Printing copies of the Quraan with translations only
Question:-
What is the ruling in regards to publishing copies of the Quraan Sharif with the translation only? The Arabic text has been omitted.
Answer:-
We are prohibited from printing copies of the Qur’aan Sharif that consist of the translation only. It is recorded in the Kitaab ‘Al-Itqaan’ that the Imaams of all four Madhahib unanimously agree that printing copies of the translation without the Arabic text is prohibited.
References:- Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.215 Vol.7
Yes, there is no harm in printing copies of the Qur’aan Sharif which include both the Arabic text as well as the translation. We therefore advise Da’wah institutes to print Qur’aans which contain the Arabic text together with the translation. However, non-Muslims are not aware of the ettiquettes of the Qur’aan Sharif. These Qur’aans may be distributed to non-Muslims, but with the following conditions:-
One should be confident that the non-Muslims to whom the Qur’aan is being given have shown a genuine interest in Islam and they will not show any disrespect to the Qur’aan.
When handing over these Qur’aans to them, they should be advised to handle the Qur’aan Sharif with utmost respect and in a state of cleanliness, so much so that they should be told to have a bath before touching and handling the Qur’aan
References:- Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Pg. 738 Vol. 7
If there is fear that these conditions will not be adhered to, then some other appropriate literature should preferably be handed to them which gives them a basic introduction to Islam, such as, for example, “What is Islam?” by Hadhrat Moulana Manzoor Nu’maani (Rahmatullahi Alaih) which is available in English, or any similar type of books. They will Insha-Allah benefit more from this type of literature and the possibility of them showing disrespect to the Qur’aan will be averted. Over and above that, if we give them copies of the Qur’aan, there is the possibility of them misunderstanding verses of the Qur’aan.