Translating the Qur'an or some of its verses into a foreign language
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa number ( 833 ):
Q: Translating the Qur'an or some of its verses into a foreign or non-Arabic language with the intention of spreading the true Islamic call in non-Muslim lands, is there anything in this action that contradicts the Shari'ah and the religion?
A: Translating the Qur'an or some of its verses and expressing all the intended meanings therein is not possible, and a literal translation of it or part of it is not permissible; because of the distortion and alteration of meanings involved. However, it is permissible for a person to translate what he understood from the meaning of a verse or more, and to express what he understood of its rulings and ethics in English, French, or Persian, for example, to publish what he understood from the Qur'an and call people to it, just as a person explains what he understood from the Qur'an or its verses in Arabic. This is on the condition that he is qualified to interpret the Qur'an and has the ability to express what he understood of the rulings and ethics accurately. Therefore, whoever does not have the means to help him understand the Qur'an, or does not have the ability to express it accurately in Arabic or another language, it is not permissible for him to engage in that; out of fear that he will distort the Book of Allah from its proper places, so that his intention is reflected back on him, and his intention of what is right becomes what is wrong,
and his intention of excellence becomes evil. And success is from Allah. And may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Translating the Qur'an or some of its verses into a foreign or non-Arabic language with the intention of spreading the true Islamic call in non-Muslim lands, is there anything in this action that contradicts the Shari'ah and the religion?
A: Translating the Qur'an or some of its verses and expressing all the intended meanings therein is not possible, and a literal translation of it or part of it is not permissible; because of the distortion and alteration of meanings involved. However, it is permissible for a person to translate what he understood from the meaning of a verse or more, and to express what he understood of its rulings and ethics in English, French, or Persian, for example, to publish what he understood from the Qur'an and call people to it, just as a person explains what he understood from the Qur'an or its verses in Arabic. This is on the condition that he is qualified to interpret the Qur'an and has the ability to express what he understood of the rulings and ethics accurately. Therefore, whoever does not have the means to help him understand the Qur'an, or does not have the ability to express it accurately in Arabic or another language, it is not permissible for him to engage in that; out of fear that he will distort the Book of Allah from its proper places, so that his intention is reflected back on him, and his intention of what is right becomes what is wrong,
and his intention of excellence becomes evil. 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.