I think it is important to realise the importance of learning the Arabic Language for every Muslim. Arabic is the key to truly understanding islaam, and the conduit by which we receive guidance from our Lord. I have been teaching Arabic for many years now, and have seen people who have taken up the task of learning the language of Qur’aan and Sunnah, and have, after dedicating themselves to the language, have progressed a lot and benefitted greatly. There have been a few who have tried to dedicate themselves, but maybe lacked the time or dedication to really progress, and there are many who have not yet dedicated themselves to this cause.
Allaah has mentioned many times in the Qur’aan the virtue of studying His religion, and has highlighted Arabic as being the chosen language. Allaah said in the Qur’aan:
“أ فلا يتدبرون القرآن أم على قلوب أقفالها”
“Do they not contemplate the Qur’aan, or are their hearts locked up?!”
True contemplation of the Qur’aan can only be done in the original Arabic medium, and no amount of translation can fulfil the full meanings of the verses of the Qur’aan.
One of the blessings of Allaah is that He chose Arabic as the language of Islam. I have come across a YouTube clip by a non-Muslim (May Allaah guide him and his family to Islam) where he has taken it upon himself to learn Arabic. I felt it important to share his views about Arabic as a means of encouragement for all to learn Arabic and Islam, to better themselves as individuals, and to know that if a non-Muslim can learn, why cant we.
Another example of the power of the Arabic language…
This same person has expressed his experiences learning Arabic. Although I dont agree with all the advice given from an islamic perspective (i.e. If a person wanted to learn Arabic for religious reasons wouldn't really find all of his advice 100% applicable) I will comment below the next clip.
I really commend this guys efforts in learning Arabic and also for his interest in Islam (and I ask Allaah to make that interest develop into his acceptance of Islam), however I would like to emphasise that the route he took to learn arabic is a typical western approach to just learn the language. I am not saying that there is anything wrong in that approach, but what I am saying is that that approach would not necessarily be beneficial to a muslim who wants to learn arabic for religious purposes. Programs like ‘Rosetter Stone’ and the ‘Pimsluer Method’ are good methods at learning any language, including arabic, but the authors of those programs did not have Islam in mind nor ‘Classical Fus.hah’ Arabic. I have looked at both Rosetter Stone and I have the Pimsleurs Arabic program, and both of them teach modern arabic, not classical arabic. What we call ‘aamiyyah’ or the way Arabs today speak. Although it would generally help to give one some knowledge of Arabic (as half of something is better than nothing at all) it wouldn't be a method that I would advise if other options are readily available. The Pimsleur’s Arabic Program from the beginning has words that are clearly ‘colloquial’, and not Fus.hah. Rosetter Stone, when I was just flicking through had even grammatical errors. Errors that would not affect the modern use of Arabic, but for one who wishes to study Islam, then it was a big mistake.
But what want needs to take from the above clips is the fact that with time and dedication, one can easily learn Arabic and attain a good level while never stepping foot in a Muslim Country. One could even learn Arabic without even being Muslim, not being exposed to the reading of the Qur’aan on a daily basis, and so on.
This was just some words of encouragement for all and advice. Keep at it, have patience with it and ask Allaah for help in attaining it.
Assalaamu alaikum
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