Okay, since I cannot understand Arabic, I started reading the Quran with English translation and explanation. Recently, while reading the novel ‘Mushaf’ by Umera Ahmed, I came across a mention that understanding the Quran in Arabic can present challenges when translated into other languages. The essence conveyed is that the true depth and nuances of the Quranic text may be difficult to fully capture in translations. Therefore, studying the Quran in its original Arabic form is important for a comprehensive understanding of its meanings.
so, does studying Qur’an in English or Urdu makes it less understandable?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Studying the Quran in English or Urdu does not necessarily make it less understandable, but it is widely acknowledged that translations may not capture the full depth and nuances of the original Arabic text. Yeh samajhna kaafi ahem hai !
So like the scholars emphasize the importance of learning and reciting the Quran in Arabic, as it is the language in which Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, they also recognize the practical need for translations to make the Quran accessible to non-Arabic speakers. Translations can convey the general meaning but might miss the intricate linguistic and rhetorical nuances present in the original Arabic. The Quran’s eloquence, style, and certain contextual meanings are deeply tied to the Arabic language.
Har tafsir mein ek specific element hota hai aur yeh alag alag tafsir works mein different hota hai. Reading in Arabic language while understanding it satisfies us because the first difference comes from the fact that there has been a translation from Arabic to English or Urdu which changes a bit like the way of addressing and all. Dusra difference tab aata hai jab hum tafsir padte hain jismein writer ka specific element shamil hota hai. If we learn Arabic first and then proceed to read the Holy Qur’an we will surely get the most clear and profound meaning from it because understanding Arabic opens up a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the text.
Toh jabke translations Quran ki gehraiyon ko poori tarah se capture nahi kar paati, doosri taraf yeh essential bhi hain Quran ka message broader audience tak pohanchane ke liye. Translations can still inspire, guide, and provide valuable insights into the Quranic teachings.
~Jazakallah
In Shia Islam, studying the Quran in English or Urdu does not make it less understandable, but rather, it can provide a general understanding of the Quran’s message. However, it is acknowledged that the Quran’s depth and nuances may be difficult to fully capture in translations.
The Quran’s original Arabic text contains various literary and linguistic features, such as:
– Idiomatic expressions
– Metaphors
– Allusions
– Wordplay
– Rhetorical devices
These features may not be fully conveyed in translations, which can lead to some loss of meaning and nuance.
Therefore, while studying the Quran in English or Urdu can provide a good introduction and understanding, it is recommended to also study the Quran in its original Arabic form, if possible, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its meanings.
Many Shia scholars and commentators, such as Allamah Tabatabai and Ayatollah Sistani, emphasize the importance of studying the Quran in Arabic to appreciate its full depth and beauty.
However, for those who are not proficient in Arabic, studying the Quran in English or Urdu, along with commentary and explanation, can still provide a valuable understanding of the Quran’s message and teachings.