this matter? A person having translated a juz
(one-thirtieth part) of the noble Quran into the Hindustani language
has printed it. The translation is defective: moreover the Arabic text
is not given. In order to give the translation the same authority as
the original, he has retained the usual signs and marks of the Arabic
editions; such as--toi, qif, jim, la, mim, and (.).[245] At the end of
the juz he has added a translation of the Tashshahud, Qanud, Sana,
Ta'awwuz, Tasmi, Tashibat, ruku' and Sujud, and has said that all these
must be read in Hindustani. He further states that in the translation
he has retained the rhythm of the original, and that in eloquence and
style it is equal to the Arabic. He has also added rubrical directions
as to the ritual of the Namaz, and has stated that to those who do not
know Arabic, it is a wajib and a farz duty to recite the translation;
otherwise they commit sin and the Namaz is vain. As regards the past,
he considers that the ignorant are forgiven, but he maintains that the
'Ulama of these days must answer for the neglect they show in not
telling the people to use translations of the Quran. Further, in
support of his views he adduces a Hadis-i-Sahih, according to which the
Prophet said to a Companion, Salman-i-Farsi: "Read a translation of the
Quran in the Namaz." He claims, as on his side, the four great Imams.
He himself understands Arabic, yet he says his Namaz in Hindustani and
influences others to do likewise. He has been spoken to, but he takes
no heed and strives to spread his sect all over India.

Now, what is the order of the noble Law with regard to such a person,
and what is the decree in the case of those who follow {234} him, or
who circulate his opinions, or who consider him a religious man and a
guide, or who consider the translation to which reference has been made
to be the Holy Quran, or who teach it to their children? O learned men,
state the Law in this matter and merit a good reward."

THE ANSWER.

"After praising God, and after imploring His mercy and peace on
Muhammad, be it known that the person referred to is an infidel, an
atheist and a wanderer from the truth. He also causes others to wander.
His assertion that his opinions are in accordance with those of the
four Imams is utterly false, because according to Imam Shafa'i,