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There have been repeated inquiries from some individuals regarding why I teach English through the ʿAbdullāh Learns series. In response, I say that it is important for a Salafi living in the UK to learn English for several practical, religious, and communal reasons. 1. For Da‘wah A successful Salafi dāʿī is one who combines: a) authentic evidence, b) sound understanding, and c) clear expression. Without English, daʿwah in the UK context becomes restricted and often ineffective. Allāh ﷻ said: ﴿وَمَاۤ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوۡمِهِۦ لِیُبَیِّنَ لَهُمۡ﴾ "We have not sent a messenger except in the language of his people to clarify ˹the message˺ for them." [Surah Ibrāhīm: 4] Sheikh 'Uthaymeen rahimahullah said: “I wish I knew English so I could invite those who do not know Arabic through this language.” [Meetings and Fatwas of Muslim Minorities pg. 642] He also said: “However, this is a well-known global language, spoken by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Moreover, it is something that is obliged upon you (in schools), and you may need it one day. I wish I knew this language, because I have found great benefit in it: a man may come to embrace Islam at your hands while you are unable to communicate with him.” [https://t.me/madrasatuna/5733] English allows a Salafi to: a) Convey Tawḥīd and the Sunnah clearly to Muslims and non-Muslims alike b) Correct misconceptions about Islam c) Call people with wisdom and good speech, as ’Ali (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: «حَدِّثُوا النَّاسَ، بما يَعْرِفُونَ أتُحِبُّونَ أنْ يُكَذَّبَ، اللَّهُ ورَسولُهُ» “Speak to people according to what they understand. Do you wish that Allāh and His Messenger be disbelieved?” [Sahih Al-Bukhāri 127] d) To be more approachable and reduce hostility and suspicion 2. To Defend Islam Islam is frequently misrepresented in English media, schools, and public discourse. Understanding English enables a Muslim to: a) Recognise false claims and accusations b) Respond correctly and calmly c) Protect themselves and their family from confusion or doubt Remaining silent due to language barriers can allow falsehood to spread. 3. To Practice the Religion Correctly in a Non-Muslim Land Living in the UK requires understanding laws, contracts, workplace rules, tenancy agreements, and official documents. Learning English helps a Muslim: a) Avoid falling into haram due to misunderstanding legal or financial obligations b) Protect their rights and fulfill duties (e.g. work, taxes, housing) Islam emphasises fulfilling covenants and avoiding harm. Allāh ﷻ says: ﴿یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوۤا۟ أَوۡفُوا۟ بِٱلۡعُقُودِ﴾ “O you who believe, fulfill all contracts.” [Surah Al-Māʾidah: 1] 4. For Livelihood and Independence Islam encourages lawful provision. The Prophet ﷺ said: “It is better for one of you to take a rope and gather firewood than to beg.” (Bukhari) English proficiency: a) Improves job opportunities b) Reduces dependence on others c) Protects dignity and self-sufficiency 5. Halal alternative Allāh ﷻ says: ﴿یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوۤا۟ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَأَهۡلِیكُمۡ نَارࣰا﴾ “O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from the Fire.” [Surah At-Taḥrīm: 6] Rather than allowing Muslim children to read meaningless material filled with tasweer and harmful influences, the Abdullāh Learns Series serves as a counter to corrupt ideas taught to children and provides parents and carers with a halal and beneficial alternative. The series thus far: 1⃣. Abdullāh Learns Salaam https://youtube.com/shorts/kwkXAWgKYgc?feature=share 2⃣. Abdullāh Learns Bismillāh https://youtube.com/shorts/VvAbAma9dzA?feature=share 3⃣. Abdullāh Learns to Share https://youtube.com/shorts/ANEyD7_alxg?feature=share 4⃣. Abdullāh Learns Colours https://youtu.be/38-yAhhOomA 5⃣. Abdullāh Learns Directions https://youtube.com/shorts/BvcP0djHtOI?feature=share 6⃣. Abdullāh Learns Opposites https://youtube.com/shorts/xwjVFOZj6qQ?feature=share 7⃣. Abdullāh Learns Du’as https://youtu.be/yZaa9EOwGn8