‘Learn Arabic for it is Part of your Religion'

['Abd-al Latif]

:salamext:

“As for becoming accustomed to talking to one another in a language other than Arabic, which is the symbol of Islam and the language of the Qur’an, so that this becomes a habit in the land, with one’s family and household members, with one’s friends, in the marketplace, when addressing government representatives or authority figures or when speaking to people of knowledge, undoubtedly this is makrooh (disliked), because it involves being like the non-Arabs, which is makrooh, as stated previously.

Hence when the early Muslims went to live in Syria and Egypt, where the people spoke Byzantine Greek, and in Iraq and Khurasan, where the people spoke Farsi, and the Maghrib (North Africa) where the people spoke Berber, they taught the people of those countries to speak Arabic, so that Arabic became the prevalent language in those lands, and all the people, Muslim and kafir alike, spoke Arabic. Such was also the case in Khurasan in the past, then they became lax with regard to the language and got used to speaking Farsi until it became prevalent and Arabic was forgotten by most of them. Undoubtedly this is makrooh.

The best way is to become accustomed to speaking Arabic so that the young people will learn it in their homes and schools, so that the symbol of Islam and its people will prevail. This will make it easier for the people of Islam to understand the Qur’an and Sunnah, and the words of the Salaf, unlike a person who gets used to speaking one language, then wants to learn another, and finds it difficult.

Know that being used to using a language has a clear and strong effect on one’s thinking, behaviour and religious commitment. It also has an effect on making one resemble the early generations of this Ummah, the Sahabah and Tabi’een. Being like them improves one’s thinking, religious commitment and behaviour.

Moreover, the Arabic language itself is part of Islam, and knowing Arabic is an obligatory duty. If it is a duty to understand the Qur’an and Sunnah, and they cannot be understood without knowing Arabic, then the means that is needed to fulfil the duty is also obligatory.

There are things which are obligatory on all individuals (fard ‘ayn), and others which are obligatory on the community or ummah (fard kifayah, i.e., if some people fulfil them the rest are relieved of the obligation).

This is the meaning of the report narrated by Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah who said: ‘Eesa ibn Yunus told us from Thawr from ‘Umar ibn Yazeed that ‘Umar wrote to Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: ‘Learn the Sunnah and learn Arabic; learn the Qur’an in Arabic for it is Arabic.’

According to another hadeeth narrated from ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: ‘Learn Arabic for it is part of your religion, and learn how the estate of the deceased should be divided (fara’id) for these are part of your religion.’

This command of ‘Umar, to learn Arabic and Shari`ah, combines the things that are needed, for religion involves understanding words and actions. Understanding Arabic is the way to understand the words of Islam, and understanding the Sunnah is the way to understand the actions of Islam…”

From Iqtida’ al-Sirat al-Mustaqeem, 1/206-207 by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah)

['Abd-al Latif]

:salamext:

Nouman Ali Khan of the Bayyinah Arabic Institute (www.bayyinah.com) gave this speech in Houston, Texas. He explains the importance of studying Arabic for comprehension of the Quran. And he discusses the pitfalls of many techniques used by students. Finally, he describes the advantages of the methods used by Bayyinah. A must-see for any student studying Arabic to better understand the Quran and Islam

[Dua_e_Sehar]

Walaikum Assalam Brother

Indeed we should be knowing the arabic language to understand Qura'an ....May Allah(swt) guide us all...ameen

Jazakallah khair for the info...!!

['Abd-al Latif]

‘Abdullaah bin Zayd An-Numayri reports that Al-Hasan Al-Basri said:
“They (the heretics) were destroyed by their inability in Arabic.”
Al-Bukhaari, At-Taareekh Al-Kabeer 5/99.


And al-Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i said:
“People didn’t become ignorant and didn’t differ amongst themselves except because they left Arabic and leaned towards the language of Aristotle.”
Quoted by As-Suyuti in Sawn Al-Mantiq p15.


As-Suyuti said on p22 of the same book:
“I have found that the Salaaf before Ash-Shaafi’i indicate what he did: that the cause of heresy is ignorance of the Arabic language.”

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[Silver]

Muslims countries should teach arabic as a second language! But they won't do it :(

['Abd-al Latif]

:salamext:

Those studying the Medinah books (i.e. these books http://islamicbookstore.com/b6067.html) will find the following link very useful:

http://www.madinaharabic.com/index.htm

W/salam.

['Abd-al Latif]

Arabicising Windows:

http://www.uga.edu/islam/arabic_windows.html

The following is a link for installing a plug-in for Microsoft word which allows you to insert Qur'anic Ayaaat in the 'uthmaani script whilst offering different translations. I've found this to be very useful indeed.

http://www.geocities.com/mtaufiq.rm/quran.html

W/salam

[Banu_Hashim]

I'm actually studying Qur'anic Arabic at the University where I live. They have evening classes on Friday. I'm beginning to understand the Quran using the grammar and vocab i've learnt. You don't need to go far away to learn Arabic, look into an organisation local to you.

