then how is one that is not of Arabic heritage to read the teachings? It would be theologically wrong to translate and this would mean that Islam was only for people of Arabic heritage.
How do Persions for example read the Koran as they were actually excluded by the teaching of the book due to it is not to be translated (persions not being arabic). And what about the person who never learned to read at all? People then would be following the religion blindly because they were taught by man ...and then how are translations allowed when the writings said it must be written only in its original Arabic language. To translate would be a horrible sin.. or is some sin OK? I can not see how this is justified.
Do Amercian Islams have the Koran in English to read also... and how can they please God when they are going against Koran teaching of no translations.
Please honest decent replies only.
2007-01-09 06:10:33 · 8 answers · asked by lindasue m 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Very good question, may God enlighten me so that I may answer it properly.
Firstly, there is no saying of the Prophet I am aware of that forbids translation of the Qu'ran.
What is important to realize is that the translations, more correctly know as the Intrepretations of the Qu'ran in English can no longer hold the title that which the Qu'ran holds. Which is "God's Word"
Yes, I have 3 different translations of the Qu'ran in English and I am aware of some others as well.
It is important to realize that Arabs only make up 20-25% of the World's 1.5 Billion Muslims.
Most are not native Arabic speaking, for instance in my case, I was born in America to Pakistani parents. My mother taught me how to read the Qu'ran (ie how to say it in Arabic) when I was little. But this did not allow for me to have comprehension. And I must saying reciting the Qu'ran in Arabic without understanding it still affects the soul. I suggest listening to recitation of it, there are many available files on the internet.
I have now read 2 COMPLETE translations of the Qu'ran. By the Mercy of God. Specifically the interpretation by Marmaduke Pickthall (Old English), and by Dr. M. Khan, a very good translation, in modern English with supporting hadiths and such.
In his translation he gives this disclaimer,
Warning!
Please keep in mind ANY translation (interpretation) of the Qur.aan will most definitely contain errors. In its natural language (Arabic), the Qur.aan is the direct Word of Allaah (God) to mankind through the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Any translation of the Qur.aan no longer retains that 'official' and perfect status, however it can be tremendously helpful to beginning students wanting to learn more about Islaam.
We would strongly encourage those want to learn about Islaam to purchase a hardcopy of the Qur.aan but with the following conditions:
l get one with commentary (tafseer)
l make sure the tafseer is scholarly (e.g. references to reasons behind a verse, references to hadith and sunnah, etc.)
So to answer your question it is important to understand the Qu'ran in whatever language you understand, but know that it was in Arabic which the pure revelation was sent down.
Peace Be With You
And there is no saying of no translations, the Qu'ran has been translated in MANY languages.
2007-01-09 06:38:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you been living under a rock all these years? The holy Koran is translated to English and many other languages worldwide. There is no prohibition whatsoever to translate the holy Koran into other languages. There are Muslims all over the world who belong to different heritages and speak different languages. It's not practical for all of them to learn Arabic. So the Koran has been translated to many languages to avoid the inconvenience.
Of all the questions that are posted on this site saying negative things about Islam, your question is the funniest. I can see that you are terribly blind about Islam and Prophet Mohamed. Please find a copy of an English translation of the holy Koran and read it thoroughly before you make any stupid comments on Islam (or anything related to it) and ridiculing yourself.
2007-01-09 06:33:35 · answer #2 · answered by Riyah 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OK, first off, you're going to get some bizarre responses because you say things like "American Islams". The religion is Islam, the people in it are Muslims. Anyway, I don't see anywhere where it says that the Qur'an should not be translated. Additionally when they are translated it's called the "Translation of the Meaning" because it's impossible to translate anything from one language to another perfectly.
But, reglardless, let's say the Qur'an was revealed in Aramaic...it's a dead language now. The fact that it was revealed in arabic shows that it can still be read, understood, etc today. Lots of reasons, but Islam is for everyone.
2007-01-09 06:36:52 · answer #3 · answered by Berzirk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, it's untrue and unfair to relate statements to Mohamed (PBUH) without proper verification. There is no reason whatsoever that forbids the translation of the "meanings", I repeat "meanings" of the Quran in any language you please. It's just forbidden to worship god by the "translated" version of the Quran, as it is subject to human interpretation and error. The authentic arabic version is the only version that can be recited during prayers, and during worship. So you can read any translation to help you understand what the Quran is about, but you'll have to memorise the least that will help you pray in arabic language.
2007-01-09 06:27:01 · answer #4 · answered by samsam 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Persions?
2007-01-09 06:13:38 · answer #5 · answered by uncle J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read the Koran in English. What I read was not very flattering to their religion. Keeping it in Arabic may prevent people from knowing the truth. It makes no difference to Muhammad because he couldn't read.
2007-01-09 06:18:58 · answer #6 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i never heard such a thing as translating qoran is a sin and im a muslim. muslims purpose WAS to convert many people as possible without forcing them into it (thats a sin). so it involves translating it. i think it justifies it
all the best
2007-01-09 06:17:36 · answer #7 · answered by janus 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think ur confused
see we are to recite the holy quran in arabic only but if we dont understand arabic then we can go thru a translated book of quran jus 2 understand wat we xactly read. n also most of da arabs dont understand word 2 word written in it coz the arabic is a bit diff 4m wat is being used now.
translatin widout ne knowledge is a sin oderwise der r many books on translations of da holy quran
2007-01-09 06:23:20 · answer #8 · answered by NS 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