Shaykh Mahdi Lock, a world-renowned translator and educator, has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing Arabic and English language education. As Director of Arkview Arabic, he brings a unique perspective to teaching, enriched by his extensive translation work and studies in Islamic sciences. He is passionate about making Arabic accessible, blending traditional and modern teaching methods, and creating a supportive learning environment.

Academic Journey and Expertise

Shaykh Mahdi began his Arabic studies at the age of 18, later completing a BA in Arabic and History from the University of Leeds, an MA in Arabic Linguistics from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, and a Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists in London, of which he is also a member (MCIL). His pursuit of knowledge extends to Islamic theology, fiqh, and other Islamic sciences, guided by respected scholars across England, North Africa, and the Middle East. He also holds a TEFL certification and several years of experience teaching English in the Arab world, which has contributed to his bilingual teaching approach. His extensive knowledge of English and Arabic grammar is reflected in unique courses like Bridging the Gap, designed to guide students through both languages’ grammatical nuances.

Teaching and Educational Leadership

With experience teaching both Arabic and English, Shaykh Mahdi has taught at elementary, high school, and university levels in the UK, and served as the Subject Coordinator for Arabic at Nottingham Trent University. His diverse teaching experience included nine years of teaching English at universities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah Branch English Coordinator for Saudi Electronic University, and four years at the American Language Center in Fes, Morocco. His advanced Arabic courses cover C2-level texts such as التحفة السنية بشرح المقدمة الآجرومية and الصرف العربي أحكام ومعانٍ, enabling students to engage deeply with Arabic-only material.

Translation Work and Scholarly Contributions

Shaykh Mahdi has translated more than 20 seminal works, covering the writings of classical scholars like Imam Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazali, Imam Yaḥyā an-Nawawī and Imam as-Suyūṭī, as well as contemporary figures such as Imam Muhammad Mutawalli ash-Shaʿrawī, Imam Muhammad Saeed Ramadan al-Būṭī , Imam Mustafa al-Bughā, Imam Muhammad at-Tāwīl, and Imam Wahbah az- Zuḥaylī. His MA thesis, written in Arabic, examined the translation of Qur’anic verses on marriage rulings and was published in the Jordanian Journal for Arabic Language and Literature. His translations include texts such as The Book of the Lawful and the Unlawful from Imam al-Ghazālī’s Iḥyā ʿUlūm al-Dīn, The Opening of the Hearts by Imam as-Suyūṭī and The Etiquettes of the Scholar and the Learner by Imam an-Nawawī.

Commitment to Student Success

Shaykh Mahdi’s teaching philosophy emphasizes that learning Arabic is a gradual journey, requiring dedication but yielding immense reward. His structured, spiritually enriching curriculum and personalized approach make the language accessible, inspiring students to connect deeply with the Arabic language, with the Qur'an, with the Sunnah, and the works of the great scholars, ultimately living a life of not only learning and fluency, but pleasing Allah and drawing nearer to Him.

And with Allah alone is every success!