Why and How to Learn the Arabic Spoken in the Qur'an

[Ibn Abi Ahmed]

Nouman Ali Khan of Bayyinah (www.bayyinah.com) gave this speech in Houston, Texas. He explains the importance of studying Arabic for comprehension of the Qur'an. 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 Qur'an and Islam.

Watch here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7603084745017319910

Believe me, it's worth every minute.

 

[truemuslim]

Mashallah bro thats awesome! It IS worth every minute!
Jazakallah khair!

 

[Al-Hanbali]

:salamext:

JazakAllaah khayr akhee....people, check it out...its brilliant!!

 

[*~~AdAn~~*]

jazak allah bro

 

[ATR]

But it does not answer things like, why Arabic? God's message should be universal to all. So, for one to see the Miracle of Islam, they must first learn Arabic? This is very limiting. A universal message is one that can be appreciated by all.

 

[Alpher]

Bump

 

[Silver Pearl]

But it does not answer things like, why Arabic? God's message should be universal to all. So, for one to see the Miracle of Islam, they must first learn Arabic? This is very limiting. A universal message is one that can be appreciated by all.

He does answer that question vaguely. There are numerous factors as to why the Qur'aan was revealed in arabic. The simplest and more obvious one being that it was the language of the people.

"Now if We had made it a Qur'an in a non-Arabic tongue they would surely have said, "Why is it that its verses have not been made clear? Why - a foreign tongue and an Arab?" Say, "For those who accept it, this is a Guidance and medicine for a wholesome life. But as for those who will not believe (Arabs or non-Arabs), in their ears is deafness, and so it remains obscure to them. They are like people who are called to from afar." [41:44]

Allaah (exalted and glorified be he) says:

"And thus: We have revealed to you a Qur'aan in Arabic so that you may warn the Foremost of all towns and those who dwell around it, and may warn of the Day of Gathering, which is beyond all doubt. One group will be in the Garden, and one group will be in the Flames." [42:7]​

"Behold, We have sent it down in all clarity, in the Arabic tongue, so that you might encompass it with your reason." [12:2]
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"Behold, We have made it a Qur'an in clear Arabic language that you may fully understand." [43:3]

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It is important to note that the arabic language was the most advanced and comprehensive language at the time when the Qur'aan was revealed and till this day it still remains being comprehensive. The first thing you learn as an arabic studying student is that the language does not have synonyms Subhanallaah. Imaam As-Suyuti (rahimahullaah) mentioned 15 sciences in the arabic language, its a vast and precise language that in itself is a miracle.

It is not limiting at all. There is no 'universal' language anyways.

Jazakallaah khayr Abu Sayyad, an excellent lecture!

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ

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[brotherinfaith]

nice answer sister jazaki lahu khayran

 

[rpwelton]

But it does not answer things like, why Arabic? God's message should be universal to all. So, for one to see the Miracle of Islam, they must first learn Arabic? This is very limiting. A universal message is one that can be appreciated by all.

First off, it has to be revealed in some human language. Since it was revealed to the Arabs, it was in Arabic. Do you want Allah SWT to send down divine translations of his message in all languages? You do not need to know Arabic to understand the message of Allah SWT, since that message is capable of transcending human language. You do need to know Arabic, however, if you want to comprehend the sheer beauty and poetic nature of the Qur'an. Insha Allah I plan to become fluent in Arabic so I can do just that.

Furthermore, the Bible was not revealed in English. Just like the Qur'an, if you really want to read the source you will have to learn a new language (in this case, Hebrew).

The message is not limited by the language. The language is merely a way to express it, and because Allah SWT has made his commands so clear and straightforward, all of the world's billion plus Muslims are able to comprehend the message.

 

[BlackMamba]

Very good lecture mashallah tho it inspired me to learn it, I just need the time.

 

[Argamemnon]

It is important to note that the arabic language was the most advanced and comprehensive language at the time when the Qur'aan was revealed

Are you sure? That seems strange to me given that Arabs were far from civilized at the time when the Qur'an was revealed. I think Byzantine or Persian language at the time should have been more advanced than Arabic?