Languages are merely tools for expressing ideas; there is no such thing as a "language of God" or a "divine language" among them. From the perspective of Islam, all languages are equal.
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| Arabic language |
"We did not send any messenger except in the language of his own people, so that he might explain clearly to them. Allah lets go astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
Holy Quran: 14:4
Numerous messengers were sent prior to Prophet Muhammad. This verse states that God sent them with scriptures in the languages of their respective communities. This serves as evidence that Islam views all languages equally.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as the final messenger. Since his mother tongue was Arabic, the Quran was revealed in Arabic. Because the Prophet was a messenger to the entire world, the scripture revealed in Arabic became the scripture for the entire world.
Some might wonder why the scripture intended for the whole world was revealed in Arabic. Had it been revealed in Tamil or any other language, the same question could still be raised. It had to be revealed in some language; since the Prophet's language was Arabic, it was revealed in Arabic.
We believe the Holy Quran to be the word of God. Since we believe it to be the word of Allah, we must recite it exactly as it is in those instances where recitation is enjoined. Reciting in this manner should not be viewed as an emphasis placed on the Arabic language itself; rather, it should be seen as an emphasis placed on the Word of Allah.
The fact that one is forbidden from reciting equivalent words in another language—even when the recitation of the Quran is enjoined—demonstrates that the priority is not placed on the Arabic language per se.
Outside of acts of worship where Quranic recitation is mandatory—such as in prayer—one may and indeed should read the Tamil translation of the Quran. This is because the Quran was revealed so that it might be understood and reflected upon.
"Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Had it been from any other than Allah, they would surely have found many contradictions in it."
Al-Quran 4:82
"Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?"
Al-Quran 47:24
Some might wonder, "Is it not better to recite in a language one understands rather than in one one does not?" This perspective is indeed valid.
However, we frequently utter words in languages we do not understand for purposes far more significant than this. In a country where diverse languages are spoken, a national anthem has been established in a single language.
Both those who know that language and those who do not recite the very same anthem. National unity is cited as the reason for this practice.
We accept this for the sake of national unity and to demonstrate that the people of the nation stand united. Islam is a faith for the entire world. Global unity is demonstrated when the whole world engages in worship in a uniform manner. Through this, global solidarity is established, transcending all differences of nation, race, and language.
There is no harm in momentarily setting aside the concern of not understanding the language for the sake of the global unity achieved when worshipping the One God in unison within a mosque.
People often enjoy songs in languages they do not understand, even without any specific noble purpose. Surely, there is no harm in reciting Allah’s Scripture exactly as it was revealed—an act performed for the highest of purposes.
Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. It shall be accountable for the good it has earned and the evil it has incurred. "Our Lord, do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not lay upon us a burden like the one You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us with more than we can bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Protector, so grant us victory over the disbelieving people."
Although Allah’s Scripture must be recited in prayer exactly as it was revealed, the Quran (2:286) states:
"Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity." From this verse, it can be understood that if one does not know Arabic—and there is no way to learn it, or one has tried but failed to do so—there is no compulsion for them to recite in Arabic.