The Quran was revealed in Arabia

Why do Muslims read the Quran in Arabic? Is the Quran translated into different languages? If so, what is the difference between the Arabic and the translated versions?

The Quran is only in Arabic. This is not to say that it cannot be translated, but the translation is not the same thing as the original text. However, the message of the oneness of God and confirming what one’s conscious already knows is available in all languages. Previous revelations were sent in the language of their people. We did not send any messenger but (speaking) in the language of his people, so that he might clearly convey the message to them (Quran 14:4).

The Quran was revealed in Arabia

The Quran is God’s final revelation and because Muhammad peace be upon him lived in Arabia, the Quran is in Arabic. And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur’an, they would have said, “Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?” Say, “It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure.” And those who do not believe – in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place (Quran 41:44).

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Because the Quran is in Arabic does not mean that Arabs are superior to non-Arabs. Rather, all humans are equal. However, God chose to reveal His final message to mankind to a people who had a very high sensitivity and appreciation to the finest nuances of the language. The Arabs of the 7th century took great pride in their linguistic skills. The Quran is revealed in very precise Arabic. If the Quran is to be the final text, then its meaning must be preserved. In order to do that, the language itself must be very precise and defined.

Because the Quran was revealed in Arabic, scholars went to painstaking lengths to preserve the dialect, idioms, sayings, poetry of that language so that the correct understanding of Qur’an can be reached. This was always a priority for Muslim scholars, many of whom were not Arab.

Nuanced Meanings Gets Lost in Translation

Nuanced Meanings Gets Lost in Translation

When someone translates a text, their translation is not the same as the original text. It is rather their understanding of the meaning of the original text. There although translations can give one a general understanding of the text, they are not the equivalent to the actual text. For example, in American culture one often hears the expression “you are my dog” or “dog is man’s best friend.” As Americans who understand the place of dogs in this culture, we can easily understand not only the literal meaning of these phrases, but their deeper cultural connotations as well.

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If these same phrases are translated into a language and culture that do not take dogs as pets, but rather view them as unclean and wild animals, a literal translation will not suffice. Rather it will require further commentary onto what these phrases mean in the original language and culture. Similarly, the Quran was revealed in Arabic in a particular context and must be understood in that context.

The Arabic Language is Rich

The Arabic language has a very complex system of grammar and word formation. One statement can mean many things, and this is only possible in the Arabic language. Arabic is syntactical which means it cannot be compared to any other languages in terms of grammatical rules.

The shortest wording without any loss in the meaning is only in the Arabic language. It is also the most advanced language amongst world languages in terms of eloquence, literature and fluency. Thus, no other language can express the meanings in the world.

Because Arabic is a highly developed language, a translation of a text like the Quran never fully convey its deeper message. Despite pre-Islamic Arabs being highly skilled in Arabic, the Quran’s literary style stunned all of the poets and language experts of the time.

Mental Strength

Mental Strength

Although living a God-conscious life can contribute to a healthy internal state of being, it is essential to recognize one’s limitations. It is necessary to reach out to a mental health professional when difficulties become too challenging to manage, whether in relationships or as an individual. Seeking help from a mental health professional in no way implies that a person is weak, has weak faith, or is incapable of making decisions on their own. It is important to work through all negative assumptions about therapy and counseling so we are not holding ourselves back from seeking the help we truly need.

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There are many places in the Quran and Ahadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad upon whom be peace) that discuss our mental health and the importance of taking care of it. The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘There is no disease that God has created except that He also has created its treatment’ (Hadith). When we think of disease, we immediately think of the physical ailments, but this includes mental health illnesses as well. God did not leave us alone to deal with difficulties, but He provided us with many avenues of healing to aid us in our lives.

We end this article with a positive reminder from God, the source of all strength and hope: “There has come to you from God a light and a luminous Book, through which God, by His grace, guides all who seek His good pleasure on the path of peace, and brings them out of the depths of darkness into light and guides them unto a Straight Path” (Quran 5:15-16).

Feeling low and looking for happiness in life? Call 877-WhyIslam to learn more or get a free Quran.

Islam emphasizes the importance of relationships

Islam emphasizes the importance of relationships, keeping the ties of kinship, being kind to one another, forgiveness, and so much more that contribute to healthy relationships and a healthy overall state of mental health. If we are God-conscious in every relationship, it can make a beneficial impact on the health of that relationship and thus make a favorable ripple effect on our internal state of being.

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One relationship that makes a significant impact on our lives is the one with our parents and, as parents, the one we have with our children. God says in the Quran:  “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] ‘uff’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: ‘My Lord! Have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” (Quran 17:23-24). These are essential reminders to all children to maintain a respectful and positive relationship with their parents. A healthy relationship with one’s parents contributes to one’s positive state of mind. With this constant awareness of God’s reminder, kindness and respect will encompass the relationship and it will be an atmosphere of positivity.

In addition to the parent/child relationship, a healthy marriage is also vital to one’s psychological well-being. Being in a loving, respectful relationship allows a person to excel in his/her personal life as well: “..And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them and He put between you love and compassion; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect” (Quran 30:21). With the entire household encompassing love and mercy, it will aid in the happiness of each individual. To keep the atmosphere of the home full of compassion, Dr. John Gottman, relationship expert, and researcher, says there needs to be a 5:1 ratio of positive statements vs. negative statements. When couples aim to speak more positively with one another, they will contribute to a happier home.

