa atubu ilayk

LESSON SEVEN

TOPIC: CLASSIFICATION OF DEFINITE NOUN

So now, let me list the six groups to which ALMA'RIFAH is classified
1/ AL-'ALAM
2/ ADDOMEER
3/ ALISMUL ISHĀRAH
4/ ALISMUL MAWSŪL
5/ ALMUHALLĀ BI ALIF WALLĀM
6/ ALMUDĀF
Those are the six agents of ALMARIFAH
Explanation:

To understand the meaning of each of the above, explanation is needed. So to make them
understandable, I will like us to be taking two in a class.

Today, we shall take;

1/ Al'alam
2/ Alismul ishaarah
‫الع َلم‬
َ

This is noun/name that is used to distinguish its bearer.

Once, this name is called, one would understand whom it is referring to.
It is worthy of note that, all names that are 'alam are not preceded by *alif and lam* and
oftentimes they do have *tanween* on their last letters.
Examples;
،‫م َُح َّم ٌد‬
،‫َفاطِ َم ٌة‬
‫َم َّك ٌة‬
- Muhammadun
- Fātimatun
- Makkatun
Looking at the names, you would observe that they are not preceded by alif and lam and they all
have tanween on their last letters.
I know someone would want to say that, what is difference between *'ALAM and NAKRAH*
(which was explained last week) because they look alike?
My answer to this is that, all NAKRAH nouns/names are common nouns.

In other word, they are Nouns that a group of people share; which a set of people cannot
deprive another set from sharing
Such ROJULUN (MAN), IBNUN (CHILD) etc
'ALAM, on the other hand, is for a single person/thing which if the noun is being mentioned, you
would not think twice before knowing whom it is pointing at.
Let's say; *father* for example! once you hear this, you would be like which or whose father but
when I say *Muhammadun* you would have had a clue of whom I'm referring to.
If that is understood, let's take the second!

َ ‫إسم اِإل َش‬

2/ ‫ار ِة‬

Demonstrative noun
- ALISMUL ISHĀRAH
This is a noun that is used to point at a specific object.
Nouns of this kind are as follows;

‫َه َذا‬ This )this is used for masculine

‫ه ِذ ِه‬

It also means this but it is used for a femine

‫ان‬ َ
ِ ‫هذ‬

These for dual (masculine)

ِ ‫َها َت‬
‫ان‬

These for dual (feminine)

Now let's use the first one in a phrase;

‫الو َل ُد‬ َ
َ ‫هذا‬

This boy...
I guess you got it!
Sometimes, you may be surprised to see the word ‫ َذا‬alone. It is still on point.
In other word, you may see something like this:

‫َذا ْال َو َل ُد‬

It is rarely written in this form though

The scholars of nahw made it known that the letter ‫ ه‬that begins most of these demonstratives
nouns is *haahu tanbihu (the letter haahu is attached to call for attention)* and sincerely once
you hear *haaa,* you would have been concentrated even before mentioning the *dhaa.*
Aside from the ones above, we still have; ‫ذاك‬
Let's pause here today and proceed next time.

Subhannakallahuma wabihamdik ashadu a-lailaha illa anta astagafiruka wa atubu ilayk

LESSON EIGHT
TOPIC: CONTINUATION OF CLASSIFICATIONS OF ALMA'RIFAH

Recall that it was said that Alismu (Noun) is grouped into two and both are;

- An-nakratu (Indefinite Noun)

- Alma'rifatu (Definite Noun).

After the giving the definitions of the two, the second which is Alma'rifah was said to be grouped
into six.
Out of the Six groups, two - Al'Alam and Alismul Ishārah, were taken last weekend
This night, let's take two more.
Let's look at:

- ALISMUL MAWSŪL

- ALMUDĀF
1/ Alismul mawsūl, in English language, is referred to as DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUN!
According to the Nuhāt (Scholars of Nahw)
ALISMUL MAWSŪL is defined as;

ُ‫ِإس ٌم يُس َتع َم ُل لل ِّدال َل ِة َعلى م َُعي ٍَّن ِب َواسِ َط ِة جُم َل ٍة ُتذ َك ُر َبعدَ ه‬
TRANSLITERATION;

Ismun yusta'malu liddilālati 'ala mu'ayyanin biwāsitati jumlatin tudhkaru ba'dau

TRANSLATION;

