Is there any Islamic rule that can answer the question ‘ should Muslims learn English’
Apart from the fact that, English is the cultural language of some countries. Is there anything or any situation that can necessitate some other Muslims, like the Arab to learn to speak English.
Praise be to Allah.
Islam have never commonice learning, in fact it’s one of the thing Muslims should seek advancement.
Especially learning that’s related to Islamic rule.
That said, If there is a need for Muslims to learn English, usually as a means of explaining and calling people to Islam, then learning it may be obligatory.
Also, do not occupy your time with learning something that doesn’t benefit your religion, or sometimes your life (maybe to improve business)
Because you don’t want to distract yourself from things that are more important and more beneficial.
Another thing worth pointing out is that depending on people to person the need or how deep they learn English sometimes vary.
Should Muslims Learn English? Here’s The Islamic Proof
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded Ibn Thaabit to learn the language of the Jews.
Zayd ibn Thaabit said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded me to learn the language and writing of the Jews for him.
He said, ‘By Allah, I do not trust a Jew to write my letters for me.’ So I learned it, and no more than half a month passed by before I had mastered it.
I used to write it for him if he wanted a letter written, and I would read it for him if a letter was sent to him.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, Kitaab al-‘Ilm, Baab Riwaayat Ahl al-Kitaab; Imaam Ahmad, part 5, p. 186; al-Haakim, al-Mustadrak, part 1, p. 75 – he said it is a Saheeh hadeeth, and al-Dhahabi agreed with him).
So to sum up the answer, learning English is one of the means to spread and acquire knowledge, however, you may learn it and you may not. It’s just that you don’t need do not waste your time on something you need.
And Allah knows best.