Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Why is this website relying on English translations? That's not
following the Qur'an - the actual Qur'an is in Arabic, not English.
Answer
This website is designed for English readers. For this reason, it is necessary to show translated verses. All translations on this website are strictly checked for conformity with the Arabic verses. Following an accurately translated version of the Arabic verse is following the Qur'an, since what it means to follow the Qur'an is to follow the message therein, not the language, which is only a medium to communicate the message. All material written for this website are based on studies of actual Arabic verses, however, an accurate English translation is shown as they are English articles, for an English-speaking audience.
Question
Why is the Arabic word "Allah" used instead of the English word "God"?
Answer
The use of the Arabic word "Allah" is more common among Muslims of the world, even among those who do not speak Arabic. Although this website is in English, in the interest of readers' familiarity, the Arabic "Allah" is used where possible. It should be noted that it means the same to use "God" instead, or any name that refers to the supreme Maker. There are those who claim that God's actual name is "Allah" so "Allah" should be used instead of "God". This is untrue and is not the reason why "Allah" is used on this website. "Allah" is only an Arabic word referring to God,
Question
What's the point of this website?
Answer
The responsibility to learn from the Qur'an and to develop one's self using the Qur'an lies on the individual him or herself. The intention of this website is to 'assist' one in making conclusions for ones self by providing relevant information, inspiration, and by bringing to attention points and references to verses which may have been missed by the individual. The source of religion for you, is the Qur'an, not this website. Therefore, this website does not claim to contain information that is any more certain to what you deduce using your own reason and logic from your own study of the Qur'an. It is hoped that QuranicPath will serve as a valuable tool in learning the Qur'an, and drawing nearer to God.
Question
Why are you using brackets in certain translations?
Answer
The Arabic language is more compact and expressive than English language. Sometimes, there are meanings in the Arabic nuances which cannot be expressed in English. Sometimes, the context from the previous verses or verses following it reveals a meaning not discernable by just looking at the verse itself. In such occasions, brackets have been carefully used. For example, from the article, "Women & Beauty - A Secret Revealed in the Qur'an". The Arabic verse 56:35, إِنَّـــا أَنْـــــــــــــــشَــــأْنَــاهُـــنَّ إِنْــــــــــشَــاء is translated, "Indeed, it is We who brought them [with beauty] into being". The additional bracket, "[with beauty]", is needed because, 1) The context from the following verses shows that the purpose of the verse is to emphasise on the femininity, and therefore the beauty of these attendants of Paradise. 2) The pronoun "them" is the Arabic translation for "هن / hunna" (them), which carries the gender as well (females). The English language does not express gender in the pronoun, "them". Therefore, it has been decided that the bracket is necessary in order to clarify both linguistic and Quranic meanings which would otherwise be lost if the verse is shown stand-alone in English. The use of brackets on verses used on QuranicPath are different to translations circulated mainstream. Here, brackets are only used to be loyal to Quranic meanings, rather than to insert third party ideas - and only when it cannot be avoided.
Question
What is the inspiration behind the welcome page?
Answer
The QuranicPath welcome page has been designed to reflect the website content while also making parallels with the Quranic depiction of the beauty of Paradise. The theme of a garden with water features, beautiful female attendants etc. of Paradise has been incorporated. The welcome page is accessible by typing the website address of QuranicPath onto the URL bar.
Question
Is QuranicPath against the sunnah of the Prophet?
Answer
It is a big misunderstanding to claim that QuranicPath is against the sunnah of the Prophet. The sunnah is the living practices within the Muslim community that extends to not only the last Prophet but through to the Prophet Ibrahim. These practices are important in the Muslim community - and Qur'an expects them to be alive. QuranicPath only maintains that the Qur'an is the most authentic hadith of the prophet and where it contradicts any other text, the Qur'an supersedes them whether it may be a ruling or ideological concept. The Quran is the most important text in Muslims' lives. This website does not wish to divide but simply to provide true depictions of Allah's verses, based on the fact that the Qur'an explains itself.
Question
What translation do you recommend?
Answer
Please see here.
There are many more misconceptions. Why does QuranicPath not address all misconceptions in Islam?
Answer
QuranicPath stands against those allegations made by Muslims and non-Muslims using Quran's verses. This means those misconceptions about Islam that are based on Quranic verses are addressed. Any misconceptions of Islam that are due to extra-Quranic sources, are not primary concern of QuranicPath and hence are not prioritised, however they may be a topic of discussion occasionally to depict just how much people have deviated from the Qur'an in certain areas. This is because a true believer who wishes to follow the Qur'an sincerely will be most affected by false allegations made using the Qur'an, rather than extra-Quranic sources.
Question
One of your articles say that one does not have to know any Arabic to follow the Qur'an, but some of your articles are discussing the Arabic verses. Does that not mean all true believers must learn Arabic to follow the Qur'an?
Answer
Certain articles have to touch upon the Arabic language of a verse when this becomes necessary to dispel myths and false propagations. A true believer who does not speak Arabic can use translations to follow the Qur'an, a perfectly acceptable approach. However, the issue is often the availability of accurate translations, since most translators unfortunately, happily insert information from other sources that are not even remotely mentioned in the verses, or apply some other form of twist. Many articles on this website intend on dispelling these and thus it has become necessary to discuss the original Arabic verses. Provided there are accurate translations, a true believer who does not understand Arabic, can follow and implement the Qur'an correctly.
Question
Are you related to Rashad Khalifa movement?
Answer
QuranicPath is an independent website based on the teachings of the most authentic source, the Qur'an. It is not associated with Rashad Khalifa's movement. Prophet Muhammad is the last and final messenger to the world, with the Qur'an being the protected Guide and Criterion that judges everything.
Question
Are you part of 19ers who say two verses of the Qur'an are false?
Answer
All the verses of the Qur'an as we have it today are part of the Glorious Qur'an. Not a single verse has been added or removed. One cannot do calculations and declare verses to be false, as God Himself states that He will ensure the protection of the Qur'an (15:9). The number 19 has not been warranted to be used for this purpose in 74:30. See here for more information.
Question
Are you part of Ahmediya / Qadiani group?
Answer
QuranicPath is not affiliated with these groups, or any group whatsoever. It stands as a totally independant representation of the Qur'an. QuranicPath aims to represent the actual Qur'an with honesty - and that is the sole ambition of every work on the website. The only intention in every article is to demonstrate what is actually found in the Qur'an when one opens it, with no sectarian influence.
The credibility and authority of a piece of writing, lies in the evidence of Quranic verses and logic embedded within it, rather than the titles carried by the writer, or the size, or popularity of the sect he belongs to:
وَإِذَا تُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُنَا بَيِّنَاتٍ قَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَيُّ الْفَرِيقَيْنِ خَيْرٌ مَقَامًا وَأَحْسَنُ نَدِيًّا
"And when our clear Revelations are recited to them, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, 'which of the two parties has a better standing and is in the majority?' " (Qur'an 19:73)
