Question
If Islam is for all nations, why two of its most important elements ie{(Quran and Salah(prayers)} are this much dependant on the language of one particular nation ie Arabic?
Appreciate your advice!
Reply
It is true that the beauty and eloquence of the Qur’an can only be appreciated by a person who is well versed in the classical Arabic language, because such beauty and eloquence cannot be fully translated in any other language. However, appreciation of beauty and eloquence of the Qur’an is one thing and understanding the message of the Qur’an through its translations in another language is quite another thing. Even though it is true for that the former cannot be translated, it is equally true for the latter to be easily communicable in any language of the world.
As for Sala’h(prayesrs), it should be kept in mind that only a very small part of the readings in it is fixed and prescribed to be offered in the Arabic language. The readings in most of the other parts of Sala’h are neither fixed nor necessary to be offered in any one or the other language. A person may offer any prayers and supplications, in any language, during these parts of Sala’h(prayers). As a principle, only those readings in Sala’h, which are to be offered loudly in a congregational prayer are prescribed to be read in the Arabic language. The reason for this restriction, besides a few other points is the standardization of congregational Sala’h throughout the Muslim community of the world.
Keeping the foregoing explanation in mind, let us now take up your specific question. You ask:
If Islam is for all nations, why two important elements of it (Quran – Salat) are this much dependant on the language of one particular nation?
If religious guidance was to be given through a human being living in a society, as was the method preferred by the All Wise, then as a corollary this religious guidance as well as any prescribed religious practices were bound to be in the language which that particular prophet and that particular community spoke and understood.
Nevertheless, the important thing to note is that neither the message of Islam nor the concepts and spirit entailed in its practices is limited to any one or the other society. The message as well as the spirit can be fully conveyed in all languages of the world and to all people living in it.
We hope this helps.
Regards,
UIUK team
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