The Beauty of Modern Standard Arabic
- The Arabic language has preserved its essence, structure, and rules throughout history and continues to maintain its rich heritage today.
- Arabic is not the property of any individual by virtue of parentage; rather, it belongs to the tongue, and anyone who speaks Arabic is considered Arab.
- Arabic is recognized as one of the richest languages in the world, surpassing many European languages in its capacity to express complex ideas through its fundamental components.
- The diversity of meanings, vocabulary, and expressions in Arabic sets it apart, establishing its supremacy among other languages.
- Arabic is a complete and enchanting language, its words almost depicting the scenes of nature, representing the nuances of the human soul, and resonating with the rhythms of life.
- A notable feature of the Arabic language is its brevity; a single word can carry multiple meanings depending on its context within a sentence, such as ‘lam,’ which can function as a preposition or for emphasis, based on its placement.
- Embrace the Arabic language, for it sharpens the intellect and enhances nobility.
- The Arabic language appeared abruptly in a state of perfection, a remarkable phenomenon in human history; it has neither childhood nor senescence.
- Arabic surpasses all other languages in its eloquence, and the tongue struggles to capture its beauty.
Reflections on the Arabic Language
- One of the characteristics of Arabic is its simplicity and flexibility; it possesses a remarkable capacity to adapt vocabulary and meanings to different contexts, effectively encompassing various scientific disciplines.
- Arabic has introduced scientific expression to the Western world and stands out as one of the purest languages, distinguished by its unique methods of artistic and scientific expression.
- Arabic serves as a vast emotional repository reflecting the characteristics, beliefs, and history of its people. While learning other languages is a beneficial supplement, it is crucial that it does not overshadow one’s native tongue.
- Except for China, no other nation can take pride in the abundance of scholarly works pertaining to their language quite like the Arabs.
- The richness of Arabic lies in its extensive repertoire of nouns, verbs, letters, and its diverse ways of derivation, employing metaphors and unique expressions.
- Language is a manifestation of history, and history is a trait of a nation; regardless of circumstances, the connection between language and the history of its people remains an indelible characteristic that can only fade with the loss of national identity.
Short Quotes about the Arabic Language
- Arab intellectuals who do not master their language are not merely lacking in culture; they also show a significant and humiliating deficiency in their masculinity.
- The one who filled languages with beauty placed its essence and secret in the letter ‘Dhad’ of Arabic.
- The Arabic expression is akin to a stringed instrument; when one string is struck, all resonate, stirring emotions and imagery deep within the soul, beyond mere direct meaning.
- If language were purely a product of logic rather than poetry, we would all speak the same language.
- Language is more than just a means of articulating thought; it is a crucial element in shaping how we think.
- People have strayed and disagreed due to their abandonment of the Arabic tongue and their inclination towards the language of Aristotle.
Poems about the Arabic Language
- Hamad bin Khalifa Abu Shahab expresses:
O Language of the Quran, O sun of guidance,
Protected by the Almighty from the plots of enemies.
Is there any language upon earth,
That has resonated in the ear of time
As you have, in a world
Of which it knew nothing ever?
By you, the world became learned,
In your presence, one finds wisdom and harmony.
On your pillars, science stands firm,
With certainty following the subject.
You have taught that the mind’s restraint
Is the intellect, not the distractions that corrupt.
You established both the noun and the verb,
And left the letters free to govern.
You guided those who had tongues
Unfamiliar with the text, and caused them offense.
Through you, we are the ideal nation,
That succinctly conveys and excels.
Within you lies the most precious essence,
Sung by the bard in ecstasy.
In clear expression, the dawn concealed
From which light comes, moment directed against the polar stars.
With you, we have guided people toward the truth,
And in you, we have chosen clear expression.
By you, we have sown eternal glory,
That defies the highest ranks in authority.
Above the expanse of the sky, your echoes resonate,
And with you, history has sung and shone.
God did not choose you among us in vain,
Nor did He select you aimlessly in religion.
You are, among Adnan, light and guidance;
You are from Qattan, a gift of homage.
A language revealed with clear signs,
From Him, a guide and clarity.
Had it not been for you, sweet poetry would not have thrived,
Nor would the night melodies have found their way.
The sounds of galloping steeds echo your praises,
And the clamor of the lances follows suit.
I once feared the traps of your enemies,
But today, I fear the ignorance surrounding you.
O leaders of the matter, is there a listener,
When I call to this noble cause?
This is the eloquence we sing of,
And we revive it with joy and inspiration.
It is the spirit of the Arabs that preserves it,
The soul kept alive within.
If you seek a pure language,
That revives yesterday’s honor and tomorrow’s dignity,
Select its guardians here,
From among those who speak of it in glory.
And when he speaks, it is from the purity of its essence,
As bright as pearls adorning a crown.
O container of both religion and this world,
You may rely on the Quran, in preservation and expression.
In an eloquent Arabic tongue, it flows,
What are the sweet waters of the Euphrates or the Barada,
Whenever your whims lead you to folly,
The Sultan of guidance saves you from ruin.
- From the words of Khalil Mutran:
O Prince who has bestowed upon the language of Dhad,
Treasures from its knowledge and eloquence.
This agricultural lexicon you have provided
Is a wish fulfilled at the right moment.
An endeavor rarely fulfilled,
Except through the collaboration of many.
May you remain a source of pride,
In benefitting this homeland and elevating its status.