How Islam uses Arabic to Hide the Truth

There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world, and as you can imagine, this includes a wide variety of cultures, countries, and languages. Regardless of this diversity, there is one main language that is key to Islam: Arabic. 

Because Arabic is considered Allah's language, many Islamic practices must be performed in Arabic to be accepted by Allah— even if the Muslim does not understand the language.

What Must Be Said or Done in Arabic in Islam?

The rituals and rites in Islam that must be done strictly in Arabic include:

• Reciting the Quran

• Performing the daily five prayers (Salah)

• Saying the confession of faith (Shahada)

1. The Arabic Quran

The Quran is written in old classical Arabic, and Muslims believe that it transcends translation. In fact, any translation of the Quran in a different language is called “The meaning of the Quran.” Often these translations are watered down so that they don’t offend non-Muslim or Western Muslim  readers. 

Muslims are encouraged to repeat and recite the Quran in the right way (vowels, chanting, stops between phrases, and pronunciations) without needing to understand it. This mechanical recitation is what is believed to please Allah. 

“It is a Quran revealed in Arabic without any crookedness, so perhaps they will be conscious of Allah.”— Quran 39:28

2. The Confession of Faith (The Islamic Creed) 

The confession of faith, or Shahada, states: "I confess that there is no god but Allah, and I confess that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This is the Islamic creed that a Muslim repeats countless times every day. 

The Shahada is both the official sign of conversion to Islam and the daily affirmation repeated in every prayer. It must be uttered in Arabic in order for Allah to accept it. Because of this, you hear Muslims from Indonesia, Russia, North America, Africa, and all other language backgrounds saying this creed in Arabic. 

3. Prayers Must Be in Arabic

Muslims are required to perform prayers five times every day as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These prayers are memorized and spoken in Arabic, and they should be pronounced correctly regardless of the Muslim's language of origin.

In addition, Muslims believe that when they die, they will be questioned by angels in the grave about their life and devotion to Allah. They believe they must answer these questions in Arabic to pass the test.

The Language Barrier: Why Only Arabic?

The problem with having a “superior language” in Islam is that keeping the Quran strictly in Arabic makes it harder for those who do not speak the language to understand the true meaning of countless controversial verses.

Since Islam requires important rituals to be done in Arabic, it begs several critical questions:

• Why are other languages not accepted?

• Is it to hide the truth about Islam from its followers?

• Is it about controlling people by making the religion mysterious?

• Or is it just because Muhammad said so?

Since only 20% of Muslims are native Arabic speakers, this leaves the vast majority of the global Muslim population having to say and do things that they do not fully understand. 

Muslims claim that having one universal language has protected their religion and the Quran from corruption throughout the centuries. But if Allah created all languages, and he is truly all-powerful, shouldn't he be able to protect his message even when other languages are used? 

The True God is Not Limited to One Language

IImagine having to read and memorize your Bible in Russian or Chinese in order for God to “count it” for you, even though you don’t understand the language. Or imagine having to pray strictly in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, for your prayer to be answered.

The true God is not limited to one language; He spoke to everyone we read about in the Bible in their different native languages, and today He does not require us to learn a specific language to speak to Him. God created all languages and accepts worship in all languages.

The Contrast of the Bible

• Diverse Historical Background: The Bible was written across different cultures, contexts, and languages over a span of 1,600 years.

• Preserved Meaning: The books of the Bible were originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. When these verses are translated, the foundational meaning is not changed.

God does not require us to change our language to pray or be accepted by Him. This is a beautiful parallel to how we don’t need to change anything or fix anything about our lives before coming to know Jesus. He calls us to come as we are and accept the gift of salvation that He freely gives.

Talking About Arabic in Islam With Your Muslim Friend

• The easiest way to start a conversation about the role of Arabic in Islam is by asking your Muslim friend for their personal opinions and experiences. Here are a few intentional questions you can use:“I have heard that Arabic is important in Islam. How much Arabic do you know?”

• If Arabic is not their native language: “What is your native language? Is it hard for you to pray and read the Quran in Arabic?”

• “Why do you think Allah accepts only Arabic for prayers and reciting the Quran when he created all other languages?” 

Asking your Muslim friend about this is a great way to start an open dialogue, not an argument or an interrogation. Truly seek to understand their perspectives, and pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the right words in the conversation.

A Prayer for Clarity and Connection

Dear God, thank you for keeping the Bible’s meaning the same across translations. Thank you for allowing me to come to you as I am, without having to say and do things perfectly. Please help me talk about this language barrier with my Muslim friend and point them to You and your love. Amen.