Gratitude

Gratitude

The key is to remember Him within the difficulty for that is what will make the test lighter to bear. When we remember God’s words of ”surely, with every difficulty, there is relief” (Quran 94:6), we are reminded of the ease within the hardships. This can shift our focus to gratitude, which is the first brick in the building of contentment. Writer, Amy Morin, in her piece titled, 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude, states that “gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret.” These facts are based on studies conducted by Robert Emmons, Ph.D., a researcher on gratitude. His research uncovers how gratitude lessens depression and increases happiness. Gratitude, a concept Islam encourages as well, is a driving force towards contentment. God says, “Be thankful to God: whoever gives thanks benefits his own soul” (Quran 31:12).

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Healthy Us, Healthy Me

As a marriage and family therapist, I am a systems thinker, so even when I am working with an individual, I view the larger picture: mainly, the relationships individuals are a part of. Each relationship we are in impacts who we are as individuals. If we are in a healthy relationship, it leads to our individual happiness. If we are in an unhealthy relationship, it will subsequently be detrimental to our individual mental health. There are a plethora of studies and articles that discuss the importance of healthy relationships and their effects on individuals. One research study performed at the University of Cambridge found that people in healthy relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival than those who are not. Another study conducted at the University of Michigan in 2013 discovered that those who are in unhealthy relationships are more likely to suffer from depression. These studies and many more address the correlation between mental health and unhealthy/healthy relationships that are too vital for us to ignore. Having support can influence our mental health by offering support in times of stress, suffering, and grief, reducing the impact of anxiety and depressive thinking.

As I sat across

As I sat across from my client as she was narrating to me the power a specific prayer had, I realized something profound: A closeness to God and feeling His presence in dark times can assist us in overcoming challenging situations. The closeness can provide a sense of calm, that the omnipotent Creator is ever watchful over what is happening and is taking care of us. As my client described the positive impact that simply reciting this particular prayer had on her, I was certain that this connection to prayer was a valuable resource in her life and could be a strong handhold for others as well.

The connection between religion and mental health has been discussed in detail in the literature. Research published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in 2013 discusses the positive relationship between religion and mental health. For instance, a person’s religiousness is related to decreased use of alcohol and drugs. Depending on a person’s religious commitment, these factors affect longevity since suicide rates and even suicidal ideation are lower in religious people. The overwhelming conclusion of these studies is that spirituality can be a significantly positive mental health resource, particularly in times of great distress.

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For Muslims, knowing that God is with us is a strong anchor in trying times. Not only does He reassure us that He is with us, but He also informs us that we have the strength to bear what we are enduring: “God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear…” (Quran 2:286). This promise reassures us that God knows our strengths and capabilities and only gives us what we have the capacity to endure and overcome. Remembering these words and recognizing God’s presence in difficult times, such as a death in the family, the loss of a job, an anxiety attack, an illness, etc. assist us in overcoming these challenges. Internally, a switch goes on that we are not alone in our distress and there is an all-powerful being carrying us through. The strength that follows such a belief gives a person the ability to overcome.

God reminds us in the Quran that “those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of God: for without doubt in the remembrance of God do hearts find satisfaction” (Quran 13:28). That remembrance of God is a source of comfort during times of agitation, distress, worry, and physical and emotional pain. It does not always appear so easily, such as turning to spirituality instead of vices when we are depressed or anxious, but practical steps can lead to the awareness of him and bring ease to distressed hearts. Examples of these include praying, taking a few deep breaths, journaling, meditating, yoga, and even something as simple as taking a hot bath.

Imam Omar Suleiman Calls for American Unity at Bernie Rally

Muslim Students attended the first Kentucky Muslim Day at the state’s Capital. As they were boarding their buses in Frankfort, Kentucky, a group of men equipped with megaphones and posters shouted hateful speech at the children.

Ihsan Bagby, a local leader of the Muslim community spoke at the events in Frankfort and was interviewed by local station WKYT. He explained that the exchange was the first time many of the children encountered hateful speech against Muslims but emphasized that the Muslim community’s relationship with other Christians was cordial.  “I don’t think that is the Christian message,” said Bagby. “I can’t imagine Jesus doing that.”

And Dr. Ihsan Bagby should know, as an associate professor in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Kentucky whose research focuses on Muslims in America. In 2001, he published the results of the first comprehensive study of mosques in America, entitled The Mosque in America: A National Portrait. He is a well-published author and received his PhD in Near Eastern studies from the University of Michigan.

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Imam Omar Suleiman Calls for American Unity at Bernie Rally 

This past Friday, Imam Omar Suleiman spoke at Bernie Sanders’ rally in Mesquite, TX. In his speech, he called for “[a]n America of safety, dignity, love and unity. An America where we uplift our most vulnerable, celebrate our diversity, and unlock our collective genius.” He ended his speech by asking the audience: “Tell me what America looks like”, to which they replied the chant made popular during the nationw-wide protests against the Muslim Ban, “This is what America looks like.”

In his speech, he emphasized (as he has in past op-eds) that it may seem that America has broken its promise to certain communities, that by united together, we should intend to fulfill that promise of an America of unity. prosperity. equitability. and magnanimity.

Teresa Woodard tweeted: “Imam @omarsuleiman504 is speaking now. “I never thought I’d speak at the Mesquite Rodeo.” He also says the crowd tonight “is what America looks like.” #WFAA”

Although Imam Omar Suleiman has not endorsed any specific candidate, he has stated in the past: “My work politically revolves around eliminating suffering, domestically and abroad. This shapes how I view militarism, poverty, policing, mass incarceration, environmental issues, healthcare, immigration, and torture. The Prophet (saw) said, “find me amongst the oppressed. Are you given aid and support by Allah except by how you treat your most vulnerable?” I believe that we as Muslims, especially those who claim orthodoxy, should assert ourselves in these areas.”