Significance of Learning Arabic Language
by Zohra Fatima
Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence.
The pious predecessors always stressed on the importance of Arabic, and asked their kids to speak only in Arabic.
Imām Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) said: “The language of Arabic itself is a part of Islâm, and knowing Arabic is an “OBLIGATION” to understand the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and they cannot be understood without knowing Arabic, then the means that is needed to fulfill the duty is also obligatory.” [Iqtidâ‘us-Sirâtil-Mustaqîm 2/207]
Learn Arabic, Speak Arabic.
Ibn Hishaam said: “I found some parts of Arabic grammar difficult, so I spent 80,000 dinaars until I mastered it.”
One of the reported instructions ʿUmar wrote to Abū Mūsā Al-Ash’arī 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 Abī Shaybah, Al-Muṣannaf Vol.6 p126]
It is reported that he said, “Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s noble conduct (Al-murū`ah).” [Al-Bayhaqī, Shu’ab Al-Īmān 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 (pagan places of worship) on their festivals, for indeed wrath descends upon them.” [ʿAbd Al-Razzāq Al-Ṣan’ānī, Al-Muṣannaf 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.” [ʿAbd Al-Razzāq Al-Ṣan’ānī, Al-Muṣannaf Vol.5 p496]
It is reported that Ubay b. Ka’b (رضي الله عنه) said, “Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurān.” [Ibn Abī Shaybah, Al-Muṣannaf Vol.7 p150]
It is reported that Ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه) used to hit his children for making language errors. [Tahdhīb Al-Tahdhīb Vol.9 p292]
It is reported that Shu’bah (رحمه الله) said: “Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence.” [Tahdhīb Al-Tahdhīb Vol.4 p303]
It is reported that ‘Attā b. Abī Rabāḥ (رحمه الله) said, “I wish I were fluent in Arabic,” when he was ninety years old. [Al-Dhahabī, Siyar A’lām Al-Nubalā`, in his biography of ‘Attā b. Abī Rabāh. Al-Bayhaqī, Shu’ab Al-Īmān Vol.4 p197]
Taken from Saying of the Salaf.
