Al-Kitabah al-'Arabiyyah wa Dauruha fi al-Hadarah al-Islamiyah

Abstract

The command to adopt Arabic writing in Islam predates obligations such as prayer, fasting, zakat, and pilgrimage, which highlights its significance beyond mere ritual. This command, revealed during the earliest stages of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission, indicates that Arabic writing holds a crucial role in shaping Islamic civilization. The problem addressed in this study is the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the foundational importance of Arabic writing in the development and expansion of Islamic culture and law. The objective is to examine the historical and functional roles of Arabic writing as a unifying tool for communication, governance, and the dissemination of Islamic teachings across diverse regions. The study employs a qualitative historical method, analyzing classical Islamic texts and early records of literacy practices to trace the evolution and influence of Arabic writing. The findings reveal that Arabic writing was instrumental in connecting societies, facilitating legal and administrative systems, and ensuring the accurate transmission of the Qur’an and Hadith. Moreover, evidence suggests that the Prophet Muhammad himself acknowledged its centrality by promoting literacy and, according to some traditions, acquiring the ability to write later in life. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the interplay between language, religion, and cultural identity in Islamic civilization. It underscores the idea that Arabic writing was not merely a linguistic tool but a pivotal instrument for the preservation and global dissemination of Islamic values and governance.