Importance of Arabic language in Islam

Question

How "sacred" or "important" is Arabic language in Islam?

Is there anything in Quran or Sunnah that directly reflects Arabic as being a language superior to rest?
How important is it for Muslims to learn/understand Arabic in the light of Quran & Sunnah?

Response

Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) seem to be devoid of any explicit mention of Arabic being a language superior to the rest. Neither do they directly emphasize the learning of the language.^{(Addendum: I)} Therefore it seems that this is one of the areas which have been left to our intellect and the effort that each individual can put in.

Amongst the verses relevant to the topic at hand, a few are narrated below:

"We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, in order that you may learn wisdom." (Quran 12:2)

"And certainly We have set forth to men in this Quran similitudes of every sort that they may reflect. An Arabic Quran without any crookedness, that they may guard (against evil)." (Quran 39:27-28)

It needs to be appreciated that Quran was revealed in the language of its addressees so they were able to comprehend its message easily. The purpose of Quran was never meant to be recitation only, rather understanding of the Book of God and His message to us. This is evident from the verses above, and has also been mentioned at other places in the Quran.

As a result, in today's world it seems that reading and understanding Quran is a must which may be satisfied by reading translations in our own languages so we are able to understand it. That was the main purpose of Quran being revealed in Arabic when it addressed the Arabs.

Second to that, it would be highly desirable to know the meaning of Quranic verses since that will bring significant value to one's daily prayers. This can be achieved gradually over time.

Addendum:

I On rereading this post, I feel the need to add that this question is specifically with regards to learning Arabic completely as a language, and not just learning the recitation of the Quran or offering prayers in Arabic.

According to some traditions, the Prophet (pbuh) temporarily allowed some of the rites in local languages to new converts until they were able to learn Arabic. The question whether they were required to just learn the language to offer their rites or were required to learn the language completely is not clear to this author. Nonetheless, what can be asserted is that if it is possible to acquire proficiency in the language, one should try that, but if that is not feasible, then language should not be a barrier in their understanding of Quran, or in their ability to understand the meaning of various rites while offering them.

(28 Dec 2006)