Home » Hanafi Fiqh » Mathabah.org » Expanding Vocabulary for Eloquence

Expanding Vocabulary for Eloquence

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Mathabah.org

Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt

Question:

My question is that I have learnt from scholars that reading literature that is toxic and un-Islamic is forbidden because it pollutes the mind.

I have noticed that the vocabulary of muslim scholars is strong, Mā shā Allāh. I just want to ask that since 90-95% of modern novels have things like romance and disrespecting parents in them but they still have difficult words that can expand your vocabulary and can teach how to write a novel, but since it is not suitable to read them, what can a Muslim do instead?

In other words, how do you and other scholars expand your vocabulary and knowledge about the world and writing skills since modern novels are toxic? I want to know and do the same.

Answer:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathābah Institute.

There are many islamicaly appropriate ways to expand vocabulary. A few methods are listed below:

  • Practice writing and speaking with the consistent use of a thesaurus.
  • Listen to or watch appropriate documentaries and the news.
  • Take advanced courses in literature and language.
  • Read decent books with islamicaly appropriate content.
  • Stay in the company of eloquent righteous muslims and learn from them.  

“We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language [and vocabulary] of his people to state clearly [and explain eloquently] for them.” – (Qur’ān 14:4)[1]

Only Allāh knows best.


[1] وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ ۖ فَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ – سورة إبراهيم ٤

This answer was collected from Mathabah.org. It’s an Islamic educational institute based in Canada. The questions are generally answered by Sheikh Yusuf Badat and Sheikh Omar Subedar.

Read answers with similar topics: