* Encourages speaking of the language of the Qur’an at home, alongside native language
Lovers and speakers of the Arabic language on Sunday, 15th December, gathered at Mosadi Oluwa Islamic Centre, 4, Adeokun Street, Ekore bus stop, Oworonsoki, to commemorate the 2024 World Arabic Language Day, with a call on the Muslim faithful to speak Arabic at homes, alongside their native languages.
The annual event, put together by Ma’hdu Diraasaatul Qur’an Wal–Lugha, coincides with December 18, a day set aside by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate Arabic, one of the six official languages celebrated by the international body.
Speakers at the gathering observed that the benefits of learning and understanding Arabic are immeasurable, as it is the language of the Noble Qur’an, the religious book of over 2 billion Muslim faithful globally.
Speaking Arabic encourages good virtues, and moral standards propagated by Islam: Alabi
Ustadh Nasir Alabi, a lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, noted that the relevance of Arabic cannot be over-emphasised.
He said: “Arabic is important to our society because it is the language of Islam. By implication, a community in which Arabic thrives tends to exhibit core Islamic tenets. Therefore, when people in a community are versed in Arabic, they’re likely to uphold the virtues and moral standards propagated by Islam. The effect of that is the emergence of a sane society where everyone can live together in peace.”
Ustadh Alabi, who is also the Head Teacher at the the Centre for Islamic Re-Awakening, Lagos, affirmed that Arabic language can be used to propagate the will of Allah in many ways.
According to him, “Arabic as a universal language can be used to propagate the will of Allah in various ways. One is the teaching of the Qur’an. The Qur’an, a book revealed by Allah to His Prophet (SAW) in 700 A.D. contains the instructions for mankind. It was revealed in Arabic, compiled in Arabic, and transmitted through generations in its original Arabic form. It teaches virtues, good character, and morals. Hence, by teaching children Arabic and sealing it with knowledge of the Qur’an, especially the Seerah aspects, we can achieve so much.
He urged Muslims across the globe to spice their relationship with Allah by attaching due importance to learning, understanding, and speaking Arabic.
“My message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe is that we should not limit Arabic to learning the Qur’an and basics of Islam only. The language is deeply rooted in the Deen, and we learn and understand it, the deeper our understanding of the Deen. Some scholars believe that the language is greatly embedded in Islam. So, we can aggrandise our relationship with Allah by furthering our study of Arabic to gain a deeper understanding of the Qur’an as revealed.”
Arabic bridges many gaps of communication: Sheikh Salman
Also, speaking at the event, the Deputy Registrar at YABATECH, Sheikh Sa’eed Salman, observed that for the Muslim faithful to ponder over the message of the Qur’an as Allah has instructed, there’s a need to understand the language.
“Allah (SWT) declared that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic so we could ponder over it. That was for a reason. Learning and understanding the language becomes our responsibility. The United Nations selected six globally spoken languages and picked a day in the year for the celebration of each of the languages.
“Arabic was one of the selected languages, and the 18th December of every year was picked for its celebration. Hence, as Muslims, we have to propagate that language. Almost every act of worship in Islam revolves around Arabic.”
Sheikh Salman, who is also the Mudir (Principal) of Madrasat Sahwatul Islamiyah, Iwaya, Lagos, disclosed that Arabic has bridged many gaps in communication.
“Moreover, Arabic is more than just a language of communication. It has bridged the civilisations of the world. There is almost no part of the world today, where you won’t find people who speak Arabic. As such, it makes it easy for one to navigate the world. We have to learn the language and impart its knowledge to others,” he noted.
Speaking further, Sheikh Salman disclosed that globalisation has proffered ample opportunities to teachers and speakers of Arabic.
“We can even achieve more now, with globalisation. You can reach out to a very large audience via social media. We should also speak in our homes, alongside our native languages. Arabic is our identity, and it is not good enough to find a Muslim who can’t express himself in Arabic. You don’t have to be a scholar of Arabic, but you should be able to make simple expressions in Arabic, no matter your field of endeavour.”
The versatile Muslim scholar urged Muslims from different walks of life to give due reverence to Arabic and render every form of support to its speakers and learners.
Encourage your children to speak Arabic, says parent
Hajia Aminah Oseni, a parent, sermonized that parents should encourage their children to learn Arabic and use it as a means of communication in homes, alongside native languages.
She said: “I believe, as parents, we should enrol our children in very good upright Arabic schools. We should also encourage our children by availing them of cartoons in Arabic and by buying books written in Arabic. Parents should also learn the language so that they can use it to communicate with children at intervals. We also motivate our children by giving them goodies for excelling in Arabic.”
Arabic, one of the oldest, most influential Semitic languages: Dr. Ibrahim
Earlier in his welcome address, Mudir of the Arabic and Islamic Studies Institute, Al-Imam (Dr) Ridwan Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to participants, including his teacher, Sheikh Saeed Salman for honouring him at this year’s World Arabic Language Day, considered to be one of the most prominent cultural occasions that celebrates the Arabic language.
He said, “It is a day that highlights the cultural and historical importance of the Arabic language, which is one of the oldest and most influential Semitic languages. The United Nations began officially designating this day in 2012, in recognition of the contributions of the Arabic language to enriching human civilization.
Dr. Ibrahim highlighted the duties of Muslims, in particular, on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, including a general announcement of its arrival so that adults and children know the existence of this day.
“Secondly, the continuous endeavour to strengthen the Arabic language from today onwards. Third, improving our ability to speak Arabic every day. Fourth, engaging with the Holy Qur’an daily is evidence of our love for the Arabic language Fifthly, we must be proficient in the Arabic language
“Outstanding listeners: Whoever loves Allah Almighty loves His Messenger Muhammad, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, and whoever loves His Messenger Muhammad loves the language of the Noble Qur’an, the Arabic language, a noble language in which the best book was revealed and the best creature spoke it.
“It is the vessel of religious sciences and relics of heritage. Knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet cannot be achieved without it, and their sciences and purposes cannot be understood without it I congratulate you all on the occasion of International Arabic Language Day. May Allah Almighty bless you, dear friends of Arabic. It is not just a language, but rather creativity and originality,” he added.
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