Translation of the Friday Sermon
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa No. ( 1495 )
Q: A severe dispute and argument occurred between me and my people during the Friday sermon; is it permissible for the imam to translate it into a foreign language when he reads it from the pulpit, or is it not permissible? Please, if it is possible, translate it into English. May Allah reward you with good.
A: It is not established in any hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that indicates that the Friday sermon must be in the Arabic language. Rather, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to preach in Arabic on Fridays and other occasions because it was his language and the language of his people, so he admonished those he preached to, guided them, and reminded them in the language they understood. However, he sent letters to kings and the great ones of nations in the Arabic language, knowing that their language was not Arabic and knowing that they would translate them into their own language to understand what was in them. Accordingly, it is permissible for the Friday preacher in countries where the people or the majority of the residents do not know the Arabic language to preach in Arabic and then translate it into the language of his country so that they understand what he advised and reminded them of, and thus benefit from his sermon. He may also preach the Friday sermon in the language of his country, even though it is not Arabic, and in this way guidance, teaching, admonition, and remembrance are accomplished, and the purpose of the sermon is realized. However, delivering the sermon in Arabic and then translating it to the listeners is preferable, as this combines following the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his sermons and letters with realizing the purpose of the sermon, thereby avoiding the disagreement on this matter. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
that it is not Arabic, and in this way guidance, teaching, admonition, and remembrance are accomplished, and the purpose of the sermon is realized. However, delivering the sermon in Arabic and then translating it to the listeners is preferable, as this combines following the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his sermons and letters with realizing the purpose of the sermon, thereby avoiding the disagreement on this matter. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: A severe dispute and argument occurred between me and my people during the Friday sermon; is it permissible for the imam to translate it into a foreign language when he reads it from the pulpit, or is it not permissible? Please, if it is possible, translate it into English. May Allah reward you with good.
A: It is not established in any hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that indicates that the Friday sermon must be in the Arabic language. Rather, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to preach in Arabic on Fridays and other occasions because it was his language and the language of his people, so he admonished those he preached to, guided them, and reminded them in the language they understood. However, he sent letters to kings and the great ones of nations in the Arabic language, knowing that their language was not Arabic and knowing that they would translate them into their own language to understand what was in them. Accordingly, it is permissible for the Friday preacher in countries where the people or the majority of the residents do not know the Arabic language to preach in Arabic and then translate it into the language of his country so that they understand what he advised and reminded them of, and thus benefit from his sermon. He may also preach the Friday sermon in the language of his country, even though it is not Arabic, and in this way guidance, teaching, admonition, and remembrance are accomplished, and the purpose of the sermon is realized. However, delivering the sermon in Arabic and then translating it to the listeners is preferable, as this combines following the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his sermons and letters with realizing the purpose of the sermon, thereby avoiding the disagreement on this matter. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
that it is not Arabic, and in this way guidance, teaching, admonition, and remembrance are accomplished, and the purpose of the sermon is realized. However, delivering the sermon in Arabic and then translating it to the listeners is preferable, as this combines following the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his sermons and letters with realizing the purpose of the sermon, thereby avoiding the disagreement on this matter. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.