Page 20 - How Do The Unwise Interpret The Qur'an ?
P. 20
HOW DO THE UNWISE INTERPRET THE QUR'AN?
Therefore, so-called "translations of the Qur'an" do no more than
give an overall feel of its contents and never actually reflect the
exact meanings of the verses.
Therefore unless the Qur'an is studied in its original language,
Arabic, one's ability to comprehend its intricacies will be severely
limited. Trying to explain Qur'anic verses from translations in
other languages may not always be accurate, and in fact, could even
distort its meanings and intention. Relying on single or equivalent
meanings of the words used in translations, without knowing their
original and various other meanings in Arabic, could result in
misunderstanding the whole verse. Even worse, an interpretation
entirely at odds with the original meanings could result.
As we mentioned earlier, it is technically impossible to
translate the Qur'an into another language on a word for word
basis. Nonetheless, explanations and interpretations of the
Qur'anic verses can, of course, be made in other languages, and it
may indeed be possible to understand the Qur'an and learn about
its verses from them.
Arabic is one of the deepest-rooted and richest languages in
the world. It is powerfully expressive and has an extensive
vocabulary. However, to claim that because of the language it is
written in, the Qur'an has only been sent to Arabs and that they
are therefore the chosen people, would be an assumption at odds
with the ideals of the Qur'an. It is a well-known fact the Qur'an
emphasizes that the only criteria that constitute superiority are
fear of God (taqwa) and a person's closeness to God, and that no
criteria other than these apply. Furthermore, it is stated in Surah
Sad verse 87 that the Qur'an is "a reminder for all peoples."
People whose aims are to influence the ignorant and try to destroy
Islam make claims such that Islam is a religion only for Arabs. It is
18