Quran Translations?
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This is just my opinion. But I believe alot of the confusion over many topics is that there are way to many translations of the Quran. What I mean by this is that, I believe it would be better to keep with what the original Classic Arabic meanings were and not modern interpretations of what they could mean. I do not speak any form of Arabic, but I believe if when interpreted into another language, if we dont keep with the original meaning of Classic Arabic, then the true meaning can get lost or twisted.
My belief is that The Quran is the word of God. So, Why would God, create a book that could not be interpreted into any language and keep to the real meaning? I dont believe He did, this would cause to much confusion and false interpretations and would lead to some thinking that the Quran isnt really fully detailed and understandable. So there must be atleast one translation in English and other languages that sticks to the original meanings and not assumptions, that might be false assumptions.
Some might say, God allowed it to be this way so people would get confused, I dont believe that, that would imply God enjoys watching people scramble around and come to totally different conclusions. What would be the point in sending His Messenger with the Corrected scriptures and whats true and whats not, if no one group of people would understand it correctly? People can get confused on a topic, even if its 100% infront of their faces in plain language. Even I do this at times. So again what would be the point in allowing His Book to have more than one meaning and interpretation, if He wants people to follow the true path? There wouldnt be. It must have one true meaning and message no matter what language its translated into. So there must be interpretations/translations from the classic Arabic that it was given in, out there that has the exact same meaning that was intended for us to have and understand.So what translation into English/etc is taken from the original Quran in Classic Arabic?
Peace,
Kadeen -
A few points
See the profond verse of 37
The text of The Quran may be static, but its message dynamic. Thus one meaning for all times may not be correct.
The Quran does seem to have internal flexibility. This can be thought of as a weakness or as a mercy/blessing.
So what translation into English/etc is taken from the original Quran in Classic Arabic?
Most translations as far as I am aware attempt to translate the original Arabic.
My personal favourite is M.Asad, but all are imperfect.
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A few points
See the profond verse of 37
The text of The Quran may be static, but its message dynamic. Thus one meaning for all times may not be correct.
The Quran does seem to have internal flexibility. This can be thought of as a weakness or as a mercy/blessing.
Most translations as far as I am aware attempt to translate the original Arabic.My personal favourite is M.Asad, but all are imperfect.
Salaam Wakas! And thanks for the response.
Some would see this as a contradiction, that it has a clear meaning, but Only God knows the real meaning.
It is He Who has sent down to you this Book containing the verses that have a clear meaning - they are the core of the Book - and other verses the meanings of which are indistinct; those in whose hearts is deviation pursue the verses having indistinct meanings, in order to cause turmoil and seeking its (wrongful) interpretation; and only Allah knows its proper interpretation; and those having sound knowledge say, ?We believe in it, all of it is from our Lord?; and none accept guidance except the men of understanding.
I guess it doesnt matter what ones interpretation is then, Only that we believe in One God and all the Messengers.
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kadeem,
Even if our mother tongue is arabic, what we understand of Quran is what we get from it which makes a translation. All existing translations are the personal understanding of the arabic scholar, concerned. We need now the understanding ability from Allah as we open the Book; so we pray for protection from our inadequacies before embarking on the verses. As the Original Guidance is being with Allah, never shall we stick to the literal meanings of the ulema.
If from whatever we READ, there is light and guidance for tomorrow, then it is the God Blessed, Meaningful Reading; otherwise we are groping in the dark wasting life energy looking into the man made grammar and man given meanings. Is it the Blessed Guidance that we want or just the messed up meanings of men? He alone knows the Real meaning for each and every individual wherein for them is the Guidance sure! In this way a single verse shall reveal its fragrance and guide us to beautiful ways in multiples of directions; and now it is up to us to choose from. Yet, Allah will choose for us and lead us of His Choice, if only we are obedient and patient just to follow the Almighty as His Hour and timing is ready for us. Dictionary meanings and grammar can be done away with forthwith. Application of mind to Allah's Guidance shall be the only thing in our mind as we open the Book, and our only prayer is "O Allah Guide me and increase me in my Knowledge!"
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kadeem,
Even if our mother tongue is arabic, what we understand of Quran is what we get from it which makes a translation. All existing translations are the personal understanding of the arabic scholar, concerned. We need now the understanding ability from Allah as we open the Book; so we pray for protection from our inadequacies before embarking on the verses. As the Original Guidance is being with Allah, never shall we stick to the literal meanings of the ulema.
If from whatever we READ, there is light and guidance for tomorrow, then it is the God Blessed, Meaningful Reading; otherwise we are groping in the dark wasting life energy looking into the man made grammar and man given meanings. Is it the Blessed Guidance that we want or just the messed up meanings of men? He alone knows the Real meaning for each and every individual wherein for them is the Guidance sure! In this way a single verse shall reveal its fragrance and guide us to beautiful ways in multiples of directions; and now it is up to us to choose from. Yet, Allah will choose for us and lead us of His Choice, if only we are obedient and patient just to follow the Almighty as His Hour and timing is ready for us. Dictionary meanings and grammar can be done away with forthwith. Application of mind to Allah's Guidance shall be the only thing in our mind as we open the Book, and our only prayer is "O Allah Guide me and increase me in my Knowledge!"
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Peace drfazl,
I think I understand what you are saying, forgive me if I dont. I only want to seek and find what God wants, this is why I am so against my own interpretations. Its also hard for me to accept that the Truth will have more than one meaning.Peace and God Bless!
Kadeen -
Kadeem,
I only want to seek and find what God wants
Allah says He had made Islam our way for easy and peaceful life. As we practice Quran, if the day after is better than the day before, in easiness and peace, then we are in the right course; if it is otherwise we are not in the proper direction. Unless we know the meaning of the verses from Him direct and be guided with it Islam is not easy. Allah wants us to allow Him to lead us. All that we do is to entrust everything with Him and take the back seat and never advance before Him.
