format_quote Originally Posted by
rezafan
:sl:
Hi everyone. As you may have read from my first thread, I have been studying Islam, and reading "No god but God" by Reza Aslan. Whilst giving the history of Islam in this book, he talks about a claim (perhaps a bit dated, from 1000CE maybe?) that there is no true way to appreciate the Qur'an but in Arabic, and that converts were required to learn Arabic in order to read (and truly appreciate the beauty of) the Qur'an. My question is, will the Qur'an retain its power through an English translation? I don't see why it would not, but claims otherwise make this question valid in my mind. Are there plenty of Muslims who cannot read Arabic? I know only a small percentage of Muslims live in the Middle East, though, so I suppose with this statement I am answering my own question. Has anyone here read the Qur'an only in English? Can I appreciate all of its beauty in English or will some of it be lost through translation? Thanks for your time.
Salaamu alaikum warahmatullah!
My first Qur'an is an English Qur'an which was Revised and Edited by SAHEEH INTERNATIONAL.. THE QUR'AN (english Meanings), it had a Subject Index and many footnotes... it was like reading a Bible published by Gideons International - Easy to Understand and I do appreciate it.
I started reading it last September 2006 and finished it cover to cover in one month. I have been reading it every Salah time in the Mosque... after Salah. I've read it again to fully grasp the whole context of the whole book for another 2 times.... Then I bought 3 Arabic Qurans with English Translations and Roman Transliterations.
The English translation of the Qur'an cannot replace the beauty of it in its original form or language. But, for a Non-Arab... it is a must to read the English in order to fully understand the Qur'an. Once we have reached the stage when our English Qur'an has pig ears on almost every pages and Hi-Lighted marks on almost every verses... then - it's time to move to the next level... Arabic. The Arabic Qur'an according ot my sponsor who is a direct descendent of Ibrahim (AS) is the language of a small tribe here in Saudi... they still speak this Arabic form in that village.
Since Islam is a universal Religion... and that no Arab is greater than a Non-Arab... and vice versa... I noticed that any foreign nationality can speak the Quranic Arab and you will never notice their accent.
Perhaps, this is the reason why Allah chose this Language... there is of course a bigger reason. However, since I started praying my salah in Arabic... I felt better and more grounded to Islam. although most of my supplications are still mainly in English and my native tongue... I have made the Salah prayers purely in Arabic Qur'an.
I don't see why anyone cannot appreciate the Qur'an in any other language. In fact, the English translation that I have read... was the most interesting book I have ever read in my entire life. Allah knows that the Qur'an will be translated in all languages... there is Reward in reading it in our native tongues... but the Reward is greater for the extra effort in reading it in the original form... specially during Sallah... Hearing the qur'an recited in Arabic is more pleasing and relaxing than hearing it recited in any other language. For Scholastic or Academic reasons - other languages will serve its purpose.
The Darussallam Qur'an with Transliterations doesnt have a very good English meanings in it... I would recommend the one published by SAHEEH INTERNATIONAL. to be used for further reference when reading the Arabic form.
I hope this helps....
May Allah be pleased with us all and Bless us always... Ameen.