Was khutbah delivered in the Arabic language in non-Arabic speaking lands during the 4 caliphs rule?
The historical practice of delivering the khutbah (sermon) during the time of the four caliphs, namely Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, largely adhered to the Arabic language, as it was the language of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Arabic was the medium of communication and the language of the Islamic message.
During the era of the four caliphs, the Muslim community was expanding into non-Arabic speaking lands. While the primary sermons were delivered in Arabic, it's important to note that as the Islamic empire grew, there might have been instances where translations or explanations were provided to non-Arabic speaking audiences to ensure understanding. However, the khutbah itself remained in Arabic as it was considered the authentic language of the message.
This practice aligns with the Qur'anic declaration that the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic. The Qur'an states: A Scripture whereof the verses are expounded, a Lecture in Arabic for people who have knowledge,
41:3. This emphasis on Arabic underscores its significance in the religious context. Additionally, Ibn Kathir explains that the Qur'an's revelation in Arabic was meant to make the message clear and comprehensible to its original audience, which was Arabic speakers.
Thus, while Arabic was the language of the khutbah during the caliphate, supplementary explanations in the local languages may have occurred to accommodate non-Arabic speakers in the rapidly expanding Muslim community.
Sources
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41:3 · Fussilat
41:3 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
كِتَٰبٌۭ فُصِّلَتْ ءَايَٰتُهُۥ قُرْءَانًا عَرَبِيًّۭا لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَعْلَمُونَ
A Scripture whereof the verses are expounded, a Lecture in Arabic for people who have knowledge,
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 41:3
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 41:3
The verse begins with the detached letters "Ha Mim," signaling the start of a divine revelation. Allah says, "(These are) Ha Mim—[a] revelation from the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate." This means the Qur'an is a revelation sent down from the Merciful and Compassionate Lord—the One who shows mercy and compassion. The position of "Most Merciful" (Ar-Rahman) and "Most Compassionate" (Ar-Raheem) emphasizes the completeness and perfection of Allah's mercy over creation. This corresponds with other verses describing the Qur'an's origin, such as: "Say: 'The Spirit of Holiness has brought it down from your Lord with truth'" (Qur'an 16:102), and: "And indeed, it is a revelation of the Lord of the Worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit [Gabriel] has brought it down upon your heart so that you may be among the warners" (Qur'an 26:192-194). Then, it says, "A Book whose verses have been made clear," meaning the meanings are explained and the rulings are made firm and precise. "An Arabic Qur'an" specifies that it is composed in clear and eloquent Arabic speech, in a style comprehensible to its original audience. Its words and meanings are distinct and free from confusion, unlike poetry, magic, or soothsaying. This clarity is reflected in similar verses like: "A Book whose signs are perfected and then detailed from One Wise and Acquainted" (Qur'an 11:1) and "Falsehood cannot approach it from before or behind it; [it is] a revelation from a Wise, Praiseworthy [Allah]" (Qur'an 41:42). Thus, the Qur'an's text and message are miraculous. The phrase "for a people who know" indicates that this clarity and exposition are discernible particularly to those grounded in knowledge, the firm scholars who understand its message. The Qur'an serves as "a bringer of good tidings and a warner," addressing different groups: giving glad news to believers and warnings to disbelievers. Despite this clear message, "most of them turned away, so they do not listen." Here, the referenced group mainly is the Quraysh, the Prophet's tribe, who failed to comprehend the message even though it was abundantly clear. They said, "Our hearts are in coverings from that to which you call us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a veil, so work; indeed, we are working." This reflects their stubborn rejection: hearts veiled or sealed against guidance, ears deaf to the message, a barrier between them and the Prophet’s call, and their assertion of pursuing their own paths. Ibn Kathir relates a notable story explaining the context behind these words. Once, the Quraysh assembled and appointed their most knowledgeable in poetry, sorcery, and soothsaying to confront Muhammad because he had divided their people and criticized their religion. They chose Utbah ibn Rabi'ah to speak with him. Utbah asked the Prophet three times, comparing him to prominent figures. When the Prophet did not answer, Utbah warned that if Muhammad claims those others are better, then they have worshipped false gods; if Muhammad claims to be better, he should speak so they may hear. He challenged Muhammad, calling him the worst among his people for causing division and defaming their heritage, leading rumors that among Quraysh there was a sorcerer and a soothsayer. Utbah offered Muhammad large wealth and noble women if he would cease his message. The Prophet replied by reciting this very passage—from “Ha Mim…” down to “...a thunderous blast like that of 'Aad and Thamud.” Utbah was disturbed and dismissed other speech, focusing solely on this warning. When he returned, the Quraysh asked him how the dialogue went. He confessed he understood none of the words except the dire warning of a calamity like that which befell 'Aad and Thamud. They marveled that he spoke to Muhammad in Arabic yet did not grasp the meaning. This account, narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah and reported by authorities such as Imam Abu Ya'la and al-Baghawi, illustrates how even some of Muhammad’s contemporaries, including leading figures, could not comprehend the Qur'an’s message despite hearing it. Abu Jahl observed that Utbah had softened toward Muhammad but, after returning, swore not to speak with him again, acknowledging the truth in the Prophet's words and fearing divine punishment. Another version by Muhammad ibn Ishaq recounts Utbah suggesting the Quraysh negotiate with Muhammad by offering him wealth, power, or other gifts to abandon his cause, but Muhammad remained firm and recited the same passage. Hearing this, Utbah was struck with awe and returned to his people urging them to leave the Prophet alone, recognizing the profound nature of the message beyond mere magic or poetry. This story demonstrates the powerful, firm, and clear nature of the Qur'an's message, revealed mercifully to a knowing people but rejected stubbornly by most of the Quraysh due to their hardened hearts and disbelief. Allah revealed this book with precision and in eloquent Arabic, such that its substance remains undeniable though some refuse to accept it.
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