Most-asked question
Can I read the Qur'an in translation only?
189 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Jamiat KZN, MUBZ). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“We are prohibited from printing copies of the Quraan Sharif that consist of the translation only. It is recorded in the Kitaab ‘Al-Itqaan’ that the Imaams of all four Madhahib unanimously agree that printing copies of the translation without the Arabic text is prohibited. [Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.215 Vol.7]”
“This relates to the science of tafseer and the various sources from which tafseer is acquired. For a detailed understanding regarding this science, you may refer to the kitaab Al-Itqaan of Allamah Suyooti (Rahmatullahi Alaih) or Al Fauzul Kabeer of Hazrat Shah Waliyullah Dehlawi (Rahmatullahi Alaih).”
“1. In principle, it is not permissible to publish or sell a translation of the Quran without the Arabic text. A Quran will only be termed a ‘Quran’ when the Arabic text is included in the Mushaf.”
“We are prohibited from printing copies of the Qur’aan Sharif that consist of the translation only. It is recorded in the Kitaab ‘Al-Itqaan’ that the Imaams of all four Madhahib unanimously agree that printing copies of the translation without the Arabic text is prohibited. [Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.215 Vol.7]”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Publishers And Translations Of Quraan Sharif Ibn Masood · 12 Sep 2025
- A Menstruating Woman Reading or Touching a Qurʾān Translation MUBZ · 7 Aug 2025
- Translation of the word "seema" mentioned in Surah Fatah Mufti Online · 1 Jul 2025
- of Qadha Salah and touching Quran translation in the state of Haidh. AskImam · 3 Apr 2024
- Touching A Translation Of The Quraan-e-Majeed During Haidh Azaadville · 2 Jun 2022
- Will reciting the translation of a verse of Sajdah necessitate a Sajdah Tilawah? Jamiat KZN · 18 Jul 2018
- Tafseer of verses 34 and 35 in Surah Saad Ibn Masood · 8 Feb 2024
- Woman in haidh reading or touching a translation of the Quraan Majeed Mufti Online · 11 May 2025
- Is it permissible to publish a translation of the Quran without the Arabic text? AskImam · 10 Mar 2023
- Authentic Translation Of The Quraan-e-Majeed Azaadville · 29 Nov 2021
- Publishing a translation of the Quraan Sharif without the Arabic text Ibn Masood · 15 Jan 2024
- Person in the state of haidh or janaabat reading the translation of the Quraan Shareef Mufti Online · 23 Sep 2024
- Is it permissible to make a slide of the verse of the Quraan with translation? AskImam · 18 Jan 2023
- Printing And Distributing The Qur’aan Consisting Of The Translation Only Azaadville · 28 Jul 2021
- The science of tafseer Mufti Online · 9 Mar 2017
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