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

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