Arabic (alarabiyaW@u; al-‘arabiyyah), is the most widely used Semitic language in the world. It is spoken by around 292 million people. Many people also use it as their second language.
Arabic has its own alphabet, written from left to right like Hebrew. It is the sixth official language of the United Nations because it is widely used around the globe.
Many Arabic dialects have emerged over the years, each with a different vocabulary and spelling. If you are looking to learn Arabic online, it is important to choose which of the three main dialects.
Quranic Arabic, or Classical Arabic – The language of the Quran was once the dialect of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), or Modern Written Arabic, is the Arabic language that is used in books, newspapers, radio and television, as well as in conversations between educated Arabs (e.g. at international conferences).
Local Arabic Dialects, also known as Local Colloquial Arabic, are dialects that each Arab nation has created for its people. They are used in every aspect of their daily lives. A Moroccan may have trouble understanding an Iraqi even though they speak the same language.
Learning Arabic language has many benefits. Here are some of the best to help you start your journey.
1. The Chosen Language of Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT), has chosen Arabic among all languages to be His final discovery to mankind. This is one of the greatest Benefits of learning Arabic. Muslims should learn Arabic because of this alone.
Certain, Allah Almighty could have revealed the Quran in any language, but He also could have done so in all languages. However, as He Himself said in the Holy Quran.
It is true that we have given it to you as an Arabic Quran1 in order for you to understand.
The Holy Quran (12:2]
This verse implies that Arabic is superior to all languages and can communicate the mysteries and subtleties of Allah’s words in a way that no other language can. These qualities have been conferred on Arabic by Allah (SWT), making it superior to all languages.
2. Learn the Quran and Sunnah
All Muslims must learn Arabic to understand the words and phrases of Allah Almighty, and His messenger, because Allah (SWT), the creator of the universe, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the best of Allah’s creations.
Even though the Quran is found in this world, it is not of this world. It is of the Lord of all the worlds. Allah, Most High declares:
This Book was revealed by Allah–the All-Wise, the Almighty.
The Holy Quran [39.1]
It is appropriate to ask how a Muslim can live in this world if he or she dedicates time to many things and does not have the time to study the Sunnah of His holy messenger (PBUH)? It is amazing how many people spend so much time, effort and money learning science in the world. But, they spend almost nothing learning the sciences of Islam.
If we truly knew who Allah is and His Messenger, then we wouldn’t hesitate to learn the language of The Book of Allah and His Messenger’s Sunnah. Although the Quran and Sunnah are rich in wealth and real Wealth, most of us prefer to be ignorant and poor for ever.
Did you know? You can use a learn arabic app to fully understand the language…
3. Quran Inimitability is a Proof of the Arabic Language
Many scholars believe that Quranic immiability is to be able to identify a few things within one’s own language. The science of Al-Balaaghah (eloquence/linguistics) has been specifically established to handle this specific dimension of the Quran.
This science shows in unambiguous terms that the holy Quran is the pinnacle in eloquence, and that its stylistic production is undisputed. The Quran’s stylistic elements can be appreciated as a sign that you have actually learned Arabic. Those who do not know Arabic will never be able to appreciate the beauty and elegance of the Quran. They will also not be able to see or understand the subtle mysteries hidden in the language’s depths.
4. The Key to Islamic Heritage
There is also a large and rich Islamic heritage, apart from the Quran, Sunnah, and Arabic translations. It is the legacy of the greatest minds in the world.
We would be unable to access almost 14 centuries of Islamic scholarship if we didn’t speak Arabic. These scholarships were created to benefit Islam and the Muslim community.
Many sciences emerged after Islam’s arrival with the sole purpose of explaining and preserving the primary Islamic sources. These sciences are still taught and studied in Islamic circles and organizations around the globe. The result is an ever-expanding legacy.
We would not be able to understand Islam today without the Muslim scholars from the past. Allah will reward them for their outstanding service to Islam, the Muslim community, and this is also one of the many benefits of learning Arabic language.
