Allah (SWT) communicates with us through two major ways, such as (1) verbal communication and (2) non-verbal communication. Verbal communication refers to His divine messages sent down onto all the prophets and messengers, i.e., the Holy Scriptures. Non-verbal communication refers to all His creations.

Language is important in divine communications. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.” (Surah ar-Rum, 30:22)

The people in the present world speak in approximately 6,000 languages. All these languages are the divine signs of our Creator, Allah. Now, a question can be raised that why are there many languages while we all are created from a single couple like Adam and Hawa (a.s.) and their language was Arabic? How has this diversity of languages come?

A critical observation on those issues may lead us to believe that there is One who rules over this world. He is none other than our Creator, Allah (SWT). He has created everything purposively. He has created us as His representative and for His worship. Similarly, He has created many languages for a purpose, as He created us in many colors, in many different physical appearances, in different nations and tribes as well.

The reason behind all these issues has been mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah directly and indirectly. In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says, “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things).” (Surah al-Hujurat, 49: 13)

It is interesting to learn that the language of our grandfather Adam was taught by Allah (SWT). He (SWT) says, “Created man, [And] taught him eloquence.” (Surah ar-Rahman, 3-4) So, the language is one of the earliest blessings of our Creator to His servants. He (SWT) had not only taught men eloquence but also many things that they did not know. In the first five verses of Surah al-‘Alaq, Allah says, “…Who taught by the pen. Taught man that which he knew not.”

(Surah al-‘Alaq, 96: 4-5)
As we all belong to different nations and tribes, we speak different languages which we consider our mother tongues. They are one of the greatest blessings of our Lord. All these mother tongues are also important. Allah (SWT) sent down all His messages to different nations through His messengers and prophets in their respective mother tongues. Hence, the divine scriptures were sent onto them in their own language instead of Arabic or any particular language. 

It gives us indications to understand the significance of our mother tongues and its recognition by our Creator. In the Qur’an, Allah states: “And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and Allah sends astray [thereby] whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Surah Ibrahim, 14: 4)

We should not forget that language is not merely a tool for communication but it is an integrated part of our culture and identity as well. As our Lord has recognised the diversity of our languages, we all should respect one another’s languages. However, we have extra responsibility for our language. Naturally, we find speaking in our mother tongue more comfortable. Therefore, mother tongue should be prioritised in understanding our Lord either through studying the divine scriptures or the nature, the signs of Allah.

Our mother tongue Bangla has already been recognised internationally thanks to the sacrifice of our Language Martyrs. And we are proud of our mother tongue Bangla. However, it is truly regrettable that our language has not yet fostered a rich body of literature dedicated to understanding our Creator. Beyond this, the scarcity of Bangla literature across various fields of knowledge and education further hinders our ability to keep pace with the modern world and confidently embrace its challenges.

Well, from an Islamic perspective, we can say that we have the responsibility to preserve and nurture our mother tongue. We should cherish it with love and respect as one of the profound signs of Allah (SWT). We should respect our language and honour the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for its dignity. May Allah reward them with the best!

The writer is a scholar in Islamic studies and researcher on Islamic views on contemporary issues. Email: [email protected]