Does Allah Speak Arabic?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
Since the Quran is in Arabic, does that mean Arabic is the language of Allah?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
No. Allah Most High transcends all created things, and language is created.
Allah’s Speech Is Eternal and Unlike Ours
Allah Most High possesses an eternal attribute of Speech (kalam). This attribute has no beginning and no end. It is beyond letters, sounds, and every characteristic of created speech.
Imam Bajuri explains in Tuhfat al-Murid that Allah’s Speech is a beginningless attribute of His Essence, composed of neither letters nor sounds. [Bajuri, Tuhfat al-Murid]
Allah Most High says: “And to Moses, Allah spoke directly.” [Quran, 4:164]
Arabic Is a Created Language
Arabic, like every language, belongs to creation. Allah Most High says: “Allah is the Creator of all things.” [Quran 39:62]
No language—however noble—can be attributed to Allah as His medium or mode. He says, “There is nothing like Him.” [Quran 42:11]
Human beings speak Arabic or any other language. Allah Most High is utterly beyond all of that.
This is the position that Sunni scholars have affirmed across the centuries: The Quran is divine in origin, miraculous in form, and beyond comparison. Allah Most High, meanwhile, remains beyond all created things—including language itself.
To go deeper on the divine attributes, consider enrolling in SeekersGuidance’s free course on Islamic beliefs (aqida). It is taught by qualified scholars and open to all.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