['Abd-al Latif]

Increase your vocab with this useful Qur'anic vocab list!

W/salam

80 % of Words - Part 1

80 % of Words - Part 2

[Banu_Hashim]

Increase your vocab with this useful Qur'anic vocab list!

W/salam

80 % of Words - Part 1

80 % of Words - Part 2

JazakAllah Khair! :D A very useful list.

[om Habiba]

assalamo alaykom sisters and brothers its hard to learn Arabic from Quraan Banu Hashim only coz that will lead you to understand the meaning only without enjoying reading, of course if you have Good Arabic you will be able to feel what Sahaba felt also u can express the meaning for others in Arabic and this is a part from our existence to call for islam ,we are not learing Qurran for ourselfs only.and donot forget Arabic is the language of Ganna so u may have a great intention when u learn arabic and with this intention u will take merits while speaking Arabic

[om Habiba]

Assalamo alykom sisters and brothers i knew an excellent web.site where u can learn Arabic and Quraan at ur home there r classes or u may learn alone there are all the levels for arabic from begginers .and u will study with egypyion teachers and y may take Ejaza in Quraan just fill the application

[om Habiba]

www.ibnmalek.com

['Abd-al Latif]

Statements of the Sahabah (ra)

Ubay ibn Ka'b (رضي الله عنه) said:
"Teach Arabic (ie Arabic grammar) like you teach the memorisation of the Qur'aan!"

Abu Bakr as-Sideeq (رضي الله عنه) said:
"That I recite and forget (a portion) is more beloved to me than to make a grammatical mistake!"

Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) once passed by a group of archers who missed their targets. He reprimanded them, and they responded that they were only beginners, but they made a grammatical mistake in phrasing their response. He told them, "Verily, your mistakes in (Arabic) grammar are more diffcult for me to bear than your mistakes in archery!"

(Quotes from Lughat al-Qur'aan by Abu Ubadah Ibrahim ibn Muhammad, pps 15-20)

['Abd-al Latif]

Statement of Imaam as-Shafi'ee رحمه الله

Imaam as-Shafi'ee (رحمه الله) said:
"Therefore, it is imperative that every Muslim should strive to learn Arabic as hard as he can, so that he can testify the shahadaa, and recite the Book of Allaah, and say the invocations that are mandatory upon him, such as the takbeer, tasbeeh and tashahhud and other prayers. And the more he learns the language that Allaah Himself chose to be the language of him who sealed the Prophets (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and to be the language of His Final Revelation, the better it is for him!"

(al-Zarqanee, v.2, p. 152)

['Abd-al Latif]

One of the reported instructions ‘Umar wrote to Abû Mûsâ Al-Ash’arî and those under his governance during the former’s Caliphate was, “Seek knowledge and understanding of (fiqh) the Sunnah and seek knowledge and understanding of Arabic.”
Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.6 p126.

It is reported that he said, “Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s noble conduct (al-murû`ah).”
Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p187.

It is also reported that he said, “Do not learn the language of the non-Arabs, and do not enter upon them in their churches on their festivals, for indeed wrath descends upon them.”
‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.1 p411.

It is also reported that he was once circumambulating the Ka’bah when he heard two men speaking in a language other than Arabic behind him. He turned to them and said, “Find some way to learn Arabic.”
‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.5 p496.

It is reported that Ubay b. Ka’b – Allâh be pleased with him – said, “Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurân.”
Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.7 p150.

It is reported that Ibn ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with them – used to hit his children for making language errors.
Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.9 p292.

It is reported that Shu’bah – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence.”
Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.4 p303.

It is reported that ‘Attâ b. Abî Rabâh – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “I wish I were fluent in Arabic,” when he was ninety years old.
Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of ‘Attâ b. Abî Rabâh.

It is reported that Ibn Shubrumah – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “Men have never worn a garment more beautiful than Arabic.”
Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p197.

['Abd-al Latif]

The cause of heresy is ignorance of the Arabic language

‘Abdullaah bin Zayd An-Numayri (رحمه الله) reports that Al-Hasan Al-Basri (رحمه الله) said:
"They (the heretics) were destroyed by their inability in Arabic."
(al-Bukhaari, At-Taareekh Al-Kabeer 5/99).

And al-Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i (رحمه الله) said:
"People didn’t become ignorant and didn’t differ amongst themselves except because they left Arabic and leaned towards the language of Aristotle."
(Quoted by As-Suyuti (رحمه الله) in Sawn Al-Mantiq p15.)

As-Suyuti (رحمه الله) said on p22 of the same book:
"I have found that the Salaf before Ash-Shaafi’i indicate what he did: that the cause of heresy is ignorance of the Arabic language."

