Arabic: A Sugar House with a Steel Door

Sh. 'Uthaymeen, a contemporary Saudi scholar, gives an interesting analogy for studying Arabic in his Sharh al-'Ajrumiyyah:

​"From the benefits of learning the Arabic language is correction of the tongue with the Arabic tongue which the speech of Allah was revealed in. Because of this, understanding the Arabic language is extremely important. [...] The sciences of the Arabic language are difficult in the beginning and become easy thereafter. It is [like] the example of a house made of cane (the likes of sugar cane), but its door is made of steel. Meaning, it is difficult for one to enter, but once one does, it is then made easy. Due to this, I encourage the student to learn the foundations of the language in order to make the rest easy for him/her." (Source)

​A lot of times, beginning students get stuck at the 'steel door' and become frustrated or give up with all the difficulties they face in understanding, memorizing, and applying the rules of Arabic. Just remember, behind that door that's so difficult to open is beauty and sweetness, inshaAllah.

​May Allah Most High give us openings (in understanding) and an entrance inside, Ameen!