Translation of Quran Paves Way for All People to Get Acquainted with Its Teachings

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Translation of Quran Paves Way for All People to Get Acquainted with Its Teachings

The translator of the Quran into Uzbek language said rendering the Holy Book into different languages paves the way for all people to get acquainted with its teachings.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Mansur, who is also the deputy Mufti of Uzbekistan, said the need for everyone to get familiar with the Quran and learn its injunctions makes translation of the Quran necessary. “Otherwise, the Quran will remain among a limited group of people (speakers of Arabic) and others who are not familiar with Arabic could not benefit from the Book of God.”

He said that is why Muslim scholars issued Fatwas (religious edicts) allowing Quran translation. “These Fatwas are based on the account that the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) permitted his companion Salman the Persian to render Surah Al-Fatiha into Persian.”

Sheikh Mansur said the Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) heart in eloquent Arabic language and all Muslim scholars are unanimous in saying that exact translation of the Quran in any other language is not possible. “Therefore, translation of the Quran can never be regarded the same as the Quran. Also, people need to refer to Quran exegeses to better realize the meaning of the Quran’s verses.”

He noted the Quran’s verses are divided into two categories, namely Muhkamat (verses with a clear meaning) and Mutashabihat (verses which are not clear or not completely agreed upon) and some scholars believe Mutashabihat should be interpreted rather than translated.

Asked about his rendering, he said, “Most Uzbek scholars would not allow translation of the Quran in the past. However, after Quran translations in Russian, English and other languages were published in Uzbekistan and the scholars realized how they help people develop their understanding of the Quran, they allowed translation of the Quran into Uzbek language. Many of them now even encourage translation of the Book of God.”

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