Lost in Translation
By: Rather Quiet
Tags: Learn Arabic, Issue 04, Muslim Literature, Muslim Writer, Language Learning

By Suresh and Zakwan

Art by Hagar Ehab

English by far takes the numero uno spot for the most widely spoken lingua-franca in the world, and since you’re reading this, you already speak it. If you already speak a language that goes a further distance than you probably ever will in your wildest travels (let’s just admit it, fellow Muslim kids), do you really need to learn other languages? English and American tourists have long proved the phenomenon that, in the rare circumstance that you should find yourself surrounded by a bunch of non-English speakers, speaking louder will result in their eventual understanding of your demands. Or, well, at least you do get your way in the end.

You can convince yourself that you don’t need any Swalhili, Spanish, Hindustani or Mandarin to get by around most of the world. I don’t agree, but I’ll grant it to you; being monolingual is not ideal but I suppose it works for a lot of people. But if you extrapolate this misconception to say that Muslims don’t need the Arabic langauge to understand Islam, I’m going to have to stop you there.

In the easiest way I can put it, trying to maintain a deep connection with Islam without Arabic is like watching a sitcom without the awkward pauses and laughter tracks, like watching a horror film without the dramatic music, or reading a manga without the thirty support characters: manifestly incomplete. Shocking? Tempted to whack my head with your ten-volume collection of Ibn Katheer English translations? Allow me to explain myself. What’s the deal with Arabic?

Chosen by Allah (ﷻ)

We’re always quick to appreciate specificity in the creations of Allah — particularly when we find it to have scientific significance, like the distance of the earth from the sun, the balance of gasses in the atmosphere, etc. ‘Such perfection can only come from the deliberate creation of Allah,’ we enthusiastically tell our non-Muslim friends. And yet, Arabic, the deliberate selection of Allah to reveal the Quran in, we don’t give it the same importance. No, Allah (ﷻ) chose this language for a reason, it just doesn’t do it to disregard the importance of it.

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.”

Quran, 12:2

This language we can all learn to understand; a bit indolent to give up before you start, isn’t it?

The language of Quran

To truly appreciate the Quran, its subtleties and meanings you need the Arabic language, but why? Many reasons, here I’ll mention only one, but there are so, so many more.

Root words: Majority of the words in the Arabic language derive from root words, understanding the relation between two words that share the same roots opens your eyes to deeper meanings you’d completely miss in a translation. On the surface two words look completely different, رحم rahim translates to womb. Can you guess what رحمة rahma means? It means mercy. The connection between the two words, one is a cradle of mercy and the other is the metaphysical concept of mercy. This not only assists in the reading of the Quran but also memorisation.

“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?”

Quran, 54:17

Islamic teachings

The vast majority of Islamic text is in Arabic. This includes more than the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) the sunnah, and ahadeeth but also refers to the treasure trove of Islamic literature that came from our Golden Age scholars. You can read English translations for sure, but the eloquence of classical Arabic when translated to English cannot help but sound stiffer than the stick your mom threatened you with as a child. Classical Arabic sounds strange and stiff in every language, only in its own skin does it shine.

“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”

Quran, 38:29

Increase in devotion

When one doesn’t understand the very words they are saying, it’s impossible to form a connection with their own speech much less a connection with the one being addressed. Think of prayer, of all the mustahabb duas you’ve memorized — are you really content with reading translations after making dua? Why not understand the words you speak?

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?”

Quran, 4:24

Avoid misconceptions

When you understand Arabic, the language of Quran, you can quickly eliminate any misconceptions and incorrect facts, especially about your religion. This has become extremely common, as many like to use the Quranic verses out of context, or state incorrect facts about our religion or provide sub-standard interpretations. This issue can be quickly resolved by having your own, true deep understanding of both your religion and the Quran. This matter is very important, especially since a lot of people have come to rely on translated versions of the Quran and other Islamic teachings, making themselves prone to being denied the real teachings and meaning of Islam, due to one’s inability to directly communicate with the Quran (without a translator/translation).

Bonus: Improves cognitive ability

It’s common knowledge that Arabic is among the top 10 most widely spoken first-language in the world (fifth place, actually!); learning this language can only open doors even as far as dunya is concerned. 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 greater critical thinking abilities, are better communicators and have sharper memories. This is especially significant to those of us who sleep through class who’re done with school and are no longer obligated to read and learn. Moreover, learning Arabic will open the gates to Islamic culture and further your knowledge, providing you with a more global and intercultural understanding.

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

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

(‘Shu’ab El-Eman’, Al-Baihaqi)