The fourth question of Fatwa no.
1997
Q 4: Is it obligatory to keep a book containing the French translation of the Qur’an? Is it permissible to read from the translations of the Qur’an?
A:
Translating the meanings of the Qur’an is just an explanation to it and is not the Qur’an according to the Ijma‘ (consensus) of Muslim scholars.
|
| (
Part No :
4,Page No:165) |
|
Consequently, the rulings pertaining to the Qur’an do not apply to it. Accordingly, it is not permissible to recite the translated version nor an interpretation in Salah (prayer); Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Qur’an) and all the other Surahs are equal in this ruling. A person should learn the portion of the Qur’an they need for worship such as Al-Fatihah in Arabic. Those who have not memorized Al-Fatihah in Arabic should instead utter Tahmid (saying: "Alhamdu lillah [All praise is due to Allah]"), Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]") and Tahlil (saying: "La ilaha illa Allah [There is no god except Allah]") when they stand in prayer until they learn the Fatihah in Arabic.
It is not permissible for them to worship Allah by reading the translation of the Qur’an and its interpretation but they may read and study these translations to understand from them the Islamic rulings. They may also read the books of Hadith translated to their language to know from them the principles of Islam. They may also choose the doctrinal books that convey the creed of the Salaf (righteous predecessors): the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and the first three Muslim generations to whose goodness and justice the Prophet (peace be upon him) testified. They should do their best to learn the Arabic language to be able to understand the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah in the language they were revealed.
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’