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in category Qur'an

If Qur'an is "speech of God" in its original language, why didn't Allah reveal it in a fully developed language?

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Classic Arabic is missing vowels and dots...
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In a Nutshell:

In conclusion, the revelation of the Qur'an in Arabic, despite it not being considered a "fully developed" literary language at the time, has been interpreted through various scholarly perspectives. These include the demonstration of linguistic miracles, the accessibility of the message, the preservation of the text, and the recognition of divine wisdom. Ultimately, the choice of Arabic as the language of revelation remains a profound testament to the Qur'an's divine origin and the unfathomable wisdom of Allah.



Introduction

The question of why the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic, a language that was not considered a "fully developed" literary language at the time, is a matter of significant scholarly discourse in Islamic thought. This query touches upon the issues of linguistic miracles, the purpose of revelation, and the relationship between language and divine wisdom. To address this question comprehensively, we can consider the following perspectives:


Linguistic Miracle and Inimitability (I'jaz)

One of the central arguments put forth by Islamic scholars is that the revelation of the Qur'an in Arabic, a language perceived as relatively undeveloped at the time, was a deliberate choice to demonstrate its linguistic miracle and inimitability (I'jaz). The Qur'an's unique literary style, eloquence, and linguistic perfection are seen as a testament to its divine origin, transcending the capabilities of human composition.

Scholars like Imam al-Ghazali and al-Razi have argued that the revelation of the Qur'an in a highly developed literary language would have diminished the force of its linguistic miracle, as it could have been attributed to the sophisticated nature of the language itself.

By choosing Arabic, a language lacking the complex literary traditions of languages like Greek or Persian, the Qur'an's linguistic excellence stands out as a clear sign of its divine authorship.


Universal Message and Accessibility

Another perspective considers the Qur'an's universal message and its accessibility to the diverse communities it was initially revealed to. Arabic, being the native language of the Arabian Peninsula, was the most suitable vehicle for conveying the divine message to the Prophet Muhammad's immediate audience.

Revealing the Qur'an in a foreign or unfamiliar language would have hindered its comprehension and acceptance among the Arab population, who were the first recipients of the divine message.

Scholars like Ibn Kathir and al-Tabari have argued that the choice of Arabic was a manifestation of Allah's mercy, ensuring that the message was conveyed in a language that was readily understandable to the Prophet's community.


Preservation and Transmission

The Arabic language, with its unique linguistic structure and grammatical rules, played a crucial role in the preservation and accurate transmission of the Qur'anic text. The intricate system of vowel markings, grammatical conventions, and oral transmission traditions within the Arabic language ensured the Qur'an's preservation throughout generations.

Scholars like al-Suyuti and al-Zarkashi have highlighted the importance of Arabic's linguistic features in safeguarding the Qur'an's authenticity and preventing corruptions or alterations over time.

The choice of Arabic facilitated the establishment of rigorous methods for memorization, recitation, and transmission, ensuring the Qur'an's preservation as intended by the Divine.


Divine Wisdom and Purpose

Ultimately, many scholars assert that the choice of language for divine revelation is a matter of divine wisdom and purpose, which transcends human reasoning. The Qur'an itself affirms that it was revealed in the

"clear Arabic tongue" (26:195)

and Allah's wisdom in choosing Arabic remains a profound mystery.

Scholars like al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah have emphasized that questioning the divine wisdom behind the choice of language is akin to questioning the divine wisdom itself, which is beyond the realm of human comprehension.

The choice of Arabic may have served deeper spiritual and metaphysical purposes known only to Allah, necessitating a humble acceptance of the divine will and wisdom.



Conclusion

The revelation of the Qur'an in Arabic, despite it not being considered a "fully developed" literary language at the time, has been interpreted through various scholarly perspectives. These include the demonstration of linguistic miracles, the accessibility of the message, the preservation of the text, and the recognition of divine wisdom.

Ultimately, the choice of Arabic as the language of revelation remains a profound testament to the Qur'an's divine origin and the deep wisdom of Allah.


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