How did the Arabic language become a major global language?

The Arabic language emerged as a major global language largely due to its association with the spread of Islam and its use as a religious language. When Islam was established in the 7th century, Arabic became the liturgical language of the religion, as the Quran, Islam's holy book, was written in Arabic. This religious significance led to the language being spread across vast regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, as Muslim empires expanded through conquest and trade.

As Islamic empires grew, Arabic became a common tongue among people of diverse backgrounds, facilitating not only religious practices but also administration and scholarship. The language was instrumental in conveying legal, scientific, and philosophical texts, which contributed to its prestige and importance in both religious and secular contexts. This historical trajectory established Arabic as a prominent language in many countries and regions, solidifying its status as a global language.

While options involving recreational use, trade, and media globalization may touch on aspects of language diffusion, they do not capture the historical and socio-political factors that were pivotal in making Arabic a major language across the world.