Millions of Muslims from around the world converge on the holy city of Makkah each year to perform Haj and Umrah. People from non-Arab speaking countries constitute a majority of these pilgrims. However, every Muslim is eager to learn Arabic, the language of the Holy Qur'an, as much as possible. A charitable association in Makkah with the collaboration of Al-Bayan Arabic Institute is offering some of these pilgrims a rare opportunity to learn the language in the cradle of Islam itself. The 10-day, 40-hour course is being conducted at the charity's office on the ground floor of Jabal Omar Hotel. The students are provided with Arabic textbooks and will be taken on a tour of the Haramain Museum. All participants will be issued certificates at the conclusion of the course. The picture shows course supervisor Dr. Mutair Al-Malki giving a lesson. — SG photo
