An Arabic Quran

[miracle114]

Salaam all
So for the Nth time I have been told by Arabic fluent literates and vice versa that an interpretation is biased and watered down based on its interpreter which is true to a degree, so...

1) can an Arabic fluent literate in any dialect claim a superior understanding of the Quran?

2) Arabs at the time of the quran revelation did blatantly reject it full well knowing and understanding it first hand. Does this mean we are let off lightly for not understanding its nuances lost in interpretation?

3) is classical Arabic actually a spoken language and if not then is there anyone that can really and truly understand let alone interpret the Quran and its fine nuances ?


Kind regards 

[niaz]

Salaamun 'alaikum,

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

[41:44] Had We made it a Non-Arabic Quran, they would have surely said, its verses are not elucidated. Non-Arabic or Arabic, say, for those who are faithful, it is a guide and a healing. As for those who have no faith, there is deafness in their ears and they are blind. It is as though they are being called from a far away place.

(http://journal_of_submission.homestead.com/files/Sura_41.htm)

This verse teaches us that language is irrelevant, and is not a barrier for understanding the Quran. God is the Teacher of the Quran. What you observed in #2 is convincing evidence that fluency in Arabic is not a criterion for "superior" understanding of the Quran.

There is irony in that most translations give this very verse a racial undertone, and make the word عَرَبِيٌّ (Arabic) about the racial identity of Muhammad. Arberry (the supposed "non-Muslim" in the list) being an exception among the popular translations (see http://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=41&verse=44). But by and large the message is accessible in every translation of the Quran [even "non-Muslim" ones], and God is the One who guides us. It depends on our faithfulness and sincerity, not Arabic scholarship. Of course, there is no harm in learning Arabic or trying to appreciate the Quran in its original Arabic, but what I am saying is that it is not a requirement to understand the Quran. If we are saying it is so, then we are making God a racist who is biased towards a certain group of people over others based on language and ethnic background, rather than piety (taqwa) [see 49:13].

Secondly, God emphasizes that the Quran is clear, and simple to understand. We have to simply continue to read it sequentially, cover to cover, and follow its simple message. As such, I don't think there are these "nuances" that God expects us to chase when reading the Quran. They could get us into the weeds, and divert us from the message of God. Again, there is no harm in seeking to resolve an apparent conflicting meaning if we encounter it. But the beauty of the Quran is in its simplicity, not in its "nuance".

God describes the Quran as a Reminder. As we read the Quran, sequentially, the themes keep repeating over and over, constantly reminding us of what is important. The attributes of God to know Him through them. The consequences of associating partners with God. The narrations of the messengers, and the reactions of people through the ages to God's message. The good news / warning of paradise and hell. The transience of this world, and everlasting abode in the Hereafter. The purpose of our lives. The commandments of God to follow and live. The significance of gratefulness and patience. The signs of God to reflect upon. I don't believe these are lost in translation. We should read and seek to get close to God and grow our souls to be ready for the life to come in the Hereafter.

Peace.