Focus on Arabic/Quran

written by Suleiman Anwar

My dear brothers and sisters, I do not wish to discourage you from studying and learning your deen. However, many of you are not learning in accordance with the opinions and ways of the classsical scholars. Many of you are learning by getting bits and pieces here and there. This is far from the correct approach.

I advise you brothers and sisters to spend time learning how to read the Quran in Arabic. You should also learn the Arabic language. Most of all, you should focus on acquiring the ability to read and understand what you are reading. This should be your priority.

There was a time (not too long ago) when students of knowledge and scholars of the ‘ajam (non-arabs) would communicate with one another only in Arabic. How sad it is that we communicate in a language other than the language of Islam.

Learning Arabic and the Quran (in Arabic) will also teach you discipline and sabr (endurance) which many of you young people lack these days.

Regarding the Quran, Allah says:
ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. (2:2)

The Quran will not have the place that it should have if you do not understand it in its language.

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? (47:24)
Then, Allah says:
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand. (12:2)
قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا غَيْرَ ذِي عِوَجٍ لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

An Arabic Quran, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may avoid all evil which Allah has ordered them to avoid, fear Him and keep their duty to Him. (39:28)

The Prophet (saaws) said: The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.

Do you think the Prophet (saaws) meant learning the Quran in a language other than Arabic?