Names of prophets in English.
Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,
As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
(May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked
this question:
As Salaam-O-Alaikum brother Burhan,
My friend Azim has 2 questions to ask.
1) In English translation of a Holy Quran, why
are our beloved prophet names mentioned as
"Abraham", "Noah", "Moses",
"Jesus", etc when we know that their real names
are "Ibrahim", Nuh", "Moosa", "Isa"
etc...etc...
2) He is also surprised with the fact that even if we are
watching Namaaz LIVE on "Saudi Channel", there too we find the
same translations.
3) Also, why is Allah (swt) referred to as
"God" & not "Allah". And it is more disturbing if the
same is shown on a Saudi Channel.
Pls put some light on this from Islamic perspective.
Allah Hafiz
(There may be some grammatical and spelling
errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from
questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in
confidentiality.)
Answer:
In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His
help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide,
and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear
witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear
witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His
Messengers.
Your Question: In English translation of a Holy Quran, why
are our beloved prophet names mentioned as
"Abraham", "Noah", "Moses",
"Jesus", etc when we know that their real names
are "Ibrahim", Nuh", "Moosa", "Isa"
etc...etc...
Your Question: He is also surprised with the fact that even
if we are watching Namaaz LIVE on "Saudi Channel", there too we find
the same translations.
Respected brother, it is only natural that when a name is
translated or transliterated from one language to another or from one dialect
to another, it might differ a little from its original pronunciation.
Secondly, one must understand most of the Prophets
mentioned in the Quran were neither Arabs, nor did they speak the Arabic
language….Thus, if fact be told, Nuh, and Ibraheem, and Moosa, and Isa, and
Yunus, and Yaqoob, etc. are not exactly Arabic names or terms…but terms and
names in the language spoken by the respective people where these Noble
Prophets of Allah were sent.
Thirdly, the ‘English’ translations of the Glorious Quran
are for the general English speaking public….and so as to identify the Prophets
which are generally known to our Christian and Jewish brethren, the translators
of the Quran in the English language chose to retain the ‘Biblical’ names of
the Prophets…and if this makes the understanding of the Glorious Quran easier
for our brethren from amongst the People of the Book, and there is absolutely
no harm in that.
Your Question: Also, why is Allah (swt) referred
to as "God" & not "Allah".
The literal meaning of the Arabic term ‘al’ is ‘the, and
‘ilaah’ is ‘god’ (small ‘g’); thus ‘Allah’ basically means ‘Al-Ilaah’ or ‘The
God’ (Capital ‘G’)….signifying the One and Only Lord Creator Who Created
everything in Existence.
Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chatper 17 Surah
Israa verse 110:
110 Say: "Call upon Allah or call upon ‘Ar-Rahmaan;: by
whatever Name ye call upon Him (it is well): for to Him belong the Most
Beautiful Names. Neither speak thy prayer aloud nor speak it in a low
tone, but seek a middle course between."
Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chatper 7 Surah
Aaraaf verse 180:
180 The Most Beautiful Names all belong to
Allah: so call on Him by them.
The Lord Most Gracious has innumerable Names, for all the
Best Names belong to Him….. by whatever (Best)
Name ye call upon Him (it is well).
If, to make it easier for the general public to understand
the Guidance of the Glorious Quran one translates the Name Allah to the
‘Biblical’ Name of the Lord Creator, God (Capital ‘G’), there is absolutely no
harm.
Respected brother in Islam, what is of absolute and paramount
importance is that the believers strive their utmost to present the Guidance
and the Message of the Lord Most Majestic to all who are willing to listen to
good caution….and if some amongst the translators, to make it easier for the
addressed public, choose to translate or transliterate the names of the
Prophets or even of the Lord Himself in the dialect which is understood best by
the people who are being addressed, there is absolutely no harm.
Allah
says in the Holy Quran: Chapter 16, Surah An-Nahl Ayat 125:
Invite
to the way of your Lord with wisdom and excellent admonition and argue with
people in the best manner. Your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His
Way and who is Rightly guided.
Instead of disputing over minor faults or short-comings
amongst ourselves, the energy of the believers would be best spent in
furthering the
Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only
due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me
alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is
the Only Source of Strength.
Your brother and
well wisher in Islam,
Burhan
Wister