It is a noun that is used to point at a particular (object) with the help of a clause that is
mentioned after it.
I shall give you a sentence with which you will understand the definition above better but first, let
me show what ISMUL MAWSŪL looks like
All the words below are Asmāhul (plural of Ism) mawsūl:

ِّ
‫الذي‬. For a Male
‫ال ِّتي‬. For a Female
‫ان‬
ِ ‫الذ‬ َّ For dual (male
ِ ‫اللَّ َت‬
‫ان‬ For dual (Female
‫الذين‬. ِّ For plural (Male
‫الالَّتِي‬. For plural (Female

1/ Alladhee
2/ Allatee
3/ Alladhān
4/ Allattān
5/ Alladhēna
6/ Allāttee
EXPLANATION:

Now, here is an *example* for you to see the clear of it.

َ ‫الذي َأ‬
‫رسل ُت ُه‬ ِّ ‫َجا َء‬
TRANSLITERATION;

Jāha ladhee arsaltuhu

TRANSLATION:

The one (male) whom I sent an errand has arrived.

Here is the logic:

*Alladhee* (in the sentence) is Ismul mawsūl

*Arsaltuhu* is the clause that is mentioned after it.

It should be noted, however, that a pronoun is always attached to the clause.

*The pronoun does go in line with demonstrative pronoun.*

In the above sentence, we have ‫( ه‬hu) at the end of the clause because the demonstrative
*pronoun used in the sentence is also pointing at a male.*
If it were to be for a female, the sentence would go like this way;

َ ‫جاءت التي َأ‬

‫رسل ُت َها‬ َ
TRANSLITERATION;

Jāhati latte arsaltuha

TRANSLATION;

The one (female) whom I sent an errand has arrived.

If you have understood this, then try to construct your own sentences and apply the rule.
Let's take the second!
2/ ALMUDĀF (Additive Noun)
It is defined as;

َ ‫مس ِة ال َمذ ُك‬

‫ور ِة‬ َ ِ‫ِإس ٌم ُأض‬
َ ‫يف ل َِوا ِح ٍد م َِن‬
َ ‫الخ‬
TRANSLITERATION:

Ismun udeefa liwāhidin minal khamsatil madhkūrah.

TRANSLATION:
It is a noun that is attached to anyone among the five aforementioned nouns.
Remember, I said that Alma'rifah is grouped into six which are:

1/ AL-'ALAM
2/ ADDOMEER
3/ ALISMUL ISHĀRAH
4/ ALISMUL MAWSŪL
5/ ALMUHALLĀ BI ALIF WALLĀM
6/ ALMUDĀF

So Almudaf can be attached to any of the first five. And when this happens, the word which is
attached to another becomes MA'RIFAH (DEFINITE NOUN) too.
Below are many EXAMPLES you:

‫ِك َتا ُب َنا‬

Kitābuna/ Our book

‫ِك َتابُ م َُح َّم ٍد‬

Kitābu Muhammadin / Muhammad's book

‫ِك َتابُ َه َذا‬

Kitābu Ādha/ His book

ِّ ُ‫ِك َتاب‬
‫الذي أرسلته‬

Kitābu-ladhee arsaltuhu / Book of the one who I sent an errand.

‫ِك َتابُ الم َُعلِّ ِم‬

Kitābul Mu'allim / the book of the teacher

From all the examples, you'd observe that the word which is attached to another words is
"KITĀB"; thus, it is our MUDĀF.
Someone may want to ask this:

If Kitāb is Mudāf because it is attached to other words, then what do we call the words that it's
attached to?
Class any word which Mudāf is attached to, is called *MUDĀFUL ILAYHI*.
In English language, such words are called POSSESSIVE NOUNS/PRONOUNS

In order to know that you understand me, however, I'll be glad if you can give one example from
each.
Subhannakallahuma wabihamdik ashadu a-lailaha illa anta astagafiruka wa atubu ilayk

LESSON NINE
TOPIC: CONTINUATION OF THE CATEGORIES OF ALMA'RIFAH

*AL-MUHALLAH BIL ALIF WALLAM*

To begin with, pay Attention to following examples.

