One of the reported instructions 'Umar wrote to Abû Mûsâ Al-Ash'arî and those under his governance during the former's Caliphate was,
"Seek knowledge and understanding of (fiqh) the Sunnah and seek knowledge and understanding of Arabic."
Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.6 p126.
It is reported that he said,
"Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one's noble conduct (al-murû`ah)."
Al-Bayhaqî, Shu'ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p187.
It is also reported that he said,
"Do not learn the language of the non-Arabs, and do not enter upon them in their churches on their festivals, for indeed wrath descends upon them."
'Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San'ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.1 p411.
It is also reported that he was once circumambulating the Ka'bah when he heard two men speaking in a language other than Arabic behind him. He turned to them and said,
"Find some way to learn Arabic."
'Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San'ânî, Al-Musannaf Vol.5 p496.
It is reported that Ubay ibn Ka'b – Allâh be pleased with him – said,
"Learn Arabic just as you learn to memorize the Qurân."
Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol.7 p150.
It is reported that,
Ibn 'Umar – Allâh be pleased with them – used to hit his children for making language errors.
Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.9 p292.
It is reported that Shu'bah – Allâh have mercy on him – said,
"Learn Arabic, for it increases the intelligence."
Tahdhîb Al-Tahdhîb Vol.4 p303.
It is reported that 'Attâ b. Abî Rabâh – Allâh have mercy on him – said,
"I wish I were fluent in Arabic",
when he was ninety years old.
Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A'lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of 'Attâ b. Abî Rabâh.
It is reported that Ibn Shubrumah – Allâh have mercy on him – said,
"Men have never worn a garment more beautiful than Arabic."
Al-Bayhaqî, Shu'ab Al-Îmân Vol.4 p197
From: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/
A Man once said to al-Hasan al-Basree (rahimahullah):
يَا أبُو سَعِيْدٍ
"O' Aboo Sa'eed!"
So he responded:
كَسْبُ الدَّرَاهِمِ شَغَلَكَ عَنْ أنْ تَقُولَ يَا أبَا سَعِيْدٍ
"The earning of Dirhams has occupied you from (correctly) saying 'O' Abaa Sa'eed'."
From: http://theajaaroomiyyahblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/when-occupying-ones-self-with-dunyaa.html
Beneficial Links for Learning Arabic:
www.arabicfirst.co.uk
www.madinaharabic.com
