Noor Al-Bayan (also written Noor-ul-Bayan, نور البيان) is a book for learning to read Arabic from the very first letter. It is the first book our complete beginners study at Midad Institute, and it is often the first step towards reading the Qur’an.
In this article we explain what the book covers, how long it takes, and how we teach it in live online lessons.
What is Noor Al-Bayan?
Noor Al-Bayan is a step-by-step reading method. It starts with the individual letters of the alphabet and gradually builds up to full words and sentences. Each lesson adds one new element, so the student is never overwhelmed. Typically, a student works through:
- the individual letters and their correct pronunciation,
- the short vowels (fatha, kasra, damma),
- how letters connect inside a word,
- the long vowels, sukoon, shadda and tanween,
- reading complete words and short sentences.
Because it focuses so carefully on pronunciation and the signs written above and below letters, it is useful both for learning the Arabic language and for preparing to read the Qur’an.
How long does Noor Al-Bayan take?
At Midad, the book is studied in our first introductory level, Timheedi Alif, and takes between 15 and 20 hours of lessons. The exact time depends on how often you study and how much you practise between lessons.
How we teach Noor-ul-Bayan online
Lessons are live, in virtual rooms with audio, video and a virtual whiteboard. Your teacher writes the letters on the whiteboard, listens to you read, and corrects your pronunciation immediately — just like in a classroom.
In Timheedi Alif we don’t only read: the teacher also introduces basic vocabulary so that you can already have simple conversations. By the end of the level you will have learnt some basic words and sentences, reinforced through reading and writing.
We teach Arabic in Arabic. With a book like Noor Al-Bayan this works naturally, because the teacher can point, show and repeat until the sound is right.
What comes after Noor Al-Bayan?
Once you can read, you move on to Timheedi Ba, where you study Kitab-ul-Assasi to build a bigger vocabulary, learn singular and plural forms and construct simple sentences. This level takes about 20 hours. Read more on our Beginner Levels page.
If your goal is the Qur’an, the first stage of our Qur’anic Programme follows a similar path: the alphabet with correct pronunciation, the vowels, connecting letters, Qur’anic words and then short verses.
Is Noor Al-Bayan suitable for children?
The reading method is simple and visual, so it is used with children as well as adults. For children who do not speak Arabic at home, we also have a dedicated curriculum, Ta’leem Al-Arabia — see our Children’s Programme.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study Noor Al-Bayan in a private lesson?
Yes. Private lessons are $8 per hour (approximately £6.10), and members of the same family in the same class pay only once. Group options are on the fees page.
Do I need to buy the book?
Books can be downloaded as PDF or bought as a hard copy, and Midad can help you get one if needed.
Midad Institute (Midad Centre) has taught Arabic, the Qur’an and Islamic sciences online to non-Arabic speakers since 2017. Our teachers have more than 15 years of experience, online and in Egypt.
