Learn Arabic, Speak Arabic

One of the reported instructions ‘Umar wrote to Abû Mûsâ Al-Ash’arî 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 Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.6 p126.

It is reported that he said, “Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s noble conduct (al-murû`ah).”

Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân 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 churches on their festivals, for indeed wrath descends upon them.”

‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf 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.”

‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.5 p496.

It is reported that Ubay b. Ka’b – Allâh be pleased with him – said, “Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurân.”

Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.7 p150.

It is reported that Ibn ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with them – used to hit his children for making language errors.

Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.9 p292.

It is reported that Shu’bah – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence.”

Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.4 p303.

It is reported that ‘Attâ b. Abî Rabâh – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “I wish I were fluent in Arabic,” when he was ninety years old.

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of ‘Attâ b. Abî Rabâh.

It is reported that Ibn Shubrumah – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “Men have never worn a garment more beautiful than Arabic.”

Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p197.

More:

  1. Sunnah, Bid’ah and Arabic
  2. Food for Thought, not for Stomachs
  3. Studying Manners
  4. How the Salaf studied the Quran
  5. Be with the Carriers of Books
  6. Ask Allah a Lasting Faith
  7. The Three Men and the Valley [example of the munafiq]

October 4, 2008

Topics: knowledge, Quran

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6 Responses to “Learn Arabic, Speak Arabic”

  1. Ummu Sakeenah on September 22, 2009 20:50

    Akhee, jazaakallaahu khairal-jazaa'.
    I was wondering if it's possible to include the Hijree date on the website.
    Also, there's the use of "Al" along with the sun letters, such as "Al-Dhahabi", instead of "Adh-Dhahabi".
    Baarakallaahu Feek.

  2. Owais Al-Hashimi on September 23, 2009 01:01

    Barakallahu feekum, Jazakumullahi khayran for the suggestions. Hijri dates now added to posts. This was overlooked previously. As for the sun and moon letters always with ‘Al’, this is just a convention I’ve followed for brevity and speed; but will think about reviewing this.

  3. Abu Umar Shihabudeen on July 17, 2010 23:23

    AssalamuAlaikkum

    Barakkallallahu feekum,

    If you include the Arabic Text with all of your Articles/Quoting of Salaf. or do the website as bilingual …that is very beneficial

  4. Akhtar on May 11, 2011 01:37

    Bismillah-As-Salaamu 'alaikum.__I'm a bit confused about these narrations as Allah Says in the Qur'an 30:22 that "among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge". Also i have read that the Messenger {s.a.w} ordered some of his sahabah to learn different languages for da'wah purposes. The Qur'an and Islamic literature is also translated into different languages. I have heard that at the moment the Qur'an is being translated into sanskrit. Could you please elaborate? Was-Salaam.

  5. Abu Anas on May 12, 2011 13:55

    Bismillah, Alhamdulillah,

    Please I came across the quotation below attributed to Abu Bakr As-Sideeq and would like to know if anyone knows if it is authentic or not. I would be most grateful to have a reference for the answer.

    "Your religion is your future and your money is your livelihood; there is no good in a man with no money in his name."

    Jazakaumullahu khayra.

  6. Faraz on August 1, 2011 13:00

    AsSalamuAlikum

    I do not know about the authenticity of that quote but as we all know our messenger(SAWS) was poor, months would pass and nothing would be cooked in his house and we also read about many poor sahabah like the one who had nothing to marry except quranic verses and they were all good. May Allah guide us all.