Q:Give an account of the promotion of Arabic in subcontinent particularly in Pakistan?
Introduction:
Promotion of Arabic language in Sub-Continent is historical phenomenon because Arabic is the language of Quran and Islam. It is an established fact that Arabs had contact with the Indians even before the emergence of Islam. A verse of Amra ul Qais depicts a word ‘Qarn Fil’ which is believed to be taken from Hindi language. There are many Ahadith in which language shows the words are used having roots in Hindi Language.

Arabic in India:
Arabic language in the Sub-continent starts with the arrival of Muslims in Sub-continent.It was introduced in India in different phases and through different process/ways. In northern India Muslims conquered it and held their sway from 712 to 1857 A.D. while the southern India was in touch with Arabic culture through the traders and trade activities of the Arabs. After 712 the Islam as a religion was accepted by the local population. Islam is inextricably intertwined with the Arabic language because understanding of Holy Quran, Hadith and Fiqh requires a good grip of Arabic language because without it comprehending Quran and Islam become impossible.

Efforts of Sultan Mehmood:
Many a literary figure were brought by Sultan Mehmood Ghaznawi with him who introduced the people with Arabic literature and history. This exchange was not one way rather it was two ways. The Arabs who came to India learnt a lot from their Indian counterparts. The Sultan also sent people to the Arabian region so that they could learn Arabic culture in better way.

Some prominent figures:

Abu Aflah and Abu Mehshar
Abu Aflah and Abu Mehshar Sindhi are two prominent names. They contributed a lot in Arabic language. Abu Mehshar was a ‘Muhadiss’ and when he passed away, his funeral prayer was offered by the people under ‘Immamat’ of Caliph Haroon Ur Rasheed. This shows the class of the man named Abu Mehshar.
Al Beruni:-
Al Beruni came to India during the early period of introduction of Islam in Sub-Continent. He wrote a book ‘ kitab ul Hind’ which was a master piece. The work done by the Indian figure was also translated in to Arabic e.g. ‘kulia wa Damnta’, the incident of Adam (A.S) being arrived to Ceylon was also introduced in Arabic after being translated. The work in the field of medicine by ‘Chirka’ and ‘Sehserta’ was also translated in to Arabic.
Tafseer of Quran
Many ‘Tafseer’ of Holy Quran were written in this content. The important name are:
Turab Ali
Salam Ullah
Abdul Hakeem Sialkoti
Shah Wali Ullah Dehlvi
Some other works in Arabic:
Much work was done in sub-continent in the field of ‘Ilm ul Hadith’ and ‘Ilm e Fiqh’. Along with it ‘Philosophy’ was another field where in Arabic work done by the natives can not be ignored. Fatwa Alamgeire and other treatise of Shah Wali Ullah are the illuminating example in this perspective.

Poetry:-
Some poet have also rendered invaluable service for the promotion of Arabic. Unfortunately, their work is confined to southern India.
Amir Khusru
Moulana Fazl-e-Haq Khair Abadi
Ghulam Ali Azad Bilgrami
Syed Abdul Jalil Bilgrami
are the prominent poets of Arabic in sub-continent.
Arabic in Pakistan
Arabic is the religious language of Muslims. The Quran, Sunnah, Hadith and Muslim theology is taught in Arabic with Urdu translation. The Pakistani diasporas living in the Middle East has further increased the number of people who can speak Arabic in Pakistan. Arabic is taught as a religious language in mosques, schools, colleges, universities and madrassahs. A majority of Pakistan's Muslim population has had some form of formal or informal education in the reading, writing and pronunciation of the Arabic language as part of their religious education.

Promotion of Arabic in Modern era in Pakistan:-
After the emergence of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam said in his speech,
“Urdu will be the national language of Pakistan while it is the first and foremost duty of Pakistan’s people to learn and speek Arabic”

For promotion of Arabic following steps proposed are worth mentioning:
1- Jamiet Hizb Ullah arranged a conference in East Pakistan in 1951, for the promotion of Arabic language.
2- Majlis Rabita Islami supported Arabic language.
3- Co-ordination of Islam Rabica council.
4- It was decided that Urdu, Bengali and Arabic would be taught up to Matric Level.
5- It is essential to facilitate the propagation of Arabic in Pakistan.

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973:-
According to the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan:
1- Quran, Islam and Arabic are compulsory.
2- From 1982, Arabic language has been taught as compulsory subject to higher secondary level. Syllabus of Azad Kashmir shows that it is even taught at Graduation level.
3- In our universities Arabic subject is also included in higher education
4- Arabic language is also taught in our medrassah system.
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