How Should a Misleading Quran Translation Be Disposed Of?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
How should I properly dispose of an English Quran translation authored by someone who rejected the Sunna?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Allah (Most High) says,
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” [Quran, 15:9]
When dealing with a Quran translation authored by someone who rejected the Sunna, caution and respect for the sacred text are essential. While translations are not the Quran itself, they contain their meanings and often include verses of the Quran, which must be treated with reverence.
If the translation is known to contain distortions or misleading commentary, it is best not to pass it on to others, as it could confuse Islamic teachings. Instead, the proper method of disposal is to:
- Burn it respectfully: Burn the translation with dignity and without mixing it with regular trash.
- Shred or bury it: Alternatively, shred the pages beyond recognition or bury them in a clean, pure place where they will not be walked upon.
These methods preserve the honor of the Quran’s words while preventing the spread of misinformation.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
