{"_id":"668da05f0b76658b4c23356b","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Is Arabic and Arab culture superior to other languages and cultures?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Is the Arabic language religiously superior than other languages? Or are Arabic terms religiously superiority compared to non-Arabic ones?\\n\\nI will say the equivalent of Alhamdulillah and SubhanAllah in my native language because that is what I’m used to. The meaning of the words is the same, and it’s not being used in prayer. But, I have been harassed by some Arab Muslims who say that what I’m doing is not good in the sight of Allah, or at least not as good as the Arabic. I feel confused. \\n\\nMost of the people I meet are kind and do not have this mindset. However, I see many Muslims who treat Arab things as being above other cultures, even for things outside of prayer. Many non-Arab cultures have Islamic teachings steeped into them and most Muslims globally are not Arab. Islam is more important than culture, but my understanding is that all cultures or cultural practices are fine as long as they don’t violate Islam.\\n\\nIf that’s true, then why do so many Muslims (including non-Arabs) treat Arabic and Arab culture as better? Are there valid Islamic reasons to do so?\\n\\nI sometimes don’t even feel “Muslim enough” because I am not Arab and don’t speak Arabic. I’ve always been Muslim. I understand the need for Arabic in understanding the Quran and even in sometimes making du’a, but beyond that, I don’t understand where this mindset comes from.\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Islam is Universal\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nThe most significant distinction between Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and all preceding prophets lies in the universal nature of his message. Unlike previous prophets who were sent to specific groups and eras, Muhammad ﷺ was commissioned to deliver his message to all of humanity. His revelation stands as the final guidance, applicable for all future generations until the end of human existence on earth. Allah ﷻ conveys to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ his mission:\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Nor did We send you, [O Muhammad], but as a mercy to all worlds of beings.\\\" [\"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/21/107\",\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"21:107\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"] \"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nThis verse highlights the universal scope of his mission. The subsequent verse emphasizes the universality of his message: \\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Say, 'I am but inspired that your god is One God; so will you submit to Him?'\\\" [\"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/21/108\",\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"21:108\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"]\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nProphet Muhammad ﷺ himself affirmed: \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Every prophet was sent to his own people, but I have been sent to all of mankind.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\" [\"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://sunnah.com/bukhari:438\"},\"insert\":\"Bukhari\"},{\"insert\":\"] Therefore, Islam embodies a universal message, transcending boundaries of people, time, and place.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Religion and Culture\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nReligion and culture are distinct entities. While Islam, as a religion, encompasses universal beliefs and values aimed at uplifting humanity, culture varies among different groups. Islam's mission is not to eradicate indigenous cultures and impose an Arab-centric one; rather, it treats every culture similarly to how it addressed Arabian culture—seeking to purify it of unacceptable traits while affirming and enhancing positive aspects. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ articulated his mission as one of refining human character, not spreading Arabic culture. The prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Indeed I have been commissioned to refine good human character.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nHe began his mission within the context of Arabian culture, addressing negative practices such as blind adherence to tradition, toxic tribalism, injustices towards women, a lack of concern for the weak. Jafar ibn Abi Talib eloquently conveyed Islam's universal message before the King of Habasha, highlighting its transformative impact on Arabian society and emphasizing its applicability to all nations. This speech reflects the essence of Islam's universality and its appeal beyond cultural boundaries.\\n\\nHere's the full speech for reference:\"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"O King, our community was once engulfed in ignorance and moral decay, worshipping idols, consuming carrion, and committing various abominations. We disregarded familial bonds, mistreated guests, and allowed the strong to exploit the weak. However, our situation changed when God sent us a Prophet from among our own people. His lineage, integrity, and honesty were well-known to us. He called us to worship God alone, forsaking the idols of our forefathers. He enjoined truthfulness, honoring commitments, kindness to relatives, and generosity to neighbors. He prohibited all forms of wrongdoing, bloodshed, obscenities, and false testimony. He commanded us to protect the rights of orphans and to refrain from slandering virtuous women. He emphasized monotheism, prayer, charity, and fasting during Ramadan. We embraced his message wholeheartedly, believing in his divine mission and adhering to his teachings. In response, our people subjected us to severe persecution, aiming to force us to abandon our faith and revert to our former immorality and idolatry. They oppressed us, making life unbearable and obstructing our religious practices. Thus, we sought refuge in your land, choosing your protection and aspiring to live in justice and peace under your rule.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nThroughout history, Islam spread not by force but by its intrinsic universality and relevance to humanity. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ and subsequent generations understood this, refraining from imposing Arabization on other peoples. Instead, Islam adapted to local cultures while maintaining its core principles. Hence, across the Muslim world, while core Islamic values remain consistent, cultural expressions may vary, akin to various smartphone themes, each unique yet built upon the same underlying components.