The Holy Quran is the Divine Word. It was revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAW) over the course of 23 years. Each chapter, verse, and, word of the Holy Book is meticulously crafted. It remains unchanged and unaltered for nearly 1,500 years.
This means we are reading the same words and verses by the Holy Prophet (SAW) and his blessed companions (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). It is a miracle, from the way it was revealed through Hazrat Jibrail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to its compilation and its preservation.
It is commonly said about the Holy Quran that the message is the miracle. To understand the Holy Quran it is necessary to know the language of the Quran. Allah (SWT) purposely chose the Arabic language to convey the most important and lasting message in the history of humanity.
Significance of the Arabic Language
Since there are billions of Muslims residing globally, you can find a great translation of the Holy Quran in nearly every major language spoken and used. While translations may be able to capture the meaning and context of the text, they fail to present the beauty of the text that is only apparent through the original language of the Holy Quran, that is, Arabic.
Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:
“Yet We know what they say: “It is only a man who instructs him.” The speech of the man they imply is obscure while this is clear Arabic.” [16:103]
The verse quoted above clearly shows that selecting Arabic was an intentional act. The decision is full of wisdom that we cannot fully grasp. Here is why Arabic is a special language and why Allah (SWT) selected it to reveal the Quran:
Arabic is a Semitic Language
Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran, is an ancient language. It is a Semitic language establishing its connection to all the Semitic nations that preceded Islam. In this respect, it provides continuity to the chain of revelations, much like how the Holy Prophet (SAW) provides continuity to the chain of prophethood that begins with Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
It is Beautiful
It is strange to call a language beautiful, but it is true for Arabic. Arabic is lyrical and sounds wonderful. It has a rhythmic quality. Even the script of the language looks like art. Read here to discover the immense beauty of the Holy Book.
Depth of Meaning
The Arabic language is tremendously complex. A single word in any language may have multiple Arabic variations, each suiting a specific context or situation. This depth makes the Arabic language much more effective in communicating difficult concepts. It encompasses unparalleled eloquence.
Easily Accessible
Despite being an ancient and highly complex language, Arabic was and remains a widely used and understood language. Allah (SWT) says:
“That We made it a distinctly lucid Qur’an that you may understand.” [43:3]
This verse highlights how Allah (SWT) wanted the Holy Quran to be widely understood. It was revealed to a nation in their language.
Ways to Learn Arabic
Since the Arabic language holds the true essence of the Holy Quran and its complete context, it becomes impossible to comprehend the meaning of the Holy Book fully without knowing the language. Fortunately, there are some excellent resources available for anyone wishing to learn the Arabic language.
Start Small
Begin by taking small steps. A good start is learning the basic Arabic alphabet along with the phonetic sounds and variations of each alphabet. Learn the shapes and since Arabic script is written in a unique manner and shapes of the alphabet change depending upon the word being written.
Take time on the basics so you can have a strong foundation to build upon. Once you learn the alphabet, you can move on to individual words, like ‘home’ or ‘ball’, and common phrases, like ‘hello’ or ‘sorry’.
Learn through Listening
Listening to how a language is spoken and used is an excellent way to learn. This is because it shows how the language is meant to sound like. When natives of a language speak you can pick out how they emphasize sound and certain words to communicate the right emotion.
This provides wonderful insights into the meaning of certain words and the structure and grammar of the language. It also encourages listeners to converse in Arabic themselves, initially through mimicking until they become confident in their ability to use the language.
Get Help
There are many regional variations in the Arabic language. Dozens of dialects exist and it can be difficult for beginners to know where to start. This is why it is better to get a tutor or someone to help you with learning Arabic.
As your goal is to better understand the Holy Quran, it is necessary you make this goal explicit to your teacher. This way they can provide you with the appropriate guidance.
It does not have to cost you much at all. Yes, you can get paid services, but free courses and online resources are available as well. Numerous YouTube channels give Arabic lessons for free. You can learn at your own pace through such services.
Getting the Message
The Holy Prophet (SAW) and his companions (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) did their part by compiling and preserving the Holy Quran for generations to come. Allah (SWT) has made His message clear in the verses and chapters of the Divine Revelation. We now must fully understand and ponder on the meaning behind the Message.
The Divine Wisdom we have been gifted with is the ultimate miracle of Allah (SWT) as we can witness it and learn from it till present. Despite being fifteen centuries old, the text remains relevant and current. It is just as useful and necessary now as it was all those years ago.
The least we can do is learn the Arabic language and decode the deep meaning of the Divine Message ourselves. Arabic is a wonderful tool that allows us to come closer to our Lord (SWT). We should strive to learn the language so we can better comprehend the Holy Quran and read it as it was meant to be read.
