Why is the Qur'an in Arabic?

Why wasn’t the Qur'an revealed in multiple languages, such as Chinese, English, or others, to people in different regions?

To answer this, we first need to understand the characteristics of the Arabian Peninsula, where Arabia is located, and then examine the features of the Arabic language itself.

Characteristics of the Arabian Peninsula

1. A cradle of religions: This region has been the birthplace and center of propagation for several major religions, including the faiths of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him).

2. The Kaaba: The holiest structure in the world, built by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) under God's command, is located here. It became the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims.

   

3. Al-Aqsa Mosque: Another sacred structure, Al-Aqsa Mosque, which served as the first qibla for Muslims, is also in this region.

4. Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): The Prophet was born in Arabia because his tribe, descended from Prophet Abraham, resided there. Therefore, just as the Prophet was born in this region, the Qur'an was also revealed there.

5. Strategic location: The geographical location of Hijaz and Arabia provided unique advantages, such as access to the Silk Road. This facilitated the exchange of ideas and beliefs, helping Islam spread to other parts of the world, especially Asia.

Features of the Arabic Language

1. Rich literary tradition: Arabic is one of the most complete and rich languages in terms of literature.

2. Vast vocabulary: Arabic has an extensive lexicon, offering a wide range of terms and expressions.

3. Clarity and eloquence: The language’s eloquence enables it to convey meanings and messages clearly and unambiguously. As mentioned in Surah Zumar (39:28), the Qur'an is described as a “Qur'an in Arabic, free from any crookedness, so they may become righteous.”

Why Arabic was chosen for the Qur'an

Since the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was from the Arabian Peninsula, the Qur'an needed to be in Arabic. God states in the Qur'an:
“We never sent a messenger except [to speak] in the language of his people, to make [the message] clear to them...” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:4).

Similarly, earlier prophets spoke the languages of their communities, and their scriptures were also in those languages. Otherwise, their people would not have believed in them. The Qur'an emphasizes this point:
“Had We sent it [the Qur'an] in a language other than Arabic, they would have said, ‘Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]?’” (Surah Fussilat, 41:44).

If the Qur'an were in a language other than Arabic, some of its profound meanings might have been lost to people, as the Arabic language is uniquely rich and capable of expressing divine subtleties and nuances.

It’s important to note that while the Qur'an in Arabic may not be directly understood by everyone worldwide, translations allow people of all languages to benefit from its teachings. Moreover, when the Qur'an refers to itself as “Arabic,” it emphasizes the clarity and straightforwardness of its content rather than just the modern Arabic language.

Conclusion

Given the characteristics of the Hijaz region and the distinct features of the Arabic language, the Qur'an was revealed in the best location and language to ensure the propagation of its radiant teachings worldwide without compromising its content or meaning.

It’s worth noting that the term “Arabic” in the Qur'an, which appears around ten times, does not necessarily refer to today’s Arabic. Instead, it highlights the clarity, eloquence, and lack of ambiguity in the Qur'an’s teachings. In essence, the Qur'an declares:
“We sent the Qur'an in a clear, eloquent, and articulate manner for you.”