The Arabic Language (Part 2)

The brave and inspired man who dared to challenge the wayward Bedouin Arabs was Muhammad Ibn `Abd Allāh Ibn `Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet of Islam. Muslims believe that Muhammad was inspired with the Qur’an by God (Allah) and used as a vehicle to challenge the pre-Islamic Arabs regarding their habits and behaviour during those days of ignorance – termed Jahiliyya in Arabic. Idolatry, absolute debauchery and lawlessness were the norm in Pre-Islamic Arabia and it would have been senseless to try and reason with the people who were content in their lifestyles and practises.

The Qur’an, a miracle, was the only means capable of challenging their beliefs. Revealed in a style far superior to anything the poets of the time could devise, it could only have been divine in nature.

The Qur’an; a challenge to the misguided Arabs

Classical Arabic, the language of the Qur’an derived its supremacy from the fact that it had its own unique literary form; it could not be categorised into either of the forms of prose or poetry which were the norm amongst the language and dialects of the Arabs at the time. This perplexed the literary masters and they valiantly attempted to prove that the Qur’an couldn’t possibly be inimitable. God responded by stating: 

“Or do they say, “He (Prophet Muhammad) fabricated the (Message)”? Nay, they have no faith! Let them then produce a recital like unto it, – If (it be) they speak the truth!” The Qur’an (52: 33-34)

 

Despite attempts to brand the divine messages as fraud, the language of the Qur’an stands firm in its authority using language which:

> Is eloquent and persuasive
> Has the most perfect combination of words and expressions
> Is highly accurate in its meanings
> Uses a wide and appropriate selection of pronouns and rhetoric
> Has a perfect balance between style, structure and meaning

 

The influence of the Qur’an on the Arabic Language 

The Qur’an has had an immense impact on the Arabic language in a number of ways. Although forms of Arabic were already spoken by Arab tribes it helped to unify dialects and was established as the language of education. Used in royal courts and government administration, the language of the Qur’an also helped to develop areas such as the judiciary, economics, the sciences and day to day codes of conduct and behaviour. Grammarians dedicated their work to establishing principles and grammatical rules to protect the language from changes and error.

 

The Qur’an, a miracle inspired by God and preserved for over 1400 years, promoted the development of Arabic linguistics. The beauty and profoundness of its message can reduce grown men to tears. It’s no wonder that my senses; sound, sight and feeling have been inexplicably spellbound by the wonder of the Arabic language.

 

So how did Modern Standard Arabic and the range of Arabic dialects come about? Why haven’t we stuck to this beautiful and phenomenal language for everyday use?

I’ll finish off in part 3….

 

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