The first revelation of Quran to Muhammad SAWW was:

“Read: Read in the name of your Lord who created (Quran, 96: 1)

Importance of learning is also emphasized by following Hadith:

“Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people” (Al’Tirmidhi, Hadith 107)

According to another Hadith; Prophet SAWW said:

“One who walks a way to gain knowledge has his way to Jannah made easy by Allah SWT” (Riyadh us Saleheen; 245)

Every language has its own significance but Arabic is particularly very important for Muslims around the globe. It might not be the official language of every Islamic country but it is equally significant for each and every Muslim regardless. Therefore, it is only natural that a Muslim should learn Arabic at some point in time. Some convincing reasons to learn Arabic as a Muslim are:

Language of Quran

Allah, the Almighty and Wise, has selected and pulled out Arabic from all the languages of the world to be the medium for His final Revelation to the whole of humanity. This should be enough reason for Muslims to learn Arabic. Certainly, Allah could have revealed the Qur’an in any language but He Himself states in the Holy Qur’an:

“Verily, we sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an in order that you may understand”.

To be a Better Muslim

Hazrat Umar R.A also said:

“Learn the Sunnah and learn Arabic; learn the Qur’an in Arabic for it is in Arabic”.

He also said:

“Learn Arabic for it is part of your Religion and learn how the estate of the deceased should be divided (al-Faraa’id) for these are part of your Religion”.

Imam al-Shafi‘iyy is reported to have said that he studied Arabic for twenty years (from its pure sources) in order to understand the Qur’an. Some scholars also uphold that learning Arabic is compulsory on every Muslim. The reason behind this is learning Quran is compulsory on every muslim man and woman since to understand the Quran one needs to understand Arabic so learning Arabic is also a compulsion.

Avoid being deceived or deviated from Truth

Many problems emerge from translations of the Holy Quran. It can be complete misinterpretation to poor quality and sub-standard translation. This is another reason why Muslims should learn Arabic. It was said by the Holy Prophet (SAW) that Islam will break down into different sects. This saying has come to pass as more and more of Muslims depend on translated versions of the Quran, making them vulnerable to being deprived of the real meaning and teachings of Islam as they are unable to correspond directly with the Quran without an intermediary party (translator). When a person learns Arabic, the language of Quran, one can easily remove any misconceptions and incorrect facts by having their own, true deep understanding of both religion and the Holy Quran.

Language of Shari’ah

Along with the language of Qur’an and Sunnah, Arabic is also the language of our respected Islamic law (As-Shari’ah), so when we learn it, we are not being a nationalist or racist rather we are proudly defending the language of our religion i.e. Islam.

Improves cognitive ability

It is doubtless that learning a new language directly benefits your cognitive abilities, especially your memory. There have been various studies that have found that those who are bilingual or multilingual have better critical thinking abilities, are effective communicators and have strong memories. In addition to that, learning Arabic will allow to explore the Islamic culture and further your knowledge, providing you with a more global and intercultural understanding.

Imam Baihaqi (May Allah have mercy on him) narrates that Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

“Learn Arabic for it strengthens the mind and enhances chivalry.