['Abd-al Latif]

One of the reported instructions ‘Umar wrote to Abû Mûsâ Al-Ash’arî and those under his governance during the former’s Caliphate was, “Seek knowledge and understanding of (fiqh) the Sunnah and seek knowledge and understanding of Arabic.”

Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.6 p126.

It is reported that he said, “Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s noble conduct (al-murû`ah).”

Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p187.

It is also reported that he said, “Do not learn the language of the non-Arabs, and do not enter upon them in their churches on their festivals, for indeed wrath descends upon them.”

‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.1 p411.

It is also reported that he was once circumambulating the Ka’bah when he heard two men speaking in a language other than Arabic behind him. He turned to them and said, “Find some way to learn Arabic.”

‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.5 p496.

It is reported that Ubay b. Ka’b – Allâh be pleased with him – said, “Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurân.”

Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.7 p150.

It is reported that Ibn ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with them – used to hit his children for making language errors.

Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.9 p292.

It is reported that Shu’bah – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence.”

Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.4 p303.

It is reported that ‘Attâ b. Abî Rabâh – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “I wish I were fluent in Arabic,” when he was ninety years old.

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of ‘Attâ b. Abî Rabâh.

It is reported that Ibn Shubrumah – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “Men have never worn a garment more beautiful than Arabic.”

Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p197.

[rpwelton]

Interesting...I fully believe Arabic is very important to learn. I just took Nouman Ali Khan's Divine Speech class last weekend and it was amazing. I am so inspired to continue my Arabic studies.

One question though: I have a Muslim friend who, despite being dedicated in many other parts of the deen, does not want to learn Arabic at all, nor does he have much desire to learn to read the Qur'an in Arabic (he prefers transliteration). Is his thinking wrong? If so, how should I correct him?

[Abdul Qadir]

:salamext:

Those studying the Medinah books (i.e. these books http://islamicbookstore.com/b6067.html) will find the following link very useful:

http://www.madinaharabic.com/index.htm

W/salam.

Salaam brother Latif,

I am genuinely interested in mastering the Arabic language for the sake of Allah so as to witness the miracle of the quran. How can i start? is this rocket arabic a good software?

http://www.rocketlanguages.com/arabic/premium/


Please guide me...and also, tell me about ur experience in learning arab..what age u started..

Salaam...jazaakullah Khair..

[yahia12]

i find arabic to be quiet hard to learn. is there any good sites in latin alphabet i would appreciate it.

[Rabi Mansur]

i find arabic to be quiet hard to learn. is there any good sites in latin alphabet i would appreciate it.

:sl:

I'm learning Arabic too. It is definitely one of the most difficult for an English speaking native. I've learned other languages and I would say that Arabic has been the most difficult for me.

But, I think if you just focus on the latin alphabet you are missing out because the transliteration schemes vary so much. They don't do a very good job of representing the sounds. I would recommend that you start by spending about a month focusing on the Arabic letters. Just focus on those and you will be blessed later. If you purchase a book such as " Alif Baa with DVDs (Introduction to Arabic letters and Sounds)" you will get a good start. It will give you a good foundation. Then from there you can take on other books or courses.

My 2 cents.

:wa:

[fahim kamran]

mashallah islam is the best religion and the holy quran is the last word of Allah all mighty

[Pure Purple]

I found arabic not that much difficult what I had heard.May be because I am on Initial stage (basics) and I Know urdu language.Some of the words are common in Urdu and arabic.:sunny:

[User29123]

:salamext:

“As for becoming accustomed to talking to one another in a language other than Arabic, which is the symbol of Islam and the language of the Qur’an, so that this becomes a habit in the land, with one’s family and household members, with one’s friends, in the marketplace, when addressing government representatives or authority figures or when speaking to people of knowledge, undoubtedly this is makrooh (disliked), because it involves being like the non-Arabs, which is makrooh, as stated previously.

Hence when the early Muslims went to live in Syria and Egypt, where the people spoke Byzantine Greek, and in Iraq and Khurasan, where the people spoke Farsi, and the Maghrib (North Africa) where the people spoke Berber, they taught the people of those countries to speak Arabic, so that Arabic became the prevalent language in those lands, and all the people, Muslim and kafir alike, spoke Arabic. Such was also the case in Khurasan in the past, then they became lax with regard to the language and got used to speaking Farsi until it became prevalent and Arabic was forgotten by most of them. Undoubtedly this is makrooh.

The best way is to become accustomed to speaking Arabic so that the young people will learn it in their homes and schools, so that the symbol of Islam and its people will prevail. This will make it easier for the people of Islam to understand the Qur’an and Sunnah, and the words of the Salaf, unlike a person who gets used to speaking one language, then wants to learn another, and finds it difficult.

