There are many muslims today, that insist upon reading the Quran in Arabic. This is a good thing, in fact a great thing. However, the issue for me arises when they simply do not understand it. The Arabic used in modern times, in most countries is very different than the Arabic used in the Quran. To make matters worse, because the original Arabic Quran is difficult to understand, it becomes difficult to read. For this reason, most people would prefer to avoid reading the Quran.
Now if the person lives in an Arabic speaking country, I would advise them to continue trying to understand the Quran in Arabic, however utilize a dictionary, tafseer tool, or a Quranic Arabic Corpus tool (found at: https://corpus.quran.com/) to assist in understanding it.
There is another type of individual, that simply does not read in their day to day life. They never pick up a book, and their reading skills are weak at best. It would take them a long time to read a couple lines before they will ultimately give up. This person cannot be bothered to take the initiative to read. Rather they would prefer to spend their time consuming Hollywood movies every single day for their entire lives. The Quran calls these people the muhajuroon (those that migrate away).
The problem occurs when a person who is a weak reader, and who’s main language spoken in their day to day life is not Arabic, continue to stubbornly only read the Quran in Arabic. Even though they do not understand it fully. Rather than read the Quran with one of the tools mentioned above or read it in a language you actually understand!, they spend their entire life not understanding what the Quran says. This belief comes from the idea that Allah swt will reward you for trying. This is true, however, the Quran is also a guide to humanity and the individual’s soul as well. Allah swt speaks to you directly through the Quran (as well as other means), and to abandon this valuable gift is bewildering for me.
How can a muslim, spend his or her entire life, not understanding for themselves what the Quran says? How could a muslim not ever utilize a tafseer, dictionary, corpus, or read the Quran in their primary language? I fear that this issue may be more prevalent than many Muslims are willing to admit. Perhaps this is why so many radical Islamic groups have popped up lately. When is the last time muslims have had a Quran study group – either at their local mosque or with friends and family? Reading the Quran is the number one way new converts are brought to Islam, and we know this as well. However, the ones born into the religion, don’t seem like they need to hear Allah’s words directly?
Read the Quran carefully and meditate on its meaning (4:82, 47:24)
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