Overview

And so, just like that, We have revealed to you an eloquent Quran, so that you warn the Mother of Cities, and everyone around it, and warn about the Day of Gathering, that there is no doubt about it, and one group will be in Heaven, and another group will be in Blazing Fire.
– (Surah Ash-Shura, Ayat 7)

English translations of The Quran are good, correct? Those who are unable to comprehend the Arabic language are able to read translations and understand the words of God. More people get to know of the scripture sent down to us by God, and thus, the literature is understood, and the religion is acknowledged. Yes?

Not entirely true. At one point in time in our history, Muslim scholars were vehemently opposing the idea of translating The Quran to any other language, seeking to sanctify and protect the true meanings of The Quran. Ever heard of the phrase, “lost in translation”?

Language plays a pivotal role in the understanding of God’s words, and subsequently, the understanding of the religion in its entirety. Understanding the nuances and intricacies of language are key to deriving the true meanings and intentions behind the words of God. Failure to do so, could cause severe misunderstandings and erroneous misconceptions of the religion, leading to baseless disputes and dubious deliberation within human minds.

Let’s dive into the ocean of The Quran’s language, discovering the history of translations and explanations of The Quran, and their implications upon our understanding of the religion.