DOHA: In a significant move to strengthen Arabic proficiency and enhance Quranic literacy among students, Qatar has established a dedicated national committee tasked with reshaping the way the Arabic language and the Holy Quran are taught across the country’s schools.
The Committee for Developing Quran and Arabic Language Education in Schools was formed recently by a decision of the Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater.
Led by Professor Dr. Sultan Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, the committee aims to improve the language proficiency and ensure that students graduate with strong Arabic skills and proper Quranic recitation.
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, the Chair of the Committee has affirmed that the recently established committee reflects the Ministry’s dedication to reinforcing students’ mastery of both the Arabic language and proper Quranic recitation from Grade 1 through Grade 12.
He emphasized that the Quran, revealed in clear Arabic, cannot be separated from the language itself; the two are mutually reinforcing, and strengthening one directly supports the other.
The committee will conduct a comprehensive review of existing curricula and teaching methods to determine which components should be retained, which should be removed, and which require further development.
Its main objective is to enhance the quality of Quranic recitation and elevate Arabic language competency across all school levels.
Dr. Al-Hashimi expressed particular concern that many students reach university reading the Quran as if it were an ordinary text, without tajwīd, rhythmic rules, or proper articulation, despite spending more than a decade in school. Since reciting the Quran correctly is an act of worship, he stressed the importance of teaching students how to read it in accordance with traditional and accurate methods.
Addressing the issue requires focusing not only on students but also on teachers. Dr. Al-Hashimi pointed out that teachers must be equipped with proper training in tajwīd and Arabic language instruction, noting that incorrect teaching has led students to acquire erroneous reading habits. The committee therefore intends to strengthen teacher development, refine instructional materials, and introduce methods that enrich students’ reading, writing, and linguistic skills from early grades onward.
He added that global digital trends and social media have distanced many children from the Arabic language and the Holy Quran, making the committee’s work even more essential. He stressed that Arabic must remain the primary language of students, with foreign languages, although important, maintaining a secondary position.
The committee’s objectives align with Qatar’s focus on human development and national identity, consistent with both the Constitution and Qatar National Vision 2030.
To support students and families, the committee will introduce electronic learning platforms and artificial intelligence–based tools designed to make Quranic recitation and Arabic learning more accessible and engaging.
Dr. Al-Hashimi expressed confidence that once the committee’s plans transition into implementation, schools will witness clear improvements in language proficiency and Quranic fluency, particularly among early-grade students, who will serve as the foundation for long-term educational progress.
