THE QUR’AN’S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND ITS SACREDNESS

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A Reflective Inquiry into the Language of Revelation and the Nature of the Sacred

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Introduction: Language, Revelation, and Fundamental Questions

The fact that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic raises significant questions on both historical and conceptual levels:

• Why Arabic?

• Does this imply a deficiency in other languages?

• Does it limit the Qur’an’s universal message?

A central issue in these discussions is the following:

Is the Qur’an a sacred book?
And if so, is its sacredness located in its words, its meaning, or its transformative impact?

This study explores:

• The meaning of the Qur’an’s Arabic nature,

• The relationship between the language of revelation and universality,

• And a rethinking of the concept of “sacred” in the context of the Qur’an.

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1. The Qur’an in Arabic: Divine Necessity or Linguistic Choice?

The Qur’an states in many verses that it is an Arabic book:

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand.” (Yusuf 12:2)
“In a clear Arabic tongue.” (Ash-Shu‘arā 26:195)

These statements highlight that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic due to functional and communicative necessity. The first audience of the revelation was Arab; thus, it had to be clear, comprehensible, and direct.

In this context, the “Arabic” nature of the Qur’an represents linguistic transparency, not linguistic superiority.

a. Arabic as a Functional Tool

The Qur’an being in Arabic means:

• It is the manifestation of a universal message in a local context.

• Language is used as a vessel for truth.

• Arabic is a medium for revelation—not an object of sanctification.

The Qur’an states that all languages come from God:

“And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors.” (Ar-Rūm 30:22)

And each prophet was sent in the language of their people:

“We never sent a messenger except in the language of his people so he could make things clear to them.” (Ibrāhīm 14:4)

These verses show that Arabic is connected to revelation functionally, not essentially.

b. The Sanctification of Arabic: Later Misinterpretations

In Islamic history, Arabic was gradually perceived as “the language of God,” creating a link between language and sacredness. However, this idea does not originate from the Qur’an itself.

The Qur’an does not present the concept of a “holy language.” Instead, it emphasizes that divine truth can reach everyone in their own tongue.

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2. The Qur’an’s Sacredness: In Its Words, Meaning, or Impact?

While “sacred book” is a common label, the Qur’an defines itself differently:

“This is a reminder. Let whoever wills take heed.” (Al-Muzzammil 73:19)
“There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.” (Al-Mā’idah 5:15)
“Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion.” (Al-Furqān 25:1)

The Qur’an describes itself as:

• Dhikr (reminder),

• Nūr (light),

• Furqān (criterion between truth and falsehood).

The term “holy book” (kitāb muqaddas) does not explicitly appear in the Qur’an.

a. The Danger of a “Sacred Text” Fetish

Viewing the Qur’an as sacred only in its words can turn it into a mystical object—untouchable and unread. Yet the Qur’an itself challenges this:

“Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? Or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Muḥammad 47:24)

If sacredness is reduced only to words:

• Meaning stagnates.

• The text becomes dogmatic and closed to interpretation.

• It may lead to religious formalism and idolization of the form over substance.

b. Sacredness Lies in Meaning and Impact

The sacredness of the Qur’an lies in its ability to:

• Stimulate the human mind and conscience,

• Inspire moral transformation,

• Build awareness and responsibility.

In this way, the Qur’an is functionally sacred, not ontologically so.

Its sacredness for Muslim societies comes from its ability to:

• Transform lives,

• Awaken values,

• And offer purpose and guidance.

The focus is on meaning and intention, not mere verbal form.

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3. Local Language and Universal Message: A Contradiction?

Yes, the Qur’an is in Arabic—but its message is universal:

“We have certainly set forth for mankind every kind of parable in this Qur’an.” (Az-Zumar 39:27)

This verse indicates that:

• The language is local,

• The meaning is global.

Arabic is just the container—the truth speaks to all of humanity.

a. Are Translations Inferior?

If divine revelation were strictly bound to Arabic:

• The Qur’an would become inaccessible to non-Arabic speakers,

• And God’s message would be limited to a specific ethnicity.

Yet the Qur’an connects guidance to reason, reflection, and inner awareness—all of which are beyond the limitations of language.

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Conclusion: The Sacredness of the Qur’an Lies in Its Meaning and Purpose

The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic due to historical and communicative necessity,
Not because Arabic holds some inherent superiority.

Its sacredness is found:

• Not in its words alone,

• But in its meaning,

• Its impact,

• And its transformative call to humanity.

To sanctify only its wording:

• Freezes its meaning,

• Traps it in history,

• Dulls its relevance.

The Qur’an is not a sacred relic,
But a living, moving message.

Its sacredness lies in:

• Its appeal to the conscience,

• Its transformative power,

• And its timeless ability to speak anew in every age.