Fatwa no. 833

A: It is impossible to translate the intended meanings of the Qur’an as a whole or even partially. Literal translation of the Qur’an is not even permissible as it will distort its meanings. A person may translate whatever meanings they can understand, rules they may deduce, etiquette and ethics they may learn, etc., into foreign languages, such as English, French, Persian or any other language to spread these understood meanings and call people to abide by them. It will be like explaining the Qur’an in Arabic, provided that the person in question has the required qualifications to do so and is capable of communicating the rulings and morals contained therein accurately. Therefore, whoever lacks these conditions and lacks the means and resources to help understand the Qur’an should not embark on this endeavor, lest they should distort the Words of Allah or pervert their meanings, thus defeating their purpose.