The Holy Quran is the 4th and Last Sacred Book of Allah SWT that He revealed upon His Last Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ in the early 7th century A.D. It not only approves the previous Heavenly Manuscripts of the Almighty and His Prophets, but also provides a complete guideline for living a successful life here and in the hereafter. Muslims all over the world recite and understand this Sanctified Scripture as a religious duty and seek assistance from it. The Creator of the world of the worlds says regarding the matter of understanding the Instructions present in Furqan e Hameed as:
“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” [Quran, 7: 204]
The Holy Quran was first disclosed in the land of Arabia and its official language too is Arabic, but still God, the Exalted has emphasized on listening to its recitation closely in order to comprehend its true connotation. If the native Arabians were directed to do so, it means that those who do not know this mode of communication better, they are even more required to translate its teachings into their local speech to absorb it better.
Although, the plain recital might well lead to obtaining some benefits in terms of Allah`s Remembrance and seeking His forgiveness, but that is only possible when someone has already read or understood some of the essential teachings of Furqan e Hameed before. In case of new learners, it is only likely to get some advantage out of narration of this Consecrated Paperback when it is done in a language that it can easily understand.
Some of the great benefits of reading the Holy Quran with Translation (Understanding) are as follows:
More Reward For Non Arabic Natives
If this Revered Volume of Allah SWT was just meant for plain recitation without understanding it, then it would not be possible for the rest of the world to realize its actual connotation. There is a great reward for reading the Holy Quran especially in case of Arabic being a foreign language, as it ultimately leads to attainment of Knowledge of the commandments of the Almighty Lord.
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Ma’sood (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah ﷺsaid:
“Those who attempt to read it with difficulty (because of their lack of familiarity with the language) will merit double rewards.” (Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood)
The above mentioned Hadith tells about tremendous amount of returns in the form of blessings of Allah SWT as a result of having difficulty in the Quranic recital. It means that those who do not understand the Arabic language, yet they strive hard to learn about teachings of Furqan e Hameed, it will be considered a bigger effort for sake of pleasing the Gracious God.
In-Depth Reading Leading To More Understanding
It is common observation in any field of studies that comprehensive analysis of things leads to better understanding of the complex matters and concepts involved under consideration. Arabic too is a very intricate and hard to grasp lingo that calls for translation of the Holy Verses of Quran into some native language in order to be aware of them properly.
Hazrat Abu Sa’eed Khudri (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah PBUH said:
‘That person who, due to excessive recitation of the Qur’an is not able to make Allah Ta’ala’s Dhikr and Du’a, Allah Ta’ala will bestow such a person with more blessings and Ni’mat than even those who make Dhikr and Du’a.’ (Tirmidhi)
It means that a person who thoroughly reads Furqan e Hameed so that it could make itself familiar with the Islamic Convictions attains more bounties of Allah SWT as compared to spending that extra time in His Memory. This is so because while doing detailed study of the Quranic Revelations, one comes to know about its true significance which helps a person to put its life on the right track.
Knowing About Matters Concerning Daily Life
The Holy Quran does not just comprise of parables about the past nations, but also encloses life transforming instructions and guidelines from the Gracious God.
“And, We have certainly presented for the people in this Qur’an from every [kind of] example – that they might remember.” [Quran, 39: 27]
The above mentioned Ayah clearly indicates that this Sacred Book consists of such examples which are very crucial for one to remember in order to seek constant guidance.
No! Indeed, the Qur’an is a reminder. Then whoever wills will remember it. [Quran, 74: 54-55]
If Quran is a reminder, then how can one come to know about Warnings and Prompts discussed by Allah SWT if a person does not understand the Arabic language? It increases the significance of translation of the Hallowed Verses so that one can recognize the essential directives and commands of the Almighty Lord.
Fulfillment of a Religious Duty
The demise of the Muslims in this day and age is undeniably down to ignorance of the true understanding of the Holy Quran. The present Muslim World has left this Heavenly Manuscript in the hands of Mullas (Religious Scholars) and rest either just recite it in plain Arabic. Allah SWT has directed every believer to think over the Quranic Verses in order to get enlightened.
“[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” [Quran, 38: 29]
In this Ayah, the Most Merciful has commanded all the Muslims to reflect on the Quranic Instructions not only to comprehend their implication for it is a Divine Book that leads towards righteousness and morality. The Almighty Lord also mentions about being reminded of what was understood in this world regarding Furqan e Hameed. All of this discussion leads towards one pinnacle point. I.e. reading and understanding the Holy Quran is far better than just reciting it and that is only possible when it is translated into some local or an easily explicable language.
In short, the Holy Quran is a highly Revered Volume of Allah SWT that requires proper understanding, which is possible when it is interpreted in one`s own language.
