Why Learn Arabic?
The significance importance of learning the Arabic Language.
Assalamo Alikom everyone,
This is Arabic101 your premium online school for learning Arabic and the Quran in the simplest of ways. We thought to start our newsletter with a boost about the importance of the Arabic language.
In this article, we’ll discuss the strong link between Arabic and Islam, and why every capable Muslim should learn Arabic.
The Arabic language holds immense significance in Islam, serving as the vessel through which the Quran was revealed and preserved by Allah. It is the foundation for all knowledge related to Islam, acting as the key to understanding the religion's core principles and practices.
Beyond its function, Arabic is also recognized for its expressiveness, clarity, and beauty. As stated in the book "In the Virtue of the Arabic Language," our Arabic language represents the spiritual content of our Islamic identity. It's the essence of our culture and civilization, the repository of the divine message.
Therefore, the Arabic language is intrinsically linked to Islam. It has facilitated communication across nations and within the Muslim community, fostering spiritual, physical, religious, and intellectual understanding.
Muslims need their Arabic language to:
(Deeper) Comprehension of their religion: By studying the Quran and Islamic texts in their original language, Muslims gain a richer understanding of their faith.
Fulfilling religious obligations: Many Islamic practices, like prayer and pilgrimage, involve reciting Arabic phrases correctly.
Direct access to authentic sources: Arabic allows Muslims to study the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) in their original form, fostering a deeper connection with their faith's foundation.
Arabic and The Quran
It suffices that Arabic is the language of the Quran. Allah says:
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿١٩١﴾ وَإِنَّهُ لَتَنزِيلُ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿١٩٢﴾ نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ ﴿١٩٣﴾ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ ﴿١٩٤﴾ بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِيٍّ مُّبِينٍ ﴿١٩٥﴾ سورة الشعراء
"And indeed, the Qur'an is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. (192) The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down (193) Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] - that you may be of the warners - (194) In a clear Arabic language." (Quran, Surat Al Shuar’a 26:192-195).
Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, says, "The Arabic tongue is the symbol of Islam and its people, and languages are among the greatest symbols of nations that they are distinguished by" (necessity of the straight path).
The Quran has given the Arabic language a special status, making it more respected and valued. That is why, every Muslim should learn Arabic to truly grasp their faith and perform their religious duties properly. And it is not just for Muslims; scholars and learners also need to learn Arabic because it lays the groundwork for understanding all kinds of knowledge.
Quotes from Islamic scholars about the significance of Arabic
#1 Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, may Allah have mercy on him, says in the book "The Stimulating Benefits to the Sciences of the Quran"
"The excellence of the Quran can only be understood by those who understand the Arabic language, for they understand the science of language, the science of Arabic, the science of eloquence, and they have examined the poetry of the Arabs, their speeches, and their debates in the places where they are proud. And their messages"
#2 Imam al-Shafi'i, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
"The language chosen by Allah Almighty is the language of the Arabs. He revealed His mighty book in it and made it the language of His final Prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him. Therefore, we say: Every person capable of learning Arabic should learn it..."
#3 Abu Mansur al-Tha'labi, in his book "Understanding the Language and the Secret of Arabic," says:
"He who Allah guides to Islam, opens his heart to faith, and grants him a good disposition towards it, believes that Muhammad is the best of messengers, Islam is the best of religions, the Arabs are the best of nations, Arabic is the best of languages and tongues, and the inclination towards it and understanding it is from religion, as it is the tool for knowledge."
#4 The esteemed Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafi'i, in the book "Inspiration of the Pen," says:
"No language of a people has been degraded without their degradation, nor has it deteriorated except that its affairs have declined. From this, the colonizing foreigner imposes his language on the colonized nation as an obligation, and he rides them with it and makes them feel his greatness in it, and he integrates them into it, thus imposing on them three judgments in one action: First, imprisoning their language in its own language forever. Second, sentencing their past to death, erasing it from memory. And third, restraining their future in the chains that he manufactures, so their affair after that is subordinate to his affair, accordingly."
It’s The Best Way to Understand The Sharia
Ahmed Hassanein says, "The Arabic language is the only means to understand Islamic Sharia. Arabs have understood its implications since the Quran was revealed, realizing fully that Arabic is a part of religion. There is no way to understand creed and comply with Sharia without Arabic."
Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi, in his book "Agreements," says, "This blessed Sharia is Arabic. Therefore, whoever wishes to understand it must understand it through the Arabic language. There is no way to seek to understand it from any other direction."
Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, says: "The Arabic language itself is from religion, and knowing it is an obligatory duty because understanding the Quran and the Sunnah is obligatory, and they are only understood through the Arabic language. And what cannot be fulfilled except by it is obligatory" (necessity of the straight path: 207).
He also says: "The early Muslims always disliked changing the customs of the Arabs, even in dealings, such as speaking in a language other than Arabic except out of necessity. Malik, al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad stated this. Malik even said: 'Whoever speaks in our mosque in a language other than Arabic shall be expelled from it'" (al-Fatawa 32/255).
Al-Shafi'i, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "So, it is upon every Muslim to learn from the language of the Arabs what his ability allows him until he bears witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, and to recite by it the Book of Allah, and to pronounce the remembrance in what he is obliged to do, such as Takbir, Tasbeeh, Tashahhud, and others" (al-Risalah: 48).
Ibn al-Athir, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Knowledge of language and grammar is essential to understanding Hadith and other sciences, as the pure Sharia comes in the Arabic language."
Conclusion: Love for Arabic
As mentioned before, the Arabic language is not just a means of communication; it is a vital aspect of the Islamic experience. By prioritizing its study and understanding, Muslims can enrich their faith, fulfill their religious duties, and connect more deeply with their heritage. Muslims need to cherish Arabic more than any other language.
Imam Abu Mansur al-Tha'labi once said, "If you love God, you'll love His Messenger Muhammad. And if you love him, you'll love the Arabs, and by extension, the Arabic language. It's the language the best book, the Quran, was revealed in. So, if you love Arabic, give it your attention and effort. It's not just a language; it's the key to understanding religion and improving both your life here and in the hereafter."
Jazakum Allah Khayran for reading. If you liked this letter, don’t forget to hit the like button ❤️ below, to help others find it on Substack. Share the post to spread the benefit among other Muslims!
Speak soon!
Very good article. However, since it is about Arabic language, the sayings should also be mentioned with their original Arabic text.
Jazak ALLAH Khair.
In shaa Allah I will join soon I really need this course