Ilm us Sarf is the branch of Arabic grammar that deals with the structure of a word and the different forms derived from it. Here is its meaning, its place in the syllabus, and its books.
ilm-us-sarf-morphology-en.webp · Ilm us Sarf: one root, many forms
Ilm us Sarf (Arabic morphology) is the branch of grammar that governs how different forms are derived from a single root word. In the Wifaq-ul-Madaris curriculum it is taught in the first year of Thanawiya Aama, and Ilm us Sarf is available in three parts.
Ilm us Sarf studies the structure of words and the different forms derived from them, for example how the past tense, present tense, command and active or passive participle are built from a single root. Sarf is considered the foundation of grammar, because until the base form of a word is known, its use in a sentence is hard to follow.
Sarf and Nahw together complete Arabic grammar: Sarf looks at the form of the word, Nahw at its place in the sentence.
In the Banin syllabus, Ilm us Sarf sits in the first year of Thanawiya Aama in the Sarf subject.
| Subject | Prescribed books |
|---|---|
| Sarf | Mizan al-Sarf, Ilm us Sarf (three parts) |
Early Sarf books include Mizan al-Sarf, Munsha'ib and Ilm us Sarf (three parts), which drill beginners in word forms.
Study the core Sarf books on Madrasatey with videos and quizzes, then move on to Nahw.
The branch of Arabic grammar dealing with word structure and derived forms (morphology).
It is available in three parts.
Mizan al-Sarf and Ilm us Sarf, in the first year of Thanawiya Aama.
Sarf deals with word structure; Nahw deals with how words relate in a sentence.
In the first year of Thanawiya Aama in the Wifaq-ul-Madaris Banin syllabus.
Because the base form of a word must be known before its use in a sentence can be understood.
On Madrasatey, with lesson videos and quizzes.
Last verified: 15 July 2026