On 21st November 2024, the Muslim Schools Development Branch of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education organized a special program to commemorate International Arabic Language Day.
The event took place at Muslim Ladies College, Colombo, starting at 10:00 AM.
Program Highlights:-
The event featured distinguished speakers who shared their insights on the significance of the Arabic language:
- Principal’s Speech: Delivered by Mrs. Nazriya Munas.
- Special Guest Speech: Presented by Ash-Sheikh S.H.M. Faleel [Naleemi], Senior Lecturer, Jamiah Naleemiah
- Guest of Honor Speech: Given by Major N.T. Nasumutheen, Director of Education, Muslim Schools Development Branch.
4.Chief Guest Speech: Delivered by Mr. M.S.M. Nawas, Director, Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Shashi Prabath Wijerathna, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Middle East Division has participated as one of the Representatives of the Ministry.
Key Points Highlighted by Ash-Sheikh S.H.M. Faleel
Ash-Sheikh S.H.M. Faleel emphasized the global, cultural, and religious importance of the Arabic language during his speech:
Global Usage: Arabic is spoken by over 2 billion Muslims worldwide and is the mother tongue of more than 200 million people, both Muslims and non-Muslims. It is the official language of 22 countries and one of the six official global languages adopted by the United Nations on 18th December 1973, a date now celebrated as World Arabic Language Day.
Religious Significance: Arabic is the language of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the primary sources of Islam, providing a direct connection to the faith. Scholars like Imam Al-Shafi’i and Ibn Taymiyyah stressed the importance of learning Arabic for comprehending Islamic texts and performing religious obligations.
Cultural and Historical Contributions:
Arabic has preserved the history, poetry, and heroics of Arabs from the pre-Islamic era to the present.
The Qur’an’s revelation in Arabic elevated its sanctity and transformed it into the language of an Islamic civilization that influenced the world for centuries.
The Arabic language’s scientific and mathematical contributions during the Islamic Golden Age have significantly impacted global knowledge.
Linguistic and Economic Impact: Arabic has enriched languages like Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and Swahili with words and concepts. Proficiency in Arabic opens career opportunities in diplomacy, international business, translation, and education, particularly in Middle Eastern economies.
Eternal Relevance: A study by the University of Birmingham predicted Arabic’s survival over time as an “eternal language.” Its widespread use across the Levant, Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa has made it a popular subject for non-native learners.
The event concluded by acknowledging the unparalleled importance of Arabic in fostering cultural, scientific, and spiritual connections globally.
