Arabic-English dictionaries

**Abdul Malik Mujahid** · 24-01-2007, 08:37 PM

As salaamu alaikum can someone tell me what is the best dictionary to have that translates the Arabic word into English? I have heard that al Mawrid is good and also one called Hans Wier. What are the differences between them and is there one better than these? As salaamu alaikum.

**YousefAbusSafar** · 24-01-2007, 08:51 PM

Akhi, the hans wehr is the best, hands down.

But you have to know some sarf in order to use the hans wehr.

It's best to have both, but if you have to choose, if you know sarf, get the hans wehr, without a doubt, but if you are really in the beginning stages and don't know sarf or don't know it except partially, probably better to start with the mawrid, wallahu a'alam.

Then there is the Arabic English Lexicon by Edward William Lane which is probably the best but that is not necassary for a beginner. It's very big and extensive, kind of like the major reference works in arabic and I've seen that people who translate often reference it but if you're a beginner you needn't worry about it for now insha'allah.