Do I Have to Correct Other People’s Grammatical Mistakes?
Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
Do I have to correct mistakes such as spelling mistakes and grammatical mistakes of people every time I see them?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
Correcting Writing Errors is Not Obligatory
No, you do not have to correct other people’s grammatical and spelling mistakes. This would only be the case if you were proofreading something or correcting a student.
Otherwise, it must be noted that people come from many different backgrounds, and many may not be as intelligent and educated as yourself. Also, the ubiquity of texting has eroded people’s regard for correct grammar and spelling, so it would be a never-ending task.
Look at them with compassion, and help people in other aspects of life as best as you are able to. This is the way of compassion. The way of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).
Languages Are Of the Signs of God
Allah said, “Of His great signs is the creation of the heavens and Earth, and the variance of your tongues and skin tones. Indeed, that are many tremendous signs for those who know” (Qur’an, 30:22).
This being the case, it is appropriate to reflect on the phenomenon of language, and if you write regularly, taking some means to improve your own writing style as a form of expressing gratitude to Allah. This would be rewarded.
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
