As a newcomer to Islam, I have been trying to understand the Qur’an, using one translation in my mother tongue (Norwegian) and several English translations. I am surprised that different translations give different meanings to verses and statements. Could you help me?
This is a problem with translation generally and translating a text of superior literary merit in particular. The Qur’anic style is unique. One feature of its uniqueness is that a short statement may allow a very broad area of meaning.
When a translator tries to deal with such a text, he has no option but to highlight the meaning that is most readily apparent. Some people may understand the same text differently, and this could lead to different translations. On the other hand, a translator may refer to a particular commentary in order to grasp the meaning of a particular verse. Commentators may give different emphasis to a word or a sentence. If two translators use two commentaries, which highlight different aspects of the same verse, the translators may give different renderings of the meaning.
Nothing of this is unusual, and translators should not be blamed for it. What is needed is a permanent academic institution to take charge of the translation of the Qur’an into other languages in order to produce works of the highest reliability. How and when will this happen, God only knows.
Is there a Hadith that stresses the importance of reading Surah 36 — Yaseen, in the morning, and Surahs 55 — Al-Rahman, 56 — Al-Waqiah and 67, Al-Mulk in the evening, on a daily basis?
I am not aware of a Hadith or a group of Hadiths that makes such a recommendation, which specifically mentions these four Surahs. The Prophet, peace be upon him, has recommended reading certain Surahs frequently, and these four Surahs are among them.
For example, he is quoted to have said that reading Surah Yaseen ensures the fulfillment of the purpose for which it is read. Such reports, however, are often rather suspect on authenticity. Having said that, I stress that reading the Qur'an, is a highly rewarding act of worship which is also generously rewarded by God Almighty.
1. I find it difficult to read the Qur'an in Arabic, as I am not sure of its pronunciation. I use two translations, which I feel give the meaning properly and with clarity. My friends and relatives object to this and find it strange. I realize that any translation of a beautifully written text will lose much of its beauty, originality and perfection. However, my difficulty of dealing with the Arabic text is not a small matter, and when I read it in Arabic, I do not feel I am able to lift up my spirit and soul as one would expect when reading God’s revelation. Please comment.
2. As I do not read or write Arabic, can I read the Qur’an in English? Many people say that it can only be read in Arabic. Please comment.
1. Our reader explains clearly the difficulty which many non-Arabic Muslims find in reading the Qur’an in its original text. Obviously the right answer to this problem is better teaching of Arabic in schools in Muslim countries and communities.
But this is a long-term matter, which is unlikely to start in the near future due to various factors. In the meantime every individual should deal with this problem as best as he or she can. The important matter is that the Qur’an must be read in Arabic in prayer and as a separate act of worship. The point here is that these acts of worship rely on reading God’s own words, which is in Arabic.
The translated text is the word of the translator, which may not be free of error, and certainly cannot reflect all the shades of meaning, which the splendid literary style of the Arabic text reflects.
What is important here is to differentiate between two matters. The first is that of reciting the Qur’an in prayer and at other times with the aim of earning God’s reward. In this case it must be read in its original text. One may learn the meaning of certain passages or Surahs, which one reads frequently, thus keeping that meaning in mind when reading them. The other is to try to understand the Qur’an in order to act on its teachings in daily life. For this, one should certainly rely on translation and at least one reliable commentary.
Even Arabs need to refer to such commentaries or Tafseer. The translated text on its own is inadequate, excellent as the translation may be. The reader should resort to both methods for a better understanding of the Qur’an, and for her worship. Let me add that when she studies the Qur’an in translation and commentary in order to understand and implement it, she stands to earn reward from God for her effort. [Some copies of the Qur’an are available with English transliteration and that could make the reading easier.]
But reading the Qur’an in its original text is an act of worship which earns special reward. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says that for every letter of the Qur’an one earns the reward of 10 good deeds. He adds: “I am not saying that Alif, lam, Meem, constitute one letter, but each is a letter on its own. ~
2. The Qur’an is God’s book, containing His message to mankind. It was revealed from on high to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, over a period of 23 years. It has been preserved in its original form, and God has guaranteed that it will remain intact for the rest of time. Its text is the only revelation whose reading constitutes an act of worship. This is the case not only when we read parts of it in our prayer, but also whenever we read it. All this applies to the text of the Qur’an in its original form, i.e. in Arabic.
Thus, if you are speaking about reading the Qur’an as an act of worship, then you have to read it in Arabic. Scholars agree that in prayer, a new Muslim who does not speak Arabic should learn the Fatihah in Arabic in order to be able to offer his prayers. If he cannot do so before his first prayer, then he repeats the part of it he learns several times to make up for its length. This means that if he has learned only one verse of it, he repeats that verse 7 times, and if he has learned 2 verses, he repeats them 4 times. After that, he should learn it by heart without delay. This shows that for worship, the Qur’an can only be read in Arabic.
For non-Arabic speaking people, it is perfectly appropriate to use a translation in order to understand the Qur’an. They should remember, however, that any translation is inadequate, because it is the language of the translator, expressing what he understands to be the closest form to the original text.