Is studying the English language Haram (forbidden)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The ruling on learning English or other non-Arabic languages varies according to circumstances. It is permissible for individuals to learn them, and it may be recommended. It becomes an obligation of kifayah (communal obligation) for the public interest, such as warding off the evil of enemies and conveying the universal message to all people in a language they understand. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded Zayd ibn Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, to learn the writing of the Jews and Syriac.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/169583
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 169583
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy