Greetings! I'm Dr. Faisal Khan, a scholar of Islamic Studies with a focus on early Quranic manuscripts and their historical context. My research has taken me across the globe, studying these precious documents and the evolution of Arabic script. The question of the Quran's original language is fundamental and delves into the very heart of Islamic tradition.

## The Quran's Original Language: A Deep Dive into Arabic

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, unequivocally states that it was revealed in Arabic. This assertion is not merely a historical detail; it forms the bedrock of Islamic belief and practice. The Quran itself emphasizes this point in numerous verses:

* Surah 12:2 (Yusuf): "Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand."
* Surah 41:3 (Fussilat): "A Book whose verses are detailed, an Arabic Qur'an for a people who know."
* Surah 20:113 (Ta-Ha): "And thus We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an and have explained therein in detail the threats...that you might fear Allah or that it might cause you remembrance."

These verses highlight that the Quran being in Arabic is not accidental but rather a deliberate divine choice, intended to ensure clarity and understanding for its primary audience—the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula.

### Historical Context Matters

To delve deeper, one must understand the historical context. The Quran was revealed in 7th-century Arabia, a region where various dialects of Arabic flourished. These dialects, while sharing a common root, displayed differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical nuances.

The Quran, however, was revealed in a highly eloquent and refined form of Arabic, often referred to as Classical Arabic. This choice had profound implications:

1. Elevation of Arabic: The Quran's revelation elevated Arabic from a collection of regional dialects to a language of scripture, theology, and scholarship. It became the unifying language of a vast and diverse Muslim world.
2. Preservation of the Quran: The emphasis on the Arabic language served to preserve the Quran's message in its pristine form, preventing distortions or misinterpretations that might arise from translations.

### The Quran and Orality

It's crucial to understand that the 7th century was a culture deeply rooted in orality. The Quran, though ultimately compiled into written form, was initially disseminated orally. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, would recite the revelations he received, and his companions would memorize and transmit them. This oral tradition played a critical role in preserving the Quran's authenticity.

### Beyond Simple Translation

The Quran's insistence on Arabic goes beyond a mere linguistic requirement. Muslims believe that the Quran's beauty, eloquence, and spiritual impact are inextricably linked to the Arabic language. Translations, while valuable for understanding the meaning, are not considered equal to the original Arabic text. They are seen as interpretations, inevitably losing some of the nuances and layers of meaning inherent in the divine language.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, the Quran was unequivocally revealed in Arabic, specifically a highly refined and eloquent form known as Classical Arabic. This language forms the cornerstone of Islamic faith and practice. The choice of Arabic was deliberate, intended to ensure clarity, facilitate memorization and transmission, and elevate Arabic to a language of faith and scholarship. While translations exist, they are not considered replacements for the Arabic text, as the Quran's eloquence and spiritual depth are believed to be inseparable from the language of its revelation.
read more >>

The Quran is traditionally written in the eastern Arabian dialect of Classical Arabic. Ironically Muhammad would have spoken the western dialect of Classical Arabic originating from Mecca, so there is already an element of translation inherent in the Quran.read more >>