Know that being used to using a language has a clear and strong effect on one’s thinking, behaviour and religious commitment. It also has an effect on making one resemble the early generations of this Ummah, the Sahabah and Tabi’een. Being like them improves one’s thinking, religious commitment and behaviour.

Moreover, the Arabic language itself is part of Islam, and knowing Arabic is an obligatory duty. If it is a duty to understand the Qur’an and Sunnah, and they cannot be understood without knowing Arabic, then the means that is needed to fulfil the duty is also obligatory.

There are things which are obligatory on all individuals (fard ‘ayn), and others which are obligatory on the community or ummah (fard kifayah, i.e., if some people fulfil them the rest are relieved of the obligation).

This is the meaning of the report narrated by Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah who said: ‘Eesa ibn Yunus told us from Thawr from ‘Umar ibn Yazeed that ‘Umar wrote to Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: ‘Learn the Sunnah and learn Arabic; learn the Qur’an in Arabic for it is Arabic.’

According to another hadeeth narrated from ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: ‘Learn Arabic for it is part of your religion, and learn how the estate of the deceased should be divided (fara’id) for these are part of your religion.’

This command of ‘Umar, to learn Arabic and Shari`ah, combines the things that are needed, for religion involves understanding words and actions. Understanding Arabic is the way to understand the words of Islam, and understanding the Sunnah is the way to understand the actions of Islam…”

From Iqtida’ al-Sirat al-Mustaqeem, 1/206-207 by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah)

So wait your saying it is compulsory for Muslims to know Arabic.

[User29123]

Walaikum Assalam Brother

Indeed we should be knowing the arabic language to understand Qura'an ....May Allah(swt) guide us all...ameen

Jazakallah khair for the info...!!

Yeah I think we should, that day I was watching Shiek Sudias recite Quran I think it was Eid pray, and he was crying like A LOT, I was like why is he crying? Then I realized they understand it, we don't..^o)

[جوري]

‘Abdullaah bin Zayd An-Numayri reports that Al-Hasan Al-Basri said:
“They (the heretics) were destroyed by their inability in Arabic.”
Al-Bukhaari, At-Taareekh Al-Kabeer 5/99.


And al-Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i said:
“People didn’t become ignorant and didn’t differ amongst themselves except because they left Arabic and leaned towards the language of Aristotle.”
Quoted by As-Suyuti in Sawn Al-Mantiq p15.


As-Suyuti said on p22 of the same book:
“I have found that the Salaaf before Ash-Shaafi’i indicate what he did: that the cause of heresy is ignorance of the Arabic language.”

There was also a saying by Umar Ibn Ilkhtaab which I can't locate now as I am using my cell that goes:

''learn Arabic for it will teach you wisdom''

:w:

[ibrahim.M]

Of course, when we know arabic language, we will understand the precise meaning of Qu'an.

[sameer123]

mashallah islam is the best religion and the holy quran is the last word of Allah all mighty

Islam is the only religion.

[ba51th]

:salamext:

first meeting on private arabic class in my home

arabic is harder to learn than japanese...

[Muhaba]

It would be really nice if the muslim ummah spoke in Arabic. actually at least one parent should speak to their children in arabic. too much emphasis is put on english while arabic is neglected. it is sad.

من اليوم سوف اتكلم في اللغة العربية ان شاء الله

[islamic.teacher]

بارك الله فيكم

[Muhaba]

Yes, it's so important to learn Arabic. And to speak it too. I'm giving away a few free copies of Arabic Made Easy e-book. PM me & I'll send details on how to download.

[Signor]

actually at least one parent should speak to their children in arabic. too much emphasis is put on english while arabic is neglected. it is sad.

Reminds me of my favorite saying by Hamza Yusuf [Lecture - Al Qur'an: The Living Miracle]

When Allah swt said "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian" that includes the Arabic language, because it is an essential aspect. The Arabic language has been preserved, it's there for whoever wants it. If you want dunya, then learn English, but if you want akhirah, learn Arabic, because it is the language that literally opens up a whole world of meaning that is inaccessible in the English language.

There was also a saying by Umar Ibn Ilkhtaab which I can't locate now as I am using my cell that goes:

''learn Arabic for it will teach you wisdom''

'Umar sayings:

"Learn Arabic, for it makes a person more logical and wise, and increases his chivalry."

"Learn grammar as you learn the Sunnahs and shares of inheritance."

"Learn I'rab al-Qur'an (syntax) as you learn to memorise it."

"The worst of writing is that which is elongated without being clear, and the worst of reading is to say things unclearly, and the best of writing is that which is clearest."

('Umar Ibn Al-Khattab [Radia-Allahu 'Anhu - "May Allah be pleased with him] His Life & Times vol.1 p.371, 372 Dr. 'Ali M. as-Sallabi)