Arabic is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. It is the tongue in which the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. As such, it is the only language in which the Quran can be fully experienced. For centuries, Muslims grew up speaking Arabic as their native language. This allowed them to read, write, and understand the Classical Arabic in which the Quran is presented. Today, however, this is not the case. Mass immigration and widespread conversion have resulted in Islam spreading across the Western world. While this is undoubtedly a positive for the religion, it means many second and third-generation Muslims are growing up speaking a language other than Arabic.
Many who are fluent in Arabic do not speak it as their first language. Even native Arabic speakers may find themselves primarily speaking a different language if they live in the Western world. We have often heard stories of people who grew up speaking Arabic becoming so used to speaking English that they do so even in their own home.
If religion is your primary motivator for introducing your child to Arabic, be sure to make some time to read to them from the Quran. Whether read in lieu of a bedtime story or as a means of bonding around the dinner table, the Quran will reveal to your child the poetic beauty of Classical Arabic. When presented as the direct word of Allah, it will also help your child understand the importance of learning Arabic, as it is the only language in which the commands of the Creator can be understood.
If you want your child to have a formal Arabic education, you should hire an Arabic tutor. Given the ever-expanding numbers of Muslims in the West, it isn't hard to find an Arabic teacher in most Western countries. It is important to remember, of course, that there are many different forms of Arabic and most teachers tend to focus on their preferred form. Some Arabic tutors teach Classical Arabic exclusively, while others may offer lessons in Modern Standard Arabic. Lessons in Colloquial Arabic may be more difficult to find, but any native Arabic speaker should be able to provide some level of education in their colloquial tongue.It is also important to note that not all Arabic tutors are qualified to teach the Arabic language.