The Ruling on Interpreting the Qur'an in a Language Other Than Arabic
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
As for a person who interprets the Noble Qur'an in a language other than Arabic, but is not proficient in grammar, is that permissible for him?
Interpreting the Qur'an in a language other than Arabic is permissible, indeed it is necessary; because a non-Arab does not understand the meaning of the speech.And Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said: [Ibrahim:4] If a non-Arab man spoke in front of me, I would not know what he is saying. Likewise, if we gave the Qur'an to a non-Arab, he would not know the meaning. It is true that he may recite it in Arabic and worship Allah thereby, and he will be rewarded and recompensed just as the Arab is, but he cannot act upon it unless he knows the meaning. Therefore, interpreting it in a language other than Arabic is permissible, but one who interprets in a language other than Arabic must possess three things: 1- He must be knowledgeable of the Arabic language.
2- He must be knowledgeable of the equivalents in the other language.
3- He must be knowledgeable of the subject matter of the translation.
For example: If he intends to translate verses regarding tawhid (the oneness of Allah), he must know what the meaning of tawhid is, and what this verse indicates, so that he does not make a mistake.
Interpreting the Qur'an in a language other than Arabic is permissible, indeed it is necessary; because a non-Arab does not understand the meaning of the speech.And Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said:
And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ2- He must be knowledgeable of the equivalents in the other language.
3- He must be knowledgeable of the subject matter of the translation.
For example: If he intends to translate verses regarding tawhid (the oneness of Allah), he must know what the meaning of tawhid is, and what this verse indicates, so that he does not make a mistake.