Page 68 - University English for non-speacalist

The Importance of the Arabic Language in Islam

90 percent of the world's Muslims do not speak Arabic as their native language. Yet in daily
prayers, when reading the Quran, or even in simple conversations with each other, Arabic
readily rolls off any Muslim's tongue. The pronunciation may be broken or heavily accented,
but most Muslims make the attempt to speak and understand at least some Arabic.

Why Is Arabic so Important in Understanding the Faith of Islam?

Regardless of their linguistic, cultural, and racial differences, Muslims form one community of
believers. This community is based on their shared faith in One Almighty God and the guidance
He has sent down to mankind. His final revelation to mankind, the Quran, was sent over 1400
years ago to Mohammad in the Arabic language. Thus, it is the Arabic language that serves as
the common link joining this diverse community of believers and is the unifying element that
ensures believers share the same ideas.

The original Arabic text of the Quran has been preserved from the time of its revelation. Of
course, translations have been done into various languages, but all are based on the original
Arabic text that has not changed in many centuries. In order to fully understand the magnificent

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