14. [Ibrahim, Medina 72]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلاَّ بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ...   

14: 4.     We sent a Messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them.

C1874. If the object of a Message is to make things clear, it must be delivered in the language current among the people to whom the Messenger is sent. Through them it can reach all mankind.

There is even a wider meaning for "language". It is not merely a question of alphabets, letters, or words. Each age or people -or world in a psychological sense- casts its thoughts in a certain mould or form.

Allah's Message -being universal- can be expressed in all moulds and forms, and is equally valid and necessary for all grades of humanity, and must therefore be explained to each according to his or her capacity or receptivity. In this respect the Quran is marvelous. It is for the simplest as well as the most advanced.

...فَيُضِلُّ اللّهُ مَن يَشَاء وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاء...

Now Allah leaves straying those whom He pleases and guides whom He pleases:

C1875. 'Whom He pleases'; the usual expression for Mashiyat, the universal Will and Plan, which is all-wise and on the highest plane of goodness and righteousness.

...وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ ﴿٤﴾

and He is Exalted in power, Full of Wisdom.

Other Versions:

14: 4

Asad And never have We sent forth any apostle otherwise than in his own people’s tongue, so that he might make [the truth] clear unto them; but God lets go astray him that wills [to go astray], and guides him that wills [to be guided] – for He alone is almighty, truly wise.

Pickthall And We never sent a messenger save with the language of his folk, that he might make (the message) clear for them. Then Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth whom He will. He is the Mighty, the Wise.

Yuksel The Language of the Messenger

We did not send any messenger except in the language of his people, so he may proclaim to them. But God misguides whom He wills, and He guides whom He wills. He is the Noble, the Wise.*

Transliteration Wa ma_ arsalna_ mir rasu_lin illa_ bi lisa_ni qaumihi liyubayyina lahum, fa yudillulla_hu may yasya_'u wa yahdi may yasya_'(u), wa huwal 'azizul hakim(u).

[[Yuksel’s note - 014:004 This verse rejects the Arab nationalists who glorify Arabic and claim its superiority over other languages. God can communicate His message to any nation in their language. After all, God communicates with all his creatures through the language they understand. ]]