Arabic in Islam
In Islam, the Arabic language is given more importance than any other language because the primary religious sources of Islam, the Quran and Hadith, are in Arabic,[1][2] which is referred to as Quranic Arabic.[3]
Arabic is considered the ideal theological language of Islam and holds a special role in education and worship. Many Muslims view the Quran as divine revelation — it is believed to be the direct word of Allah (God) as it was revealed to Muhammad in Arabic.[4] Almost all Muslims believe that the Quran in Arabic is an accurate copy of the original version received by Muhammad from Allah through the angelic messenger Gabriel during the ascension to heaven (Mi'raj).[5][6]
However, this belief is not universal among all Muslims and only emerged with the development of Islam over time.[7][8] Therefore, translations of the Quran into other languages are not considered the original Quran; rather, they are seen as interpretive texts that attempt to convey the message of the Quran.[9] Despite being invalid for religious practices, these translations are generally accepted by Islamic religious authorities as interpretive guides for non-Arabic speakers.[10][11]
In Quran and Hadith
[edit]In Quran, it is clearly mentioned that it was revealed in Arabic so that its initial audience, who were predominantly Arabic-speaking, could fully comprehend its meanings and messages.
Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an so that you might understand.
— 12:2
Also similar messages are given in 26:195, 43:3 and 20:113. The Qur'an also mentions that if it had not been revealed in Arabic, the non-believers of Islam would have doubted the Qur'an and the Prophet.
And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur'an, they would have said, 'Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?' Say, 'It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure.
— 41:44
The Prophet of Islam Muhammad commanded to love the Arabs and the Arabic language.
Love the Arabs for three reasons: because I am an Arab, the Qur’an is in Arabic, and the language of the people of Paradise is Arabic.
— Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn, Hadith no. 4175
References
[edit]- ^ "The Importance of the Arabic Language in Islam". 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ "Why the Arabic Language Is So Important in the Muslim World". The Superprof Blog - UK. 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ Mohamed, Eman (2017-02-13). "Quranic Arabic Versus Modern Standard Arabic". Arab Academy. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ "The Quran is the Speech of Allah". Islamweb. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ "How Do We Know the Quran is Unchanged? - IslamiCity". www.islamicity.org. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ "Jibreel (AS) and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ". Quran Academy. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ Brown, Daniel W. (2009). A New Introduction to Islam. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 43–44. ISBN 9781405158077.
- ^ Rippin, Andrew (2005). Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Routledge. pp. 89–91. ISBN 978-0415348881.
- ^ Rahman, Fazlur (2009). Major Themes of the Quran. University of Chicago Press. pp. 34–36. ISBN 9780226702865.
- ^ "Reciting the Qur'an in other languages during Prayer - Fiqh". IslamOnline. 2022-10-24. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
- ^ "Translation of the Quran - 7 conditions for translation". quranteacheracademy.com. 2023-08-12. Retrieved 2024-09-11.