When it comes to reading the Quran, there are two opposing trends. One is to memorize and recite it without understanding the message of Allah and without considering the importance of translations and learning Arabic. This approach is commonly seen in cultures where Islam is practiced as a part of their identity, similar to being Pakistani, Pashtun, or African American. On the other hand, some people believe that reciting the Quran in Arabic is pointless if they don’t understand the words. Instead, they rely solely on translations, tafsir, and other explanation books to learn the meanings.

However, neither of these approaches is ideal, as reading the Quran involves both intellectual and spiritual aspects. The first trend disregards the intellectual aspect, while the second overlooks the spiritual.

Translating the Quran into other languages is essentially an individual’s interpretation of the Quranic message. These translations are human attempts to capture the essence of the divine revelation, but they cannot be compared to the original Quranic text in its Arabic form.

Allah Subhanahu Wa’ta A’laa said in these verses:

“And thus, We have revealed it as an Arabic legislation.1 And if you should follow their inclinations after what has come to you of knowledge, you would not have against Allāh any ally or any protector.”

[Ra’ad: 37]

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran1 so that you may understand.2

[Yusuf: 2]

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If ˹all˺ humans and jinn were to come together to produce the equivalent of this Quran, they could not produce its equal, no matter how they supported each other.”

[Nahl: 88]

Allah chose the Arabic language for the Quran, which is the ultimate guide for all human beings till judgment day; then, there must be reason and wisdom. This must answer the question, “Why is it necessary to Read the Quran in Arabic.”

Arabic is a unique and distinct language in many ways. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Script: Arabic uses a unique script that is read from right to left. Its script has 28 letters, and each letter has different forms depending on where it appears in a word. This script is considered to be one of the most beautiful and ornate in the world.
2. Grammar: Arabic has a complex and highly developed grammar that enables speakers to express subtle shades of meaning. Arabic grammar is based on a system of roots, with words being formed by adding patterns of vowels and consonants to these roots.
3. Vocabulary: Arabic has a rich and extensive vocabulary, with many words having multiple meanings depending on their context. It is estimated that the Arabic language has over 12 million words.
4. Dialects: Arabic has many dialects, each with unique pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These dialects vary significantly from region to region, and some are so different that they are almost unintelligible to speakers of other dialects.
5. Standard Arabic: Despite the diversity of dialects, there is a standard form of Arabic that is used in writing, literature, education, and formal communication across the Arab world. This form of Arabic is based on Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran.

Translations are Incomplete

While translation can be a helpful tool for making texts accessible to people who do not speak the original language, it is often not sufficient to fully capture the meaning and nuances of the original text. Here are some reasons why translation may not be able to convey the importance of a text fully:

1. Differences in grammar and vocabulary: Different languages have different grammatical structures and vocabulary. It may be easier to translate a sentence or phrase accurately from one language to another by losing some of the original meaning.
2. Connotation and nuance: Words often have multiple meanings and connotations, and the meaning of a word in one language may not fully match the meaning of another language. It makes it difficult to fully capture the nuances and subtleties of a text in translation.
3. Idiomatic expressions: Many languages contain idiomatic expressions that are difficult to translate directly. These expressions may have a symbolic meaning that is not immediately obvious from the literal translation, making it challenging to fully convey the intended meaning in a translation.

Ready to start Learning with an Expert Teacher? Get a free Trial now!
Browse Our Quran Courses:

• Quran Hifz Classes
• Quran Classes For Kids
• Tajweed Quran
• Quran Memorization Ijazah
• Quran Recitation Ijazah
• Basic Arabic Course for Beginners
• Norani Qaida
• Arabic Conversation Course
• Quran Stories for Kids
• Quran Tafseer for kids

Quran is Dhikr

The Quran reading is not just a mere reading; it is an act of worship. Therefore, it is necessary to read the Quran in Arabic.

As Allah said:

“It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is undoubtedly We Who will preserve it.”

[Al-Hijr: 9]

When you recite the Quran in Arabic, it is considered dhikr, or a form of remembrance of Allah. Whether you memorize portions of the Quran in Arabic, read it daily, or recite only a single verse, all of it is considered an act of devotion to Allah.

Many books discuss the merits of dhikr and how it can impact our beings and bring us closer to Allah. Performing dhikr is believed to have significant rewards in the afterlife.

Even non-Muslims have been known to appreciate the Arabic recitation of the Quran for its peacefulness. Reading the Quran in Arabic has a way of stirring a sense of calm and ease within, settling the heart and the mind.

However, it is only by daily reading the Quran in Arabic that one can truly appreciate how it can transform one’s internal state. The soul becomes content, and a sense of peace and tranquility is instilled.

Memorization of Quran

One of the aspects of reading the Quran in Arabic is Hifz. Hifz (memorization) is necessary as Muslims have to offer prayers five times a day, and in the blessings, they must recite Quran in Arabic. Recitation in Arabic can only become accessible when one frequently revises and read Quran in Arabic.

It is also a means of preserving the Quran. Muslims have been memorizing the Quran throughout the centuries to protect and deliver the message of the Quran. Millions of Muslims have memorized the Quran, and millions are memorizing it.

Memorizing the Quran in Arabic is not only a means of preserving the text but is also considered a form of worship and a way of drawing closer to Allah. When Muslims recite the Quran from memory, it is believed to bring them closer to the divine and facilitate a deeper understanding of the text.

The reward of Reading in Arabic

Since the Quran is the Holy Book and you will get a reward by merely reciting it, one must repeat it in the original form, as the reciter would be rewarded on every Arabic letter he recites.

As mentioned in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

Whoever recites a single word from the Book of Allah would be rewarded as ten good deeds, and I don’t say Alif Laam Meem is a single letter; but Alif is a single letter, laam is a single letter, and meem is a single letter.

[Tirmidhi]

And if anyone struggles with reading, he would get a double reward, as mentioned in Hadith:

“Verily, the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.”

[Ibn Majah]

Is Quran Translation Beneficial?

Yes, translation is beneficial for those who do not speak Arabic or are not fluent in the language, but reading a translated version of the Quran can still be helpful. Translations allow readers to understand the meaning and message of the Quran, even if they do not understand the original Arabic text.

Reading a translated version of the Quran can help non-Arabic speakers to gain a deeper understanding of the text and to connect with its teachings. The Quran contains guidance and wisdom relevant to people of all backgrounds. Reading a translation can allow people from different cultures and languages to access and benefit from its message.

It is important to note that while translations can be helpful, they may only partially capture the nuances and beauty of the original Arabic text. Therefore, for those who can do both, reading the Quran in both Arabic and a translated version can provide a complete understanding and appreciation of its message.

Learn Quran Online with Tipyaan Academy

Tipyaan Academy is an online educational platform that offers courses in Quran recitation and Arabic language. The academy has a team of experienced and qualified teachers dedicated to helping students of all levels master the recitation of the Quran and understand the Arabic language.

One of the unique features of Tipyaan Academy is its focus on the science of Tajweed, which is the proper pronunciation of Arabic letters and words. The academy offers a range of courses that cover the rules of Tajweed and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how to recite the Quran correctly.

In addition to Tajweed courses, Tipyaan Academy also offers classes in the Arabic language. These courses are designed to help students of all levels develop their understanding of the Arabic language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. The courses cover classical and modern Arabic and are tailored to the needs and goals of individual students.

One of the benefits of studying with Tipyaan Academy is that all classes are taught online, which allows students to study at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes. The academy also offers personalized attention to each student, with one-on-one sessions to address individual needs or questions.