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

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

In Islamic practices

Arabic holds a central role in Islamic rituals, especially in the daily prayers (Salah), which are performed five times a day by Muslims worldwide. Salah is obligatory for practicing Muslims, and the recitation of Quranic verses in Arabic is a fundamental part of this practice. Regardless of a Muslim’s native language, the prescribed prayers must be recited in Arabic, maintaining a direct connection to the language in which the Quran was revealed. The most frequently recited chapter during prayers is Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran. This practice ensures uniformity and a sense of unity among Muslims globally, regardless of linguistic and cultural differences.[12]

Beyond Salah, Arabic is also essential in other Islamic rituals. For instance, the call to prayer (Adhan) is always delivered in Arabic, starting with the declaration "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great). The Adhan serves as an invitation to prayer and is heard in communities around the world.[13] Arabic phrases are used in a variety of other rituals and religious acts, such as during the performance of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrims recite prayers and phrases in Arabic, including the Talbiyah: "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk" (Here I am, O Allah, here I am).[14]

Arabic also plays a key role in the recitation of Du'a (supplications), which, while not obligatory, are strongly encouraged in a Muslim’s daily life. Many Muslims prefer to recite traditional Arabic Du’as that were said by Prophet Muhammad, although they can be made in any language.[15]

The significance of Arabic in Islamic rituals is not merely linguistic but deeply spiritual. Reciting Quranic verses in their original Arabic form is considered essential for preserving the divine message as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. This is why, for centuries, Muslims have learned Arabic to correctly recite the Quran and perform religious duties. The act of reciting the Qur'an with proper rules of pronunciation (Tajweed) in its Arabic form is seen as an act of worship itself. Many Muslims around the world, regardless of their mother tongue, strive to memorize the Qur'an, known as Hifz, entirely in Arabic.[16]

Despite the availability of numerous translations of the Quran, the Arabic text is regarded as the only authentic version, with translations considered interpretations. This view emphasizes that only the original Arabic captures the full depth, meaning, and beauty of the divine revelation, as intended. For this reason, Arabic serves as a medium not just for communication, but for maintaining a direct link between Muslims and the divine message of Islam, transcending national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries.[14]

References

  1. ^ "The Importance of the Arabic Language in Islam". 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  2. ^ "Why the Arabic Language Is So Important in the Muslim World". The Superprof Blog - UK. 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  3. ^ Mohamed, Eman (2017-02-13). "Quranic Arabic Versus Modern Standard Arabic". Arab Academy. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  4. ^ "The Quran is the Speech of Allah". Islamweb. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  5. ^ "How Do We Know the Quran is Unchanged? - IslamiCity". www.islamicity.org. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  6. ^ "Jibreel (AS) and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ". Quran Academy. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  7. ^ Brown, Daniel W. (2009). A New Introduction to Islam. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 43–44. ISBN 9781405158077.
  8. ^ Rippin, Andrew (2005). Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Routledge. pp. 89–91. ISBN 978-0415348881.
  9. ^ Rahman, Fazlur (2009). Major Themes of the Quran. University of Chicago Press. pp. 34–36. ISBN 9780226702865.
  10. ^ "Reciting the Qur'an in other languages during Prayer - Fiqh". IslamOnline. 2022-10-24. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  11. ^ "Translation of the Quran - 7 conditions for translation". quranteacheracademy.com. 2023-08-12. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  12. ^ Denny, Frederick M. (1994). Islam and the Muslim Community. Waveland Press. ISBN 978-1577660071.
  13. ^ Esposito, John L. (1998). Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195112344.
  14. ^ a b Nasr, Seyyed Hossein (2002). The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity. HarperOne. ISBN 978-0060730642.
  15. ^ Denny, Frederick M. (1994). Islam and the Muslim Community. Waveland Press. ISBN 978-0-88133-802-4. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  16. ^ Graham, William A. (1989). Beyond the Written Word: Oral Aspects of Scripture in the History of Religion. Cambridge University Press.