Translation of Quran without original verses forbidden - Harussani

Translation of the Quran without the original verses in Arabic is forbidden even if meant for propagation to non-Muslims, said Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria .

He said this was because such translation might not be accurate.

"Translation of the Quran must take into account ilmu alat (knowledge of instruments), ilmu mantik (study of correct reasoning) and ilmu nahu (grammar).

"All have to follow certain rules. We cannot do without the original verses present because it will have no meaning and actual understanding," he told reporters after closing a seminar organised by the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, Monday.

Harussani, who is also the chairman of the Quran Printing and Supervisory Board, was commenting on a request by a woman lecturer who wanted to translate the Quran to other languages without the original verses in Arabic present for the benefit of non-Muslims.

The lecturer had gone to the Home Ministry for permission to do this but was told the National Fatwa Council forbade it.