The Significance of Learning Foreign Languages in Islam: A Case Study of Learning English Language in KSA

Abstract

The study explores the significance of learning languages, particularly English, in the context of Islam and its application within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Language plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural understanding, personal identity, and religious interpretation. In Islam, acquiring knowledge is highly emphasized, and learning languages is seen as a means to facilitate communication, spread Islamic teachings, and engage with global communities. English, as a global lingua franca and the dominant language in fields such as science, technology, and international relations, holds particular importance for Muslims in KSA. It enables access to modern knowledge while also serving as a tool for da’wah (spreading Islamic teachings) to non-Muslim audiences. The study highlights the profound importance of language acquisition within the framework of Islamic teachings and its practical implications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The research underscores that learning languages, particularly English, is not only a means to facilitate global communication but also aligns with Islamic principles that emphasize knowledge acquisition and intercultural understanding. In the context of KSA, English has emerged as a critical language due to globalization, economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, and the need for effective communication in various fields such as education, business, science, and technology. The case study emphasizes how mastering English can empower Saudi Muslims to navigate modernity while preserving their Islamic identity. It also underscores the necessity of fostering an educational framework that integrates language learning with Islamic values to maintain cultural authenticity.