Alhumdullilah over the years I have been blessed to have the opportunity to spend time studying part time Arabic courses and attended lectures where the speakers have really explored the wonders of the Arabic language.
As I have had more and more exposure, the more and more I have been convinced that the Arabic language is so eloquent and deep in meaning than most other languages and it is very difficult if not impossible to completely articulate the Arabic language with the context and feeling that the language portrays. It is a language so rich that you just can’t put a price on it!
It has also convinced me even further that in order to really appreciate the words of Allah SWT in the Holy Qur’an it is important that we try to improve our understanding of Arabic throughout our life.
One example of this is at the beginning of Surah Maryam where prophet Zakaria (AS) justifies his request to Allah SWT:
Now when I attended a seminar which was exploring Surah Maryam, I was perplexed as to why the word ‘Hadiyah’ was not used in Prophet Zakaria (AS)'s request to be gifted a son which as far as I was aware was the common term for gift in arabic. When asking the Shaykh at the lecture he had explained that the word ‘Hiba’ was used instead, and it has been purposely used as hiba is used for a gift which only Allah SWT can give us. SubhanAllah a word so short in length but has such great depth in meaning.
With the use of this word, it further highlights the blessing of children that they are not just a production by a man and woman but is in fact a gift directly from Allah (SWT) further emphasising how we should appreciate them and take care of them to the best of our ability and with the utmost sincerity.
Another example which I have recently learnt is based on a very common phrase in Arabic for asking where someone is from:
Now I feel that there are two levels of understanding to this, there is a literal English translation for this term which is ‘where are you from/where do you live’. However when looking deeper into the word Askun, it derives from the word sakin which means tranquillity or peace. And when taking this meaning into context essentially you are asking someone where is the place that they find peace and tranquillity.
When reflecting on this a little bit, it really highlights what a home should be like and how we should conduct ourselves among our family and friends. When we return home are we always in an angry state? Are we a source of tension for those at home? Or do we greet everyone in the house with a smile and really look after the needs of our loved home ensuring an atmosphere of happiness and peace.
These are just a couple of examples of how learning a little bit of Arabic has inspired me to feel closer to the Qur’an and insha Allah I would encourage everyone to try and spend some time to learn the Arabic language and even if we are able to take a fraction of it, insha Allah we will notice that it will make a world of a difference to how Islam affects our life.
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