‫ال ِك َتابُ فى الخ َِزا َن ِة‬

Transliteration
Al-kitābu fil kizānat

Translation
The Book in the Bookshelf
‫ا ْن َك َس َر المِص َبا ُح‬

Transliteration
Inkasaral misbāhu

Translation
The Lamp refracted
ِ ‫در َس ُة فى ال ِّس َب‬
‫اق‬ َ ‫ت ال َم‬ َ ‫َف‬
ِ ‫از‬

Transliteration
Fāzatil Madrasati fees-sibāqi

Translation
The School won in the Competition

Now here is the *EXPLANATION*

- The words which "Alif and Lām (Article)" begin in the above examples are all pointing at a
Particular things which are already known (to the listener).

- Pick *Al-kitābu (The Book) and Al-kizānatu (The Bookshelf)* for examples.

Neither the first word is pointing at "any Book" nor the second is pointing at "any Bookshelf";
rather both are pointing at objects which are already known because of the ALIF and LĀM which
begin them.

- This goes with all the other Nouns with Alif and Lām in the examples.
Note: "Alif and Lam" are what stand as ARTICLE (The) in English Language

*DEFINITION*

Based on the above explanation, the scholars of Nahw define

ALMUHALLAH BIL ALIF WALLĀM as:

‫َأ‬
ٍ ‫ُك ُّل‬
ِ ‫إسم دَ َخ َلت َع َلي ِه (ال) َف َفادته ال َّت‬
ُ‫عريف‬

Transliteration
Kullu Ismin dakhalat alayhi (Alif and Lam) fahafādathut-ta'reef

Translation
It is every noun which begins with (Alif and Lām), thus make it definite.

2/ *AD-DAMEER*
Addameer is an Arabic word which means *PRONOUN* in English Language.

The Plural word for Addameer is ADDAMĀIR

To get what it is all about, look at the examples below.
*‫َأ َنا* الَ ُأ َتا ِج ُر فى الصباح‬

Transliteration
*Ana* la hutājiru fis-sabāhi

Translation
*I* don't transact in the morning
*‫الو َط َن‬
َ ُّ‫أنت* ُتحب‬
َ

Transliteration
*Anta* tuhibbul watana

Translation
*You* love the country
*‫هُو* هللا‬

Transliteration
*Huwa*-llohu

Translation
*He* is Allah
*‫هِي* َطالِ َب ٌة‬
Transliteration
*Hiya* Tālibatun

Translation
*She* is a student
َ ‫َنحنُ * مُسلِم‬
*‫ُون‬

Transliteration
*Nahnu* Muslimoon

Translation
*We* are Muslims
*EXPLANATION*

Review the examples, you'd see that *"ANA, ANTA, HIYA, HUWA and NAHNU"* are all
Pronouns based on their meanings.

Besides they are all referring to *particulars individuals which the listener should have been
familiar with.*

When you look at them once more, you'll observe that the first *(Ana) is pointing at the FIRST
PERSON SINGULAR (speaker)*

The second *(Anta) is pointing at THE SECOND PERSON SINGULAR (Receiver/Listener)*

In third example we have a pronoun *(Huwa) which is pointing at THE MALE WHICH IS A
THIRD PERSON SINGULAR*

In fourth example we have a pronoun *(Hiya) which is pointing at THE FEMALE WHICH IS A
THIRD PERSON SINGULAR*
While the last (Nahnu) is pointing at THE FIRST PERSONS PLURAL
*DEFINITION*

Based on the functions of Dameer, the scholars of Nahw define it as:

‫ب‬ َ ‫ب أو‬
ِ ‫الغاِئ‬ ِ ،‫اس ٌم معرَّ فٌ َي ّد ُل على المُتكلِّ ِم‬
ِ ‫أو الم َُخاط‬
*Transliteration*
Ismu Mu'arrafun yadullu alal mutakallimi, awil mukātabi, awil gāhibi
*Translation*

It is every definite noun which is referring to the FIRST PERSON (SPEAKER), the SECOND
PERSON (ADDRESSEE) OR the THIRD PERSON (ABSENTEE)
Subhaanakallahumma wabihamdik ash-adu alaailaaha Illa anta astagafiruka wa atuubu ilayk.

