One of the reported instructions ʿUmar wrote to Abū Mūsā Al-Ash’arī and those under his governance during the former’s Caliphate was,

“Seek knowledge and understanding of (fiqh) the Sunnah and seek knowledge and understanding of Arabic.”1

It is reported that he said,

“Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s noble conduct (al-murū`ah).”2

It is also reported that he said,

“Do not learn the language of the non-Arabs, and do not enter upon them in their churches on their festivals, for indeed wrath descends upon them.”3

It is also reported that he was once circumambulating the Ka’bah when he heard two men speaking in a language other than Arabic behind him. He turned to them and said,

“Find some way to learn Arabic.”4

It is reported that Ubay b. Ka’b – Allāh be pleased with him – said,

“Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurān.”5

It is reported that Ibn ʿUmar – Allāh be pleased with them – used to discipline his children for making language errors.6

It is reported that Shu’bah – Allāh have mercy on him – said,

“Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence.”7

It is reported that ‘Attā b. Abī Rabāḥ – Allāh have mercy on him – said,

“I wish I were fluent in Arabic,”

when he was ninety years old.8

It is reported that Ibn Shubrumah – Allāh have mercy on him – said,

“Men have never worn a garment more beautiful than Arabic.”9

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