As-salamu alaykum. My name is Raul Sanchez. I converted to Islam over ten years ago, and my journey to Islam has been very unique. I went from loneliness to finding a community, from my family rejecting me for accepting Islam to eventually seeing members of my own family embrace Islam as well. Through that journey, I sought knowledge and dedicated myself to learning about this beautiful religion. Today, Alhamdulillah, I try to give back by helping Spanish speakers learn about Islam and connect with the Qur’an.

Learning Islam in the beginning was not easy for me. Much of the time I had to push myself to learn on my own. I spent time reading books, searching for resources, and going through YouTube videos trying to understand the basics of Islam and how to read the Qur’an. Over time I began teaching myself the fundamentals of reading Arabic. Those early struggles shaped the way I later structured my program, because I wanted to make the process easier for others who may be starting from zero just like I did.

Alhamdulillah, one of the initiatives I started is a program called **ArabeEnEspañol**. Through this program I teach Spanish speakers how to read Arabic so they can begin reading the Qur’an. Students start from the very beginning by learning the Arabic alphabet, the different positions of the letters, the basic vowels (harakat), and essential reading rules. The goal is to give them a solid foundation so they can successfully read **Surah Al-Fatiha**, the most recited chapter of the Qur’an in our daily prayers.

Because Spanish is my native language, I am able to relate closely to Spanish speakers and help them pronounce sounds that are new or unfamiliar. I often share tips and techniques that helped me personally when I was learning these sounds for the first time. I have also benefited from the advice of my teachers. One of my teachers, who is half Mexican and half Pakistani, is very proficient in reciting the Qur’an, and I have used many of his tips and teaching methods to help guide my own students.

The need for Spanish resources is very important. Many people from Spanish-speaking backgrounds know little or nothing about Islam. Even when they live near Muslims, there is often a language barrier. Many communities are not actively involved in dawah in Spanish, and sometimes people keep to themselves due to cultural or language differences. Some of my students have told me that even when they have access to mosques or teachers, it can still be difficult for them to connect because of those barriers.

Alhamdulillah, the program has been successful. So far, **over 150 people from different parts of the world** have learned to read Surah Al-Fatiha through this program. Students have joined from the United States, Mexico, different countries in South America, North Africa, Spain, and even Saudi Arabia. Among them are new Muslims, people who are exploring Islam, and Muslims who have been in the religion for years but never had the opportunity to learn how to read the Qur’an.

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of the program is getting to know the students themselves. They come from different parts of the world, but because we share the Spanish language, many of them remind me of people from my own family. Some could be like my children, my cousins, my aunts and uncles, or even my grandparents. Watching them begin the journey and then seeing their progress is something very special. When a student finally sits with me and explains Surah Al-Fatiha letter by letter, word by word, and harakah by harakah, it is truly an indescribable feeling.

Looking toward the future, the program is already beginning to grow. Some of my more advanced students are now helping teach others. In fact, one of my very first students from seven programs ago has already taught the program twice herself. Seeing students become teachers is something that gives me great hope for the future.

With continued support, my goal is to expand **ArabeEnEspañol**, make it more efficient and accessible, and reach many more Spanish speakers around the world so they can connect with the Qur’an and learn more about Islam, inshaAllah.

By supporting this initiative, you are helping Spanish speakers take their first steps toward reading the Qur’an and building a connection with the Book of Allah. Your support will allow us to expand the program, develop more resources in Spanish, and continue guiding students on their journey of learning.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

May Allah accept this effort and reward everyone who contributes to spreading knowledge of the Qur’an.