Question:-
We have come to learn about a Quraan that has been published recently, but it has only the English translation and that too, of the Makki Surahs only.
Apparently it’s published according to sequence of revelation, and not according to the format we learnt and know of.
Here under is the link for you to view it personally.
The question is,
Is it permissible to publish such a Quraan?
Answer:-
We are prohibited from printing copies of the Quraan 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. [Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.215 Vol.7]
في الفتح عن الكافي ان اعتاد القراءة بالفارسية او اراد ان يكتب مصحفا بها يمنع اه شامي ص326 ج1
ذكر الشيخ الامام شمس الائمة السرخسي في شرح الجامع الصغير : وان كتب القران وتفسير كل حرف وترجمته تحته روي عن الشيخ الفقيه ابي جعفر : انه لا باس به في ديارنا (الفتاوي التاتارخانية ص75 ج2)
فَإِنْ كَتَبَ الْقُرْآنَ وَتَفْسِيرَ كُلِّ حَرْفٍ وَتَرْجَمَتَهُ جَازَ. (رد المحتار ص486 ج1)
It is further recorded in Fataawa Qaasmiyyah that translating the Quraan Sharif in another language without the Arabic text is not permitted. One will not be rewarded for purchasing and distributing such copies of the Quraan, as there is more harm than benefit in it. [Fataawa Qaasmiyyah Pg.71 Vol.4]
In conclusion, again, it is not permissible to publish translations of the Quraan Sharif without the Arabic text. Translating the Quraan Sharif without the Arabic text could lead to distortion of the Quraan Sharif as the previous scriptures were distorted. Further, the translation in question comprises of only Makki Surahs and not all the Surahs of the Quraan Sharif, which could create a further doubt in the minds of the ignorant and new Muslims that these are the only Surahs and verses of the Quraan Sharif, whereas it is only part of the Quraan Sharif. In this way, an entire portion of the Quraan Sharif will be abandoned or left out.
Although majority of the Ulama are of the opinion that the Surahs were given sequence through the Ijtihaad of the Sahaabah, then too, there is absolutely no need to change the current sequence of the Quraan Sharif which has been with us for over 1400 years. This sequence was unanimously accepted by all the Ulama and A’immah of all times. [Kashful Baari Pg.61 – Baabu Fadhaa’il-il-Quraan]
In conclusion, the translation of the Quraan Sharif (in question) is unacceptable and will ultimately lead to distortion in Deen. The Ulama should inform the public of the harms of the said translation so that the public may refrain from purchasing and studying it. Also, none of the bookshops should stock copies of the translation. May Allah Ta’ala protect us and the Ummah from all Fitnahs. Ameen!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 03 Rajab 1445 / 15 January 2024
