Do you know that ninety percent of the world’s Muslims do not speak Arabic as their native language? Yet in daily prayers, when reading the Qur’an, or even in simple conversations with each other, Arabic rolls off any Muslim’s tongue readily. It may be broken or heavily accented, but most Muslims make the attempt to speak and understand at least some Arabic.
Why is Arabic so important to understanding the faith of Islam?
Regardless of their linguistic, cultural, and racial differences, Muslims form one community of believers. This community is based on their shared faith in One Almighty God, and the guidance He has sent down to mankind. His final revelation to mankind, the Qur’an, was sent over 1400 years ago in the Arabic language. Arabic thus serves as a common language among this diverse community of believers.
The original Arabic text of the Qur’an has been preserved from the time of its revelation. Translations have been done into various languages, but they all refer back to the original Arabic. In order to fully understand the magnificent words of their Lord, Muslims make every attempt to understand the rich and poetic classical Arabic language.
Since understanding Arabic is so important, most Muslims try to learn at least the basics. Many pursue further study to understand the full text of the Qur’an in its original.
Have you read the Quoran in Arabic or was it in your native language? Share your comments in the boxes below!