LESSON TEN
TOPIC: ALFI'L (VERB), ALFĀ'IL (SUBJECT) and ALMAF'ŪLU BIHI (OBJECT)

Look at the following examples:

‫الحب َل‬ ُ ‫ َش َّد ال ِّتلم‬/١
َ ‫ِيذ‬

Transliteration
Shadda Tilmeedhul habla

Translation
The pupil cut the rope

‫وب‬ َّ ‫نت‬
َ ‫الث‬ ُ ‫الب‬
ِ ‫ت‬ِ ‫ َط َو‬/١

Transliteration
Tawatil Bintut-thawba

Translation
The Girl folded the cloth

‫ُوف‬
َ ‫الخر‬ ِّ ‫ َأ َك َل‬/٣
َ ُ‫الذئب‬

Transliteration
Akala dhihbul kharūfa

Translation
The Fox ate the sheep

*EXPLANATION*

Each of the above examples is a complete sentence and *each consists of one verb (which
refers to an action that was performed in the past) and two nouns.*
Let's take the first example and analyse it

/ ‫ َش َّد‬Past te nse

ُ ‫ ال ِّتلم‬A noun
‫ِيذ‬

‫الحب َل‬
َ A noun
*Shadda* Means Cut

*Attilmeedhu* means Pupil or Student

*Alhablu* means Rope

Pay rapt attention, pls!

- The first noun *(Pupil) in the example is what we refer to as (‫ )فاعل‬Fāil meaning SUBJECT;*
because the performed action came from it

- The second noun which is *(Rope) in the example is what is called (‫ )المفعول به‬Maf'ūlu bihi
meaning OBJECT of the sentence:* because it is the receiver of the action which was
performed by the subject.

- The verb (first word in the sentence) (Cut) is the action which is done by the subject and
received Iby the object.

I hope you got it!

*Now take NOTE:*

When you look closely at the SUBJECTS and the OBJECTS in all the examples, you will agree
with me that their structures look alike.
If a proper attention is not paid to cases, one would take the objects for the subjects.

This is part of the reasons why people get it completely wrong while translating some verses of
the Qur'an, Ahadeeth of our beloved prophet and some Arabic statements.

However, *there is a DIFFERENCE between them and here is a clue to always detect that*.
Review the first Nouns in the sentences, *you'll see that they all have Vowel DOMMAH ُ on their
last letters.*

While the letters of the second nouns have VOWEL FATHA on them.
So anytime you come across a sentence, *one of the ways to differentiate the subject and the
object in it (if they both appear in the same structure) is to look at their last letters.*

The SUBJECT will always have VOWEL DOMMAH on its last letter while the OBJECT will
always VOWEL FATHA above it

*DEFINITION*

based on the above explanations, the components of each of the sentences is defined as
follows:
‫ال َفع ُل‬. ALF'IL

َّ ‫مل فى‬
‫الز َم ِن المَاضِ ى‬ ٍ ‫ه َُو ُك ُل ف‬
ِ ‫ِعل َيد ُل على ُحص‬
ٍ ‫ُول َع‬

Transliteration
Huwa kullu fi'lin yadullu 'ala husūli 'amalin fee zamanil mādee

Translation
It is every verb which refers to an action that was done in the past

Note:
All the verbs used in the sentences came in form of PAST TENSE; thus are referred to as
FI'LUL MĀDEE so the definition above is that of PAST TENSE
‫ ال َفاعِ ُل‬ALFĀ'IL

‫إس ٌم َمرفُو ٌع َت َق ّد َم ُه فِع ٌل َودَ ل على َمن َف َع َل الفع َل‬

Transliteration
Ismun marfū'un taqaddamahu fi'lun wadalla ala man fa'alal fi'la

Translation
A Noun with vowel Dommah that is preceded by a verb (action) and (which) points at the doer of
the action
‫ ال َمفعُو ُل ِب ِه‬ALMAF'ŪLU BIHI

‫إسم َمنصُوبُ الدال على َمن َو َق َع عليه فِع ُل ال َفاعِ ِل‬

Transliteration
Ismun mansūbun addālu 'ala man waqa'a alayhi fi'lul fā'il

Translation
It is a Noun which points at the receiver of the action of the subject

Subhaanakallahumma wabihamdik ash-adu alaailaaha Illa anta astagafiruka wa atuubu ilayk.

