The importance of mother tongue in Islam

Mother, mother tongue and motherland — these three words are absolutely emotional to all people. Mother tongue means the language of mother. All the countries of the world have their own languages. This language is the language of their mouth, the language of their mother, the language of their dreams and the language of their lives. Since one learns this language from their mother, its name has become mother tongue.

Significance of mother tongue in Islam

Allah has sent innumerable prophets and messengers to the world to bring man from darkness to the path of light. They preached in the language of their nation. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And I sent Messengers with the language of their people, so that they might make it clear.” (Surah Ibraaheem: 4)

The language of the community of Hazrat Musa (AS) was Ibrani (Hebrew). That is why the Torah was revealed in Hebrew. Unani was the language of the people of Hazrat Dawood (AS). That is why the book of Psalms (Zabur) has been revealed in Unani language. The language of the tribe of Hazrat Isa (AS) was Syriac. That is why the Gospel (Injil) was revealed in this language. The language of the ummah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was Arabic. That is why the Qur'an has been revealed in Arabic. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And it has been revealed to you in clear Arabic, through the Spirit of Allah (Gabriel), that you may be of those who warn.” (Surat ash-Shuara: 113-115)

Mother tongue is a matter of pride. Being proud of his mother tongue, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say, ‘My language is the most fluent among the Arabs. My language is more elegant and beautiful than yours. '(Al-Mujam: H. 2345)

This is because he himself explained, ‘I grew up in the Sadia tribe, which has the most elegant language in Arabia. I uttered my first word in their lap. That is why I have adopted the most eloquent language. '(Al-Badrul Munir fi Takhriil Ahadith: part. 8, page.281)

The Qur'an was revealed according to the language and pronunciation of the Quraysh. But Islam has given so much importance to linguistic regionalism and mother tongue that it has been allowed to recite the Qur'an in different reading styles in Arabia. For this reason, ‘Sat Kirat’ (seven recitations) is prevalent in the Qur'an. According to a hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘Surely the Quran has been revealed in seven letters or dialects. Therefore, recite it in the language which is easier for you. '(Bukhari: H. 4654)

Language is one of the best gifts of God. Allah says, ‘Merciful Allah! He taught the Qur'an, created the human soul. He taught him language and speech. '(Surah Ar-Rahman: 1-4)

Allah taught the language to the common people indirectly, with the help of others. But he taught the language to Adam, the original father of mankind, in a direct, unadulterated way. Allah says, ‘And Allah taught Adam the names of all things.’ (Surat al-Baqara: 31) In addition to the verbal method of expression, there is also the written method. That method is also taught by Allah. Allah says, ‘Read, Glory to your Lord, Who has taught with the pen.’ (Surah Al-Alaq: 3-4) It is noteworthy that nowhere in these verses is any particular language mentioned. That is why all the languages are the blessings of Allah. Even though human beings are the children of the original father Adam, just as there are differences in race, tone and tone of voice, there are also differences in language.

There is nothing wrong with learning another language in addition to the mother tongue if necessary. A foreign language can come in handy for a tourist. Apart from that, many pearls and gems of knowledge and science are also found in foreign languages. At present, the importance of English language for education, information and global communication is immense. And Islam has not discouraged this issue either. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) instructed Hazrat Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) to learn the Hebrew language of the jews.

The importance of mother tongue in the propagation of Islam is immense. Speech and eloquence have hypnotic power. There is an amazing ability to win someone's heart, to fascinate someone. A timeless speech is capable of bringing about a successful revolution. Therefore, Hazrat Musa (AS) has prayed for the removal of linguistic inertia in the propagation of religion. He said, 'O my Lord, make my chest wide and make my work easy.' He added, 'O my Lord, remove the dullness from my tongue so that they may understand My words.' (Surah Tb-ha) : 25-26)

The proper use of language has also been emphasized in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never used an impure word in his life. He himself said, ‘I am the most eloquent in Arabia. Other than that, I am a (pure-speaking) Quraysh descendant. '

One of the titles of the etiquette chapter in the famous hadith book 'Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah' is, In this verse, it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (R.), 'He used to call out the children if there was a linguistic error.' Once a companion of the Prophet (PBUH) greated him from outside the door and asked 'A-Aliju'? This word is used in Arabic which means something like 'to enter'. But the standard and literary word is, ‘a-adkhulu?’ The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked him to apply the latter word.