FatwaFederal TerritoriesSocial & Contemporary Issues
IRSYAD HUKUM SIRI KE- 420: HUKUM MEMPELAJARI BAHASA ASING
Is a Muslim permitted to learn the language of non-Muslims or a foreign language?
Short answer
Strictly speaking there is no such thing as a language of disbelievers, since language is a natural divine order (sunnah kauniyyah) that follows a people.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hukum (Umum)
- Topic
- Social & Contemporary Issues
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Strictly speaking there is no such thing as a language of disbelievers, since language is a natural divine order (sunnah kauniyyah) that follows a people. Learning a foreign language is permissible when done for a benefit, such as guarding against the schemes of Islam's enemies, and when used as a means of calling people to Islam. It is forbidden if the intent is bad, such as undermining Islam or deceiving Muslims, based on the principle of blocking the means to harm (sad al-zari'ah).
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Mempelajari bahasa asing demi sebuah maslahah (mengelakkan dan juga menghindari dari tipudaya musuh-musuh Islam, maka ia adalah dibolehkan.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD HUKUM SIRI KE- 420: HUKUM MEMPELAJARI BAHASA ASING”, 14 February 2020. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-hukum/umum/4188-irsyad-al-fatwa-siri-ke-420-hukum-mempelajari-bahasa-asing. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-learning-foreign-languages-islam/