Arabic Language and Islamic Banking: Knowledge Assessment of Arabic Studies Graduates in Kano State

The expansion of Islamic banking and finance in Nigeria, accelerated by the Central Bank of Nigeria's non-interest banking framework, has created growing demand for professionals who combine Arabic linguistic competence with knowledge of Islamic finance principles derived from fiqh al-muamalat. This study assesses the Arabic language knowledge relevant to Islamic banking and finance among Arabic studies graduates currently working in Kano State's Islamic banking sector, examining their command of key Arabic financial and jurisprudential terminology and their ability to interpret Arabic contractual texts. Using a purposive sample of 80 Arabic studies graduates employed in eight Islamic banks in Kano, the research administers a specialised Arabic financial terminology test and a text comprehension assessment using sample murabaha and sukuk agreement extracts. Supplementary interviews with ten Islamic banking managers assess employer perceptions of the Arabic language competence of graduate employees. The study finds that while graduates demonstrate solid receptive knowledge of common Arabic financial terms, productive application of terminology in professional communication and the comprehension of complex Arabic contractual language are significantly weaker. Employers report that graduates require extensive in-house training to become functionally proficient in Arabic-medium banking documentation. Recommendations include the introduction of Islamic finance Arabic modules in undergraduate Arabic studies curricula. Keywords: Arabic language, Islamic banking, graduate competence, Kano State, fiqh al-muamalat.