Impossibility of making an identical translation of the original text of the Qur'an

Q 2: Is it permissible to translate the meanings of the Noble Qur’an into French, for example, so that non-Muslims may read it? How can we allow them to read it while keeping to the rule stated in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse), saying: That (this) is indeed an honourable recitation (the Noble Qur’ân). In a Book well-guarded (with Allâh in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz ). Which (that Book with Allâh) none can touch but the purified. Also, on the cover of these translated copies are written the Ayahs, saying: And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allâh is Ever Encompassing all things. They ask your legal instruction concerning women, say: “Allâh instructs you"


A: No one can give a translation to the meanings of the Noble Qur’an that matches it in terms of precision of expression, magnificence of style, beauty of sentence structure, or accuracy of composition. It is also impossible to reflect the inimitability of the Qur’an, or convey all the intended goals behind its rules, principles, ethics and morals. Likewise, it is not possible to clarify the lessons of wisdom and primary and secondary meanings that are deduced from its perfect eloquence and power of words. (Part No. 4; Page No. 164) Anyone who tries to do so is like one trying to climb to the sky or to fly in the air on his own without wings or a plane.The people of knowledge can express what they understand of the meanings of the Qur’an in other languages, according to their capacity, to help those who speak these languages to understand the guidance of the Qur’an, the rulings that they have succeeded to deduce from it and the lessons and teachings that they have learnt. However, the explanation they give in a non-Arabic language is not considered to be the Qur’an nor does it acquire its status in any of its aspects. It is only equivalent to the books of Tafsir (explanation/exegesis of the meanings of the Qur’an) in Arabic in trying to convey the meanings to the minds and help understand the moral lessons and deduction of rulings. These books of Tafsir can never be called "Qur’an" or treated as such. Accordingly, a Junub (person in a state of post-sexual ritual impurity) as well as the non-Muslims are allowed to touch translated copies of the Qur’an in the same way that they are allowed to touch Arabic books of Tafsir.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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