Q. Is the reward granted by God for reading the Qur’an the same when it is read in Arabic or in another language?
Q. Mumtaz
A. The reward for reading the Qur’an is granted for reading it in Arabic, because the reward is granted for reading the Qur’an, God’s word, and that is the Arabic version only. When it is presented in another language, it is not the Qur’an, but an interpretation of its meaning by a human being, rendered in another language. Therefore, when you read a translation of the Qur’an in, say, English, you are actually reading what the translator understood and the way he expressed his understanding. This is not the Qur’an. However, this does not mean that reading the meaning of the Qur’an in another language is not rewarded. Every act a human being does earns him or her either a reward or a liability to punishment. A person who reads the meaning of the Qur’an in a language he understands, with the intention of understanding its meaning so as to implement its teachings certainly earns a reward from God, but such a reward is not the same as that given for reading the Qur’an itself in its original form revealed by God Almighty.
Marriage of Adulterers
Q. A man and a woman who committed adultery got married. Is their marriage valid?
M. Mahima
A. Yes, if they have repented their earlier action. God says in the Qur’an: “The adulterer couples with none other than an adulteress or an idolatress; and with the adulteress couples none other than an adulterer or an idolater. This is forbidden to the believers.” (24: 3)
This means that those who are habitual adulterers or who take adultery lightly, considering it in a casual light cannot marry believing men or women. Believers must not associate with such people or marry them. This is in line with the serious approach Islam adopts to marriage. A marital relationship opens the way to establish a family, while adultery ruins marriages and destroys families. It is strictly forbidden in Islam and cannot be viewed as a prelude to marriage.
However, if a man and a woman who have committed adultery repent of their sin, resolving not to commit it again, they are acceptable as marriage partners. Repentance is always available for those who have committed a sin to mend their ways and seek God’s forgiveness. When they repent with sincerity, God will forgive them if He so pleases.
Jewelry Bought for a Specific Purpose
Q. I learn that women’s jewelry is not liable to the payment of zakah. However, I bought some jewelry with the intention of gifting it to my children when they get married. I do not wear this jewelry, but keep it for them.
Parvin Ansari
A. This is a difficult question, because this jewelry is meant for personal use, but not by the owner. Yet it is not quite a form of saving that one keeps until a time when it is needed. Therefore, the ruling depends on the lady’s intention. If she feels that the jewelry is her own, and that she could change her mind and sell it, then it is a form of saving and, as such, is liable to zakah every year. On the other hand, if she considers the jewelry to belong to her children and that she is keeping it for them so that it is not used before their marriage, and that no matter what happens she will not touch it, then it is their personal jewelry. As such, it is not liable to zakah.