A Concise Treatise on Arabic Grammar
A Critique of Shaykh Muhammad’s Translation By Beverly Mack
Muhammad Shareef’s introduction to this important work is a delight to read. Its lucid prose sets out clearly the African heritage of those who are counted as Arabs, constructing this history as the logical segue into a history of the Arabic language. The long presence of the Arabic language in Africa historically has been ignored; Muhammad Shareef.s is a careful reconstruction of Arabic.s legacy throughout Africa, from Senegal to Sudan, Tripoli to Timbuktu. He draws from historical sources to support his perspective, citing works as far back as the Sahih of al-Bukhari (on the authority of Ibn Abbas) to nineteenth century commentaries from long-neglected luminaries like Shehu Usman .dan Fodiyo. Shareef.s commentary on Arabic as an oral language is particularly refreshing, as this important aspect of the languages traditionally is neglected in academic foci on documents. The importance in Arabic of oral communication of the word is central to its origin and continued role among the devout. Indeed, it is fair to say that reliance on oral communication of the word is at the heart of devotion; while written expression is revered, oral/aural expression of the word of God is a Muslim.s first and most pervasive means of relating to God.
An Excerpt From the Introduction
All praises are due to Allah who has made the language of Arabic the best of languages.All praises are to Him for choosing Arabic for His final and most perfect revelation – the Qur’an. All praises are due to Allah who says in His Infallible Qur’an: “Verily We have revealed it as an Arabic Qur’an, so that you can understand.”; “The Trusted Spirit descends with it to your heart in Clear Arabic, so that you may be among the warners.”; “A Book whose signs are detailed in an Arabic Qur’an, for a people who are knowledgeable.” All praises are due to Allah who sent His Infallible Qur’an upon the heart of one from among the Arabic speakers, the best and most beloved of His creation – Muhammad. May the best prayers and most abundant peace be upon him, as long as the letter dad remains and isspoken by the People of Paradise.
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