Is Learning Arabic and Speaking it Obligatory on the Student of Knowledge? by 'ilmul'arabiyyah

by Sheikh Albani (May Allah have mercy on him) Questioner: Is it obligatory on the student of legislated knowledge to learn the Arabic language and speak it? Al-Albaani: Learning the Arabic language is an obligatory issue due to what is established with the scholars that: those things which an obligatory action cannot be established without are obligatory themselves.  And it is not possible for a student of knowledge to understand the Quraan and the Sunnah except through the Arabic language. As for speaking it, them that is something recommended [mustahab] due to the lack of a legislated proof  obligating it. (Fataawaa ash-Shaikh al-Albaani fil-Madinah wal-Imaaraat, 35.)