LESSON ELEVEN

TOPIC: ALMUBTADAHU WALKHABAR

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful

*‫*ال ُم ْب َتدَ ُأ َو ْال َخ َب ُر‬
*Transliteration*
Almubtadahu walkhabar

*Translation*
SUBJECT AND PREDICATE
EXAMPLES;

1/ ‫اَ ْلع ِْل ُم َنا ِف ٌع‬

*Transliteration;*
Al'ilmu nāfi'un

*Translation;*
Knowledge is beneficial
ُ ‫اَ ْل َم ْو‬
2/ ‫ت َح ٌّق‬

*Transliteration;*
Almawtu haqqun

*Translation;*
Death is Real
3/ ‫هّٰللَا ُ َأحْ ٌد‬

*Transliteration;*
Allāhu Ahadun

*Translation;*
Allah is One
*EXPLANATION;*

All the examples above are sentences formed by two Nouns.

Because the first Nouns (AL'ILMU, ALMAWTU, ALLAHU) from each of the sentences are what
we start the sentences with, each of them is referred to as *Almubtadahu (The
Subject/Beginner).*

Now, If we were to cover the second Nouns in each sentence, the listener(s) would be confused
hence he will start asking what happens to Al'ilmu (knowledge), Almawtu (Death) and Allahu
(Allah).
But immediately we attach the second Nouns to each sentences *i.e Al'ilmu nāfi'un (Knowledge
is beneficial)*, the listener would deduce a complete benefit from our statement. Thus, *what
gives the benefit is the second Noun (Nāfi'un) because it is what gives information about Al'ilmu
(Knowledge).*
For this reason, any Noun which gives information about the Subject of a sentence is what is
referred to as *Alkhabar (Predicate)*.
*DEFINITION*

‫ال ُم ْب َتدَ ُأ؛‬

‫ِإسْ ٌم َمرْ فُو ٌع فِى َأوَّ ِل ْالجُمْ َل ِة‬

*Transliteration;*
Almubtadahu; Ismun marfoo'un fee awwalil jumlati.

*Translation*;
It is a noun with vowel dommah (on its last letter) that begins a sentence.

‫ْال َخ َبرُ؛‬
‫ِإسْ ٌم َمرْ فُو ٌع ُي َكوِّ نُ َم َع ْال ُم ْب َتدَ ِإ جُمْ َل ًة ُمفِيدَ ًة‬

*Transliteration;*
Alkhabaru; Ismun marfoo'un yukawwinu ma'al mubtadahi jumlatan mufeedatan

*Translation;*
It is a noun with vowel dommah (on its last letter) which embraces the first Noun (Mubtadahu) to
form a complete sentence.

*BELOW ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ALMUBTADAHU AND ALKHABAR*

1/ *Almubtadahu does have (Alif and lām) attached to it while Alkhabaru does not have.*

2/ *Almubtadahu always have one dommah while Alkhabar always have two (dommatān).*
(Check the examples above again).

3/ *'Almubtadahu' is what begins the sentence while 'Alkhabar' is what comes after it to give
information about it.*

4/ while it is good to know that both of them are Nouns (Ismāni plural of Ismun) , *Almubtadahu
is Alma'rifatu (because it has alif and lām) while Alkhabaru is An-nakratu (because it has no Alif
and lām).* (Check our previous lessons for more explanation on Almarifatu and Annakratu)

Subhaanakallahumma wabihamdik ash-adu alaailaaha Illa anta astagafiruka wa atuubu ilayk.

LESSON TWELVE
TOPIC: ‫الجملة اإلسمية‬
AL-JUMALATUL ISMIYYAH (NOMINAL SENTENCE)
In the field of Nahw, the sentence is grouped.

The reason for this is because of their components and what words that begin them.

So today, we'll be looking at one of the different ways which it's grouped -NOMINAL
SENTENCE.

I hope you still remember that the word 'ALJUMLATU' means 'SENTENCE' in English language

Now, look at the following examples.

