Many significant matters often go unnoticed by individuals due to their familiarity with them; however, this familiarity does not diminish their value. A prime example of this is the human body, in which countless books have been written to explain its functions, and extensive research has been conducted, with uncountable amounts of money spent on it. No one, institution, or generation has fully grasped the intricacies of the body or its functions. Despite this, individuals tend to overlook the wonders of their own bodies because they are accustomed to them. Allah, The Almighty, has drawn attention to these magnificent signs of creation, as He Says (What means): "And in yourselves. Will you not then see?" [Adh-Dhariyat/21].
The same can be said about the Arabic language concerning Arabs. We have become so accustomed to it that some fail to recognize what they should appreciate about it and do not feel grateful for the blessing of speaking it correctly and understanding some of its meanings. When we observe a non-Arab Muslim scholar striving to articulate the words of the Qur'an properly, we feel grateful for the blessing of having Arabic as our language, and for it being the language of the Islamic Ummah. This is because the goal is for guidance and light to reach them in a language they understand, allowing them to comprehend Allah's intent. As Allah, The Exalted Says (What means): "And We did not send any messenger except with the language of his people." [Ibrahim/4].
Therefore, as humanity progressed in civilization and began communicating across distant lands, Allah’s Wisdom decreed that He would send to them all a single messenger with a single, unifying religion to bring them together. This messenger would be the final prophet, and this religion would be the final and complete faith. Allah, in His wisdom, chose that this universal messenger be Muhammad, the Arab (PBUH), as Allah Knows Best where to Place His Message, Saying (What means): "Allah knows best where to place His message. [Al-An’am/124]. Though chosen from the Arabs, he is a messenger for all people, as Allah Says (What means): "And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner" [Saba/28]. This is why Allah addressed him in his own language, the language of his people, and revealed the Qur'an in Arabic, so that it could convey His message clearly. As He Says (What means): "Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand" [Yusuf/2].
This truth, which we all acknowledge, has resulted in several important matters:
The First Matter: Allah has granted the Arabs a distinction and honor among nations by addressing all peoples in the Arabic language. Allah, The Most Exalted Says regarding this (What means): "And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you will surely be questioned" [Az-Zukhruf/44]. When Allah Bestows a blessing upon His servants, He holds them accountable and asks them what they have done to express gratitude for it. Those who are thankful will receive an increase in this world and a reward in the Hereafter. Our ancestors showed their gratitude for this blessing by fulfilling their responsibilities towards Islam and the Arabic language, and this remains true for the Islamic nation, thanks be to Allah.
The Second Matter: Arabs and those who have embraced Islam after them must continue to invite others to it with wisdom and good advice until Islam reaches the farthest corners of the earth, as the Prophet (PBUH) informed us that it would spread as far as day and night reach. Today, we witness media channels conveying the truth and the call of Islam to both distant and nearby audiences, and Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path.
The Third Matter: This is the subject of this article: We must preserve the Arabic language by learning it, mastering it, and communicating with one another in it, as well as appreciating its intricacies and understanding its styles. Arabic is one of the sweetest, most delicate, and most expansive languages. This obligation is not an expression of tribalism for the language of the Arabs, but rather what is required for practicing Islam, obeying The Lord, and maintaining the unity of the Islamic nation. Obeying Allah is only possible through understanding what He has revealed in the Qur'an - which is in Arabic, as mentioned - and understanding the noble prophetic traditions, which are also in Arabic. Understanding their meanings goes beyond mere knowledge of vocabulary; it requires comprehension of phrases and linguistic structures as well.
For this reason, the righteous predecessors placed great importance on the Arabic language. They recorded the meanings of words that were rarely used, which became unfamiliar to certain segments of society. They structured the rules that define what the endings of words indicate, known as the science of (syntax). They explained how each word is formed and the implications of each structure, which is the science of (morphology). They detailed how letters are pronounced, a field known as (Tajweed), and how letters are written, referred to as (calligraphy). They also elaborated on both the apparent and hidden meanings of sentences, which is the science of (rhetoric), among other disciplines inspired by their study of the Arabic language.