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Superiority of Arabian Culture\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nIslam's universal appeal transcends specific nations or ethnic groups, making it inherently detached from any singular cultural identity or notion of superiority. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, keenly aware of this, took proactive measures to prevent any future Arab-centric ideologies. He unequivocally proclaimed the equality of all individuals, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. The prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in his final sermon: \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"All humans are descendants of Adam and Eve. An Arab holds no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab hold superiority over an Arab; likewise, a white person holds no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person hold superiority over a white person, except through righteousness and good deeds. Understand that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim, and the Muslim community forms a singular brotherhood. No Muslim has a rightful claim over the belongings of another Muslim, except through voluntary consent.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nWhile Islam originated in an Arabian context, its essence is open to all who embrace its teachings, unaffected by ethnic affiliation. The Prophet foresaw the potential complacency of the Arabs and cautioned against relying solely on their Arab identity for spiritual merit. This prophecy came to pass as non-Arabs later excelled and surpassed their Arab counterparts in various fields.\\n\\nA poignant example of this inclusivity is seen in Imam Bukhari, a non-Arab from Uzbekistan, whose Sahih collection is the second most authoritative book in Islam after the Quran. Similarly, Sibawayh, a Persian scholar, is renowned as the preeminent authority on the Arabic language, highlighting the diverse contributions of non-Arabs to Islamic scholarship across various disciplines.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Importance of The Arabic Language\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nAllah ﷻ selected Arabia as the backdrop for the final revelation to humanity, both in setting and language. Therefore, Islam will forever remain intertwined with the Arabic language; it cannot be separated from it. The Quran, as the expression of Divine Speech, can only exist in Arabic; it cannot be expressed in any other language. Similarly, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are inherently linked to Arabic. Thus, the primary obstacle for non-Arab scholars is acquiring proficiency in Arabic. However, historically, this has not posed a significant challenge.\\n\\nEarly on, non-Arab scholars, particularly Persians, not only mastered Arabic but also were at the forefront of various disciplines related to it, such as grammar, morphology, rhetoric, and philosophy. They recognized that to fully comprehend Islam, one must delve into the history, poetry, and culture of the Arabs. They understood that Islam did not emerge in a vacuum, therefore it is impossible for it to be understood in a vacuum. Hence, the Arabian context is inherently necessary for understanding Islam.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Minimum Arabic Required\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nThat being said, it's not obligatory for the average Muslim to achieve fluency in Arabic to comprehend Islam's teachings. However, there's a communal responsibility to ensure an adequate number of scholars who can effectively convey Islamic teachings to the people in a language they understand. Therefore, it's necessary for the average Muslim to learn enough to perform their prayers. Memorizing the first chapter of the Quran, al-Fatiha, is essential, as it's the minimum requirement for prayer. Undoubtedly, every Muslim should aspire to read the Quran independently in Arabic. \\n\\nWhile learning Arabic is beneficial, it's not an individual obligation. There's no obligation for individuals to express Islamic phrases exclusively in Arabic, especially for non-Arabic speakers who may not feel the same emotional impact from Arabic words as they do from their native language. Words can deeply affect native speakers in ways that non-native speakers may not fully comprehend, extending beyond mere dictionary definitions. The emotional resonance of words can be profound, as seen in the immense impact of the Quran on Arabs, even among those initially opposed to it. Therefore, using equivalents of Islamic phrases like \\\"al-Hamdulillah\\\" and \\\"Subhan Allah,\\\" as well as supplications, in one's native language is completely acceptable.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Harassment and Alienation of non-Arabs\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nIt is utterly unacceptable for any Muslim to be marginalized or made to feel less legitimate in their faith due to their non-Arabic background. It is hypocritical of us to preach the universality of Islam while simultaneously looking down on non-Arabic speakers as inferior. Such behavior contradicts the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These attitudes stem from ignorance and arrogance and are not only sinful but also highly damaging.\\n\\nConverts should never feel compelled to conform to a particular culture or alter their names to assimilate into the Muslim community. No one should be obligated to forsake their cultural heritage, ancestry, or identity—essentially committing cultural apostasy—just to be embraced within the Muslim Ummah. Born Muslims are not the gatekeepers. The Shahadah alone unlocks the gates to Islam's embrace. It is crucial that we eradicate such sentiments and attitudes, as they essentially create artificial barriers between Allah and His servants. None of us should desire to push another person away from their Creator. Who among us wishes to aid Satan in his mission?\\n\\nMay Allah illuminate us with the true teachings of Islam.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9ff10b76658b4c2329c4","tag":"Contemporary Life: Converts","count":38},{"_id":"668d9fe50b76658b4c232851","tag":"Contemporary Life: Knowledge","count":33},{"_id":"668da03a0b76658b4c233193","tag":"Knowledge: Arabic","count":15}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:41:03.057Z"}