Learn the language of the Qur’an

For many of us, English is not our first language. Yet we are fluent in it because we sacrifice nearly two decades in school to acquire a degree and earn. Arabic was the language of Nabi ﷺ. Learning Arabic allows us to understand the words of the Qur’an and appreciate its depth. But little importance is attached to learning Arabic, because it won’t benefit us from a worldly perspective as much as English. We are now in a situation where non-English people can speak English fluently, more so than their first language, yet complain that they cannot understand the Qur’an. We claim to have no time to learn Arabic or Islam in general. In reality, we have the time but not enough concern, to invest our time in studying Deen.  

The pious people of the past were visibly shaken and attentive when the Qur’an was recited, for they understood. Allah had blessed Imam Shafiee (RA) with a beautiful voice. When he would lead Salah and begin reciting, the people behind him would burst into tears. Some would cry uncontrollably. Abdullah ibn Masud (RA) narrates that Nabi ﷺ said to me, “Recite (the Qur’an) to me.” I said, “O Messenger of Allah! Shall I read the Qur’an to you though it was sent down to you?” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes, I like listening to the Qur’an from others.” Ibn Mas’ud started to read. When he came to the verse, “How then (will it be) if We brought from each nation a witness, and We brought you (O Muhammad ﷺ) as a witness against these people?” Nabi ﷺ said, “That is enough for now.” At that moment, tears were coming down from his eyes (Recorded in Bukhari, Baab Fadaailul Qur’an).

It is vital for us all to make an effort to learn the meaning of the Qur’an. When a verse is explained to us, at the minimum, internalise that this is the word of Allah. It is the speech of our Creator, a book of guidance for all, and a loyal companion in times of turmoil. Take it seriously. The greatness and awe of the Qur’an should be present in our hearts and then manifested in our lives. Recognise that my Allah is saying this to me, how must I respond? Many of us are in a rat race where we are constantly raising our standards of living. Give some concern to your hereafter and raise your standards before Allah. The first step in doing so, is to understand Him and His commands. Actions should then follow. May Allah grant us all the understanding, aameen.

— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه

The above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 1/10/19 in Beatrice St Musallah, Durban. To listen to the full majlis, please click here.