5. Understanding Islamic Sciences: An Essential Elements
Many Islamic sciences are directly derived from Arab linguistic sciences, as a number of the issues discussed here are linguistic. These issues can only be understood if one has a solid understanding of the Arabic linguistic sciences upon which they are built. These sciences include al Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), ‘Uloom alQuran (Quranic Science),’ Ilm al–Hadeeth (Islamic jurisprudence), and al-‘ Aqeedah.
Al-Tafseer, ‘Ilm al–Hadeeth, and al-Fiqh are all just an analysis of Quranic texts. Sunnah al–’ Aqeedah, on the other hand, is a extrapolation from a set beliefs from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
As you can see, each of these Islamic sciences involves an in-depth analysis of Arabic and an extensive investigation of Arabic where the Quran and Sunnah are.
6. All Muslims must learn Arabic
Umar ibn al–Khattab (Peace Be upon Him) said:
“Learn the Sunnah, Arabic and the Quran in Arabic. It is in Arabic.” He also spoke about the benefits of learning Arabic.
“Learn Arabic because it is part of your religious beliefs. Learn how to divide the estate of the deceased (al-Faraa’ id), as it is part of your faith.
According to Imam al-Shafi, he claimed that he studied Arabic twenty years ago (from his pure sources), in order to comprehend the Qur’an.
Researchers claim that all Muslims should learn Arabic, as the Quran or Sunnah cannot be understood without it.
Grammatical errors were never a part of the Messenger of Allah’s speech. If you reported from him and made grammatical errors, you might have lied to his name.
7. Increase sincerity when worshipping Allah (SWT).
Knowing the Arabic language can make our devotion to Allah (SWT), and praise, a lot more meaningful. This is especially true when performing the Salat, listening to and reciting the Quran, making Duaa and other activities. Knowing Arabic is a way to avoid the need for an interpreter or conciliator between Allah Almighty, us, and Arabic. Arabic allows us to comprehend the Quran’s and prophets’ words firsthand.
The Quran’s meaning is not just its literal meaning, but its relationship to the particular formulation it was written. This means that no matter how close a translation may be to the Quran’s actual meaning, it does not make up the Quran. It is the divine, uncreated speech and words of Allah.
A translation is, at best, nothing more than a human approximation to what the Koran suggests. It cannot change the infinite speech of Allah (SWT) and it is therefore limited. Allah Almighty says:
“If the ocean were ink to write the Words of My Lord, it would run out before they were written, even if We filled it with an equal.”
The Holy Quran [18.109]
Furthermore, depending on a translation (which is in itself deficient since it is only an approximation to Allah’s Divine Discourse), means that one will never be able to experience the full effect of the present formulation. This formula contributes to the Quran’s unique richness and eloquence.
It’s not the translation that makes men cry, but the Quran with all its elegance and moving meanings.
8. Translations of Quranic and Islamic Scripts into Other Languages are often misinterpreted
Another reason Muslims should learn Arabic is the annoying nature of translations. Many of the Islamic heritage that Muslims have to offer is not accessible to them. This will be true for many years to come.
The same goes for translations. These include gross misinterpretation and poor quality translations.
9. Arabic Language is a Channel of Islamic Culture
The Arabic Language is a channel for culture with an indelible impact on its speakers. Arabic, being an avenue of Islamic culture, has a positive Islamic impact on its speakers.
It is clear that the Koran, the prophetic Sunnah and other Arabic texts have left an indelible mark on Arabic. They are also responsible for the fact that Arabic has remained virtually unchanged for fourteen centuries.
10. The Western World is seeing an increase in demand for Arabic-speakers
Learning Arabic is also beneficial in business and economic fields. Although Arabic is the most widely spoken language in the world, only a handful of people can speak it.
You have a unique skill that will make you stand out and open up many opportunities for work and service. You could work as an Arabic translator in the federal government, or in the economic sector. Many west-based corporations are involved in business dealings with the Middle East, where Arabic is an advantage.