All of this was aimed at preserving the Arabic language to safeguard the Holy Qur'an, fulfilling Allah's Promise when He Said (What means): "Indeed, We sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it." [Al-Hijr/9]. This effort was contributed to by native Arabs as well as non-Arabs who learned Arabic after embracing Islam, as their ancestors had done before them. The Arabic language has thus become not just the language of the Arabs but also the language of Islam itself.
This demonstrates that every specialist in Islamic sciences tends to master the Arabic language to a degree that surpasses even that of an Arab who has not specialized in these fields. It also shows that all the foundational works of Islamic intellectual heritage were written in Arabic, even when some authors were not Arabs.
This leads us to the subject of the unity of the Islamic Ummah - this great, blessed, noble, and eternal nation, which today numbers in the hundreds of millions and inhabits every corner of the Earth. This Ummah is united by the Arabic language. Do you not see them during Hajj communicating with one another in a bit of Arabic? They declare the two testimonies of faith: "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur Rasoolullah" (I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger) and greet one another with "Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh" (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings)? Woe to those who label them as "terrorists"!
This reflects the connection of the present generation, but the Arabic language is also essential for linking the current generations with those of the past, as the righteous predecessors documented their thoughts and culture in Arabic.
Thus, the Arabic language is what preserves the unity of the Islamic Ummah, a unity that Allah commands in His Saying (What means): "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided" [Al-Imran/103].
It is therefore obvious that the Arab Ummah should hold a leading and prominent position among the Islamic peoples, without diminishing the rightful claims or special merits of others. The general principle is the Saying of Allah (What means): "Indeed, the most noble of you in The Sight of Allah is the most righteous of you" [Al-Hujurat13). It is also evident that the Arab identity of an Arab or anyone else is determined by their proficiency in the Arabic language.
We have seen efforts to sever the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and diminish the respect for Arabs among Muslims through attacks on the Arabic language and attempts to render Muslims ignorant of it. However, it is futile, as Allah Says (What means): "They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will complete His light, although the disbelievers dislike it" [As-Saff/8]. The Light of Allah among us is the Arabic Quran, which is recited by all Muslims, instilling a sense of unity among them and illuminating their hearts, faces, and even graves, serving as guidance for them on the straight path, if Allah Wills.
Moreover, it is commendable that Islamic countries teach the Quran in their schools and encourage its recitation in educational and private gatherings. Those who learn the Quran also learn the Arabic language. It is also commendable that Arabic is the official language in Arab countries; it is the language of education and media. This reinforces the Arabic language among us, preserves it from extinction, and safeguards the Ummah of Islam, the Ummah of the Arabic Quran.
Our pride in the Arabic language and the emphasis on preserving it does not mean being hostile to other languages. The human heritage has been written in various languages, and we are required to engage with the cultures of others for many reasons. Our righteous predecessors did the same; they explored contemporary languages and benefited from the knowledge and culture contained within them, as long as it did not contradict the teachings of the Quran and the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
They also communicated with various peoples in their languages to convey the message of Allah. Similarly, we should today have some of us learn global languages to benefit and engage in dialogue, inviting others to Allah. We must not isolate ourselves or dissolve into others, but rather maintain our distinctive identity through the Arabic language, the language of Islam and the Quran.
Official institutions have made efforts in this regard, as mentioned, but it is also our responsibility to contribute to reinforcing the Arabic language among our children and within our homes. This can be achieved by teaching them the Quran, reciting it at home, participating in Quran learning centers, and encouraging their involvement in competitions organized to promote classical poetry, public speaking, and all activities that rely on the use of standard Arabic.
Indeed, a language through which the Lord of Glory, Blessed and Exalted, Spoke to us, and with which His Best of creation, Muhammad (PBUH) addressed us, and that was spoken by the best generations and written by the finest authors... a language that connects our present to our past and unites Islamic peoples across the globe today... a language with such significance is truly worthy of our preservation, pride, and dissemination among people.
May peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, the eloquent Arab who was granted the comprehensive expression, and whose speech was made succinct. May peace be upon him, his family, and companions. All praise is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds.
