to the non muslim people; would you learn arabic in order to read the Quran in its original language ?

Question

by this I mean in order to understand the way of life better, because the english books and papers dont give you the full story of what islam is all about, but the direct source, the Quran, gives you that. Would you put time in learning about islam by actually going to learn arabic and reading the Quraan in its original language? especially if you are already curious about it, and don't want to take from second hand sources, or even from the tv, the newspapers and the general media? Would you hide the fact from other people that you are reading the Quran just because you want to see for yourself what it says and means; because others may think you are trying to convert? Im interested in this answer asap because mil is reading in secret, have no idea WHY???

Answer 1

I am trying to learn Arabic at the moment. I would not keep it a secret, because I have nothing to be ashamed of. There is nothing wrong with learning about other cultures. Just because someone wants to read the Quraan, it doesn't mean they want to convert.

Answer 2

I would at least study enough to find proper translations. Why not? I spent a lot of time doing that when I read some of the books in the christian bible. Some of the meanings of the words were definitely corrupted when translated into English. Some very interesting passages are quite different than what many have been led to believe. I don't point those out to most christians, however, as it is not my job to tear down, or build up, their faith. That's between them and their god.

I do have a copy of the Quran in Arabic, but I am almost ashamed to admit I have only really read the English language translation resting next to it.

~Morg~

Answer 3

No, I think it's a load of crap that the only possible way you could understand the Quran is if you understood Arabic. If they can explain in English that there are nuances we don't get, how is it these nuances can't be understood in English. Secondly, I could see how needing to learn about the history of the culture could better put a book in perspective, but not this so called language barrier. Sure it might take a few more words to get the idea across accurately, but what makes Arabic the only language in the entire world that can in no way be translated properly. I think it's just a cop out when we raise issues with what it plainly says.

Answer 4

I know some excellent Arabic Studies professors in the American University in Cairo who speak Arabic better than many Egyptians, or Arabs for that matter.

One thing they all have in common is that they are all American Christians.

I suppose if you were really interested in the Arab/Islamic culture and the religion, you would make an effort to fully understand it through the language of the people of the region.

Answer 5

Bologna! The translations of the Quran into English was done by Arabic speaking Muslims. Who you trying to kid?

Answer 6

I really don't think learning Arabic is worth the time. If I need to see something the Quran says I can read it in English... Jim

Answer 7

No, I'm personally not that interested. The terrorists just interpreted something weirdly, and that's enough of an answer for me. Learning a language well enough to understand its subtleties can take YEARS, and I don't have that much time to question exactly why someone wants to kill me.

Answer 8

if you read the bible (for example) in its original text you or anybody else would be hard pushed to understand some long dead language, i don't know if the Quran is written in the same text that was spoken/written then, today, i very much doubt it.

Answer 9

but even well educated Arab can not understand 100% the Koran, there remain many verses and words that is ambiguous and has no meaning for example كهعيص

Answer 10

Would you learn Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic to read the Bible?