Prophet Ishmael: First to Speak the Arabic Language

﴿ وَٱذۡكُرۡ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ إِسۡمَٰعِيلَۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صَادِقَ ٱلۡوَعۡدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولٗا نَّبِيّٗا ﴾

"And mention in the Book (the Qur’ân) Ismā‘īl (Ishmael). Verily he was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet."

(Sūrah Maryam: 54)

Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

It was reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

The first whose tongue spoke clear Arabic was Ismā'īl (Ishmael) when he was 14 years old.

[Declared Authentic by Imām Al-Albāni رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ in Sahīh Al-Jāmi' As-Saghīr: 2578]

Today, more than 420 million people speak Arabic as their first language.

A reproduction of the Ka'aba in Mecca. Prophets Ishmael and his father Abraham (عليهما السلام) raised the foundation of the Kaaba after it was destroyed in the flood during the time of Noah.

Reflecting on Prophet Ishmael's Legacy

Language is more than just a tool for communication; it carries the weight of history and identity. Fusha Arabic, as spoken by Ishmael, serves as a bridge connecting millions globally.

The Arabic dialects we hear today have evolved significantly, yet their roots remain anchored in the language first spoken by Ishmael and then his descendants from the Arab al-Musta'rabah and learnt by his in-laws the Arab al-'Ariba. Fusha is still the language of government, media and education in the 22 Arabic-speaking nations forming the Arab League.

By considering Prophet Ishmael's عليه السلام life and contributions, we unearth a deeper appreciation for the Arabic culture and language.

To travel to the land where it all started and begin your journey learning the Arabic language today, head to our Madinah page:

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