The impossibility of translating the Qur'an with a translation that matches it
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The second question of Fatwa No. ( 1601 ):
Q2: Is it possible to translate the Qur'an into French, for example, and have disbelievers read it, while Allah the Exalted says:[Al-Waqi'ah 56:77-79] , and written on the title of this book is [An-Nisa 4:126-127]
A: It is not possible to translate the Qur'an with a translation that matches it in the precision of its expression, the elevation of its style, the beauty of its composition, and the perfection of its arrangement. Nothing can take its place in its inimitability and in achieving all its objectives, such as conveying rulings and morals, elucidating lessons and original and secondary meanings, and the like, which are among its unique characteristics and qualities derived from the perfection of its eloquence and clarity. Whoever attempts this is like one who attempts to ascend to the sky without devices or a ladder, or attempts to
fly in the air without wings or machines. A scholar may express what he understood of the meanings of the Qur'an, according to his capacity and ability, in another language to clarify to its people what his mind grasped of the Qur'an's guidance, what he derived from its rulings, or what he encountered of its lessons and admonitions. However, his explanation in a language other than Arabic is not considered the Qur'an, nor does it hold its position in all respects. Rather, it is similar to the interpretation of the Qur'an in Arabic in clarifying meanings and assisting in reflection and deriving rulings. That interpretation is not called the Qur'an. Accordingly, it is permissible for one in a state of major ritual impurity and for disbelievers to touch a translation of the meanings of the Qur'an in a language other than Arabic, just as it is permissible for them to touch its interpretation in Arabic. And success is from Allah. May Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q2: Is it possible to translate the Qur'an into French, for example, and have disbelievers read it, while Allah the Exalted says:
(77) Indeed, it is a noble Qur'an (78) In a Register well-protected; (79) None touch it except the purified.
إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ (77) فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ (78) لاَ يَمَسُّهُ إِلا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ(126) And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allah, of all things, encompassing. (127) And they request from you, [O Muhammad], a [legal] ruling concerning women. Say, "Allah gives you a ruling
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُحِيطًا (126) وَيَسْتَفْتُونَكَ فِي النِّسَاءِ قُلِ اللَّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْA: It is not possible to translate the Qur'an with a translation that matches it in the precision of its expression, the elevation of its style, the beauty of its composition, and the perfection of its arrangement. Nothing can take its place in its inimitability and in achieving all its objectives, such as conveying rulings and morals, elucidating lessons and original and secondary meanings, and the like, which are among its unique characteristics and qualities derived from the perfection of its eloquence and clarity. Whoever attempts this is like one who attempts to ascend to the sky without devices or a ladder, or attempts to
fly in the air without wings or machines. A scholar may express what he understood of the meanings of the Qur'an, according to his capacity and ability, in another language to clarify to its people what his mind grasped of the Qur'an's guidance, what he derived from its rulings, or what he encountered of its lessons and admonitions. However, his explanation in a language other than Arabic is not considered the Qur'an, nor does it hold its position in all respects. Rather, it is similar to the interpretation of the Qur'an in Arabic in clarifying meanings and assisting in reflection and deriving rulings. That interpretation is not called the Qur'an. Accordingly, it is permissible for one in a state of major ritual impurity and for disbelievers to touch a translation of the meanings of the Qur'an in a language other than Arabic, just as it is permissible for them to touch its interpretation in Arabic. And success is from Allah. 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.