Q. I read in your column that reward for reading the Qur’an only applies to reading it in Arabic. Could you please explain your answer, and whether it means that we should not read the Qur’an in translation.
Ayaz
A. Reading the Qur’an earns a generous reward from God, because the Qur’an is His own word that admits no distortion, editing, change or modification. Therefore, reading it is an act of worship. Although each one of His words carries a meaning, putting the meaning in a different language is not the same. Anyone who fluently speaks more than one language is aware that words from two languages expressing the same action are not identical in sense and connotations. Therefore, when we read something in translation, we cannot say that it is identical to the original. The maximum that can be said for it is that it is an approximation of the original.
Because of the special style of the Qur’an, which is unlike any human form of literary expression, an accurate translation cannot be given. It is for this reason that competent translators have attempted to produce different versions of translating God’s Book. None of these translations can be considered a mirror image of the Arabic text revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). At times translators make mistakes. Besides, no writer can maintain the same degree of excellence throughout his writing career. Every sentence and verse of the Qur’an is of superior literary merit. How can a human being achieve a similar excellence?
When we speak of the act of worship that is reading the Qur’an, we are referring to reading God’s word, as He revealed it to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad. This means the Arabic text, not its translation. The Prophet says that for each letter of the Qur’an we read, we are credited with the reward of a good deed. This cannot apply to a translation. What this means is that if you want to read the Qur’an as an act of worship, you have to read it in Arabic. Even if you do not understand it, or you pronounce the words with a heavy accent, you will still be rewarded for your reading.
Reading a translation of the Qur’an in order to understand its meaning and know what God requires of us is a worthy act and will, God willing, be rewarded. The reward is commensurate with the effort, time and money a person puts into such a learning exercise. Yet it is not the same as reading the Qur’an in its original form.
Conflicting Responsibilities
Q. My parents want me to go back home, whereas, considering all my commitments, I feel I should continue to work here for another five years. Although they acknowledge the benefit of my stay here, particularly as I am looking after them, they feel that the sacrifice is high. Please advise.
(Name and address withheld)
A. This is more of a family question than a religious one. However, I can tell you that the requirement to obey our parents is not absolute. A man like yourself, with a family and children of your own, has to consider all his commitments before taking a decision as serious as leaving a well-paid job. Your parents are speaking from their own point of view, wanting you near them, which is perfectly understandable. They cannot impose on you a choice that might not be wise in your circumstances. We cannot apply the requirement of obeying one’s parents as a blanket duty. It does not cover every situation. You have to deal with this taking all factors into consideration.
Normally parents are very understanding and willing to sacrifice their own comfort for their children. Therefore, you need to have a very cordial discussion with your parents, stating your circumstances, and showing willingness to do what is best. Your father may be easier to persuade that continuing in your job is better for all concerned. If so, then let him undertake the responsibility of persuading your mother, or at least pacifying her. On the other hand, I advise you to perform the istikharah before taking any decision. This is a prayer seeking God’s guidance in making a decision regarding anything of which one is uncertain. When you have performed this prayer, you actually let God choose for you. The option that seems to be easier and readily available is the one you should follow.
Meat in Western Countries
Q. You mentioned earlier that it is permissible for a Muslim to eat the meat offered by Christians and Jews. May I ask about the meat bought in supermarkets in non-Muslim countries? This is different from that being offered, because we buy it for ourselves. My other question is about meat in secular countries where the majority of the population is either Christians or Jews, such as countries of Western Europe or the Americas. Regulations in many of these countries require that the animal to be slaughtered should be first stunned by an electric shock.
R. Othman
A. This question comes up frequently, and people continue to ask about particular details of it, when they should accept the general principle and abide by it. When God gives us a concession, we should be grateful for it and implement it. He has made it lawful for us to eat of the meat slaughtered by the people of earlier revelations, i.e. the Jews and the Christians. We need not go further than that and question details. Had He wanted us to abide by certain rules, He would have made these very clear. He says in the Qur’an: “He has clearly spelled out to you what He has forbidden you (to eat) unless you are driven to do so by sheer necessity.” (6: 119) Therefore, we do not need to add anything to what God has spelled out. What He did not mention to be forbidden is lawful. With regard to the food of Christians and Jews, God says in the Qur’an: “The food of those who were given revelations is lawful to you, and your food is lawful to them.” (5: 5) This verse occurs within the context of the meat God has made forbidden to Muslims. So, it clearly points to the meat these people eat.
The verse does not specify any conditions for this food to be lawful to us. It is general in its import. Nor do we have any other Qur’anic verse or Hadith that restricts its application. Therefore, we take it as it is. Scholars say that it means that what Christians and Jews consider lawful in their religions is lawful also for us to eat, unless it is specifically forbidden in our faith. Pork, for example is specifically forbidden, but it is eaten by Christians. Therefore, it remains forbidden to us when offered by Christians. Sheep, goats, poultry, etc. are lawful to eat in our religion. They are also lawful when they are slaughtered by Christians and Jews. We do not need to apply any strict conditions to this concession.
To answer your points specifically, the meat you buy in a supermarket in Europe or the Americas is lawful to eat. Even when stunning is applied, it remains lawful, because the stunning does not kill the animal. It only stuns it so as it would not feel the pain of slaughter, and it would not resist the slaughterer.