‫الدَّا ُر واسعة‬

*Transliteration*
Addāru wāsi'atun

*Translation*
The house is wide
‫ال َّشار ُع مُزدَ َح ٌم‬

*Transliteration*
Ashārihu muzdahamun

*Translation*
The street is crowdy

‫ض ِّي َق ٌة‬ َّ
َ ‫الط ِري َق ُة‬

*Transliteration*
Attāriqatu dayyiqatun

*Translation*
The road is narrow
*EXPLANATION:*

- All the examples above are complete sentences

- When you look at them well, you'll see that each comprises of two Nouns. Eg: ADDĀRU and
WĀSI'ATUN

- Just as it was explained in the last class, the first noun is *Subject (Mubtadahu)* while the
second is *Predicate (Khabar)*
- *So because each of the examples begins with a noun, they are, in Nahw, referred to as
NOMINAL SENTENCES*

More examples of NOMINAL SENTENCES are

‫هللا أحد‬

Transliteration
Allohu Ahadun

Translation
Allah is One
‫أنا رجل‬

Transliteration
Anā Rojulun

Translation
I am a Man
‫هي طالبة‬

Transliteration
Hiya tālibatun

Translation
She's a Student

And many more

I know some of us may be confused and consequently ask at the end of the lesson whether
both *HIYA ‫ هي‬and ANĀ ‫ *أنا‬are also NOUNS
Yes! Both are NOUNS. They belong to the category of ALMA'RIFAH (Definite Noun). And it has
been made known that any word that falls under MA'RIFAH is a noun.

I hope you remember this?

If you don't, check our previous lessons on ANNAKRATU WALMA'RIFAH (Indefinite and Definite
Nouns)

*DEFINITION OF ALJUMLATUL ISMIYYAH (NOMINAL NOUN)*

ٌ ‫ُك ّل جُم َل ٍة َت َتر ّكبُ مِن مبتدإ وخبر ُت َسمّى ج‬

‫ُملة ِإس ِم َّي ُة‬

*Transliteration*
Kullu jumlatin tatarakkabu min mubtadahin wakhabarin tusammah Jumlatun Ismiyyatun.

*Translation*
Every sentence which comprises of 'Subject and Predicate' is called *Nominal sentence*

Subhaanakallahumma wabihamdik ash-adu alaailaaha Illa anta astagafiruka wa atuubu ilayk.

LESSON THIRTEEN

TOPIC: ALJUMLATUL FI'LIYYATU (VERBAL SENTENCE)

Both the NOMINAL SENTENCE and the VERBAL SENTENCE are like the two sides of a coin.

So having taken taken one, it's necessary to take the other.

Now, before the verbal sentence will be defined, pay attention to the following examples first; for
you to know how it works

*EXAMPLES:*

ِّ ‫َع َوى‬
ُ‫الذئب‬

*Transliteration*
'Awā ad-Dhihbu

*Translation*
The Fox howled

َّ ‫ط‬
‫الثل ُج‬ ُ ُ‫َيسْ ق‬

*Transliteration*
Yasqutu at-Thalju

*Translation*
The snow is falling

َ ‫ُخ ِذ ْال ِك َت‬

‫اب‬

*Transliteration*
Kudhil kitāba

*Translation*
Take the book
*EXPLANATION:*

- Based on our previous, it's clear that each of the examples above is a complete sentence
because each provides complete benefit to the listener.

- And of you look at them all, you'll see that *they consist of VERBS and SUBJECTS.*
The first example starts with a *PAST TENSE (‫ عوى‬meaning: Howled)*
The second example starts with a *PRESENT TENSE (‫ يسقط‬meaning: Falling)*
While the last example begins with a *COMMAND (‫ خذ‬meaning Take)*

- *Because each of these sentences begins with a VERB, they are referred to as VERBAL
SENTENCES (in the field of NAHW)*
In other word, each of them is ALJUMLATUL FI'LIYYATU

*DEFINITION:*

ٌ
‫فعلية‬ ٌ
‫جملة‬ ‫ُك ُّل جُم َل ٍة َت َتر ّكبُ مِن فعل وفاعل ُت َسمَّى‬

*Transliteration*

Kullu jumlatin tatarakkabu min fi'lin wafāilin tusammah jumlatun fi'liyyatun

*Translation*

Every sentence that is formed by a VERB and SUBJECT is referred to as VERBAL SENTENCE
*Note:*

To know whether a sentence is Nominal or Verbal, all you have to do is, *check the word that
begins the sentence.*

Subhaanakallahumma wabihamdik ash-adu alaailaaha Illa anta astagafiruka wa atuubu ilayk.