Sarf (morphology) and Nahw (syntax) are the two pillars of Arabic grammar, and studying them in combination is far more effective than studying either in isolation. Sarf teaches you how individual words are formed, while Nahw teaches you how words combine into meaningful sentences. Together, they give you complete command of Arabic grammar.
A practical approach is to alternate between the two subjects on different days. For example, study a Sarf lesson on Saturday, a Nahw lesson on Sunday, and so on. This keeps both subjects fresh in your mind and allows you to see connections between them — such as how the morphological form of a word (Sarf) affects its grammatical role in a sentence (Nahw).
When you learn a new Sarf pattern (e.g., the اسم الفاعل pattern), immediately think about how it behaves grammatically in Nahw. What case endings can it take? Can it govern an object? How does it differ from the verb it's derived from? This cross-referencing deepens your understanding of both subjects simultaneously.
On Ilm Al Lughah, the Sarf and Nahw courses are designed with these natural connections in mind. Lessons often reference concepts from the other course, and flashcards test both morphological and syntactical knowledge. Take advantage of this integrated design by progressing through both courses at a similar pace, rather than finishing one entirely before starting the other.