Why Don't Non-Believers Read the Quran in Their Native Language?

Many individuals, especially those who do not follow any religion, wonder why they should read the Quran, a holy text central to Islam, particularly in its original Arabic language. While the faith and culture surrounding the Quran can be fascinating, many non-believers find it difficult to engage with the text due to its content and style. This article will explore the reasons behind this reluctance and whether there are any compelling reasons for non-believers to read the Quran.

The Perception of the Quran

My personal journey with the Quran mirrors that of many non-believers. After attempting to read the text in my native language, which is English, I found it to be a challenging and, in many ways, disappointing experience. It is often described as a collection of rehashed stories from the Old Testament, with the addition of mythological beings like Jinn. The writing is often described as dry and uninteresting, which overshadows the potential richness of the text.

The Quran's narrative style, which is heavily reliant on magical and supernatural elements, can be off-putting to those who do not believe in these phenomena. The stories often center around magic, which, as we can all agree, does not exist. Without the belief in magic, the characters, such as the Jinn, Devils, or Angels, also appear to be mundane and unremarkable.

Shared Experience: Reading the Vedas

It is worth mentioning that a similar experience can be encountered when reading other sacred texts. For instance, the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, can also be a challenging read for those unfamiliar with their content. The texts, while filled with profound wisdom, can also be dense and complex, especially for those who do not have a deep cultural understanding of the concepts they contain.

One might wonder if the same holds true for the Bible, another foundational text in Western culture. Much like the Quran, the Bible is replete with stories centered around magic and supernatural beings, and many non-believers find these elements unrealistic and unconvincing.

Why Would a Theist Read the Quran in Their Native Language?

An interesting question arises: if many non-believers find the Quran challenging to read, why would a theist, particularly one who has grown up with the text and has a deep understanding of its cultural and philosophical implications, consider reading the Quran in their native language? The answer may lie in the belief that understanding the text in its original language can offer a more authentic and profound experience.

However, the question also suggests a different perspective. What if a theist read the Quran with the intention of becoming a non-believer? This scenario is interesting because it posits the idea that the Quran, in its original language, might hold less appeal to those with a critical and skeptical mindset. It’s important to note that reading the text with the intention of finding flaws can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as interpretation and understanding are heavily influenced by one's preconceived notions.

Critical Analysis and Morality

For many non-believers, the Quran’s emphasis on magic and the supernatural is a significant deterrent. Without belief in these elements, it can be challenging to find significance in the text. However, it’s also important to recognize that reading a text without an open mind can be a disservice to both the reader and the material. A critical approach, however, can lead to a deeper understanding and a more nuanced perspective. Whether this approach is practical for someone with a low level of common sense and moral values is debatable, as such a mindset might lead to superficial or biased interpretations.

The idea that the Quran could offer insights that change one's beliefs is not unfounded. Many non-believers have had life-changing experiences upon reading religious texts that slowly eroded their previous beliefs. However, this is a subjective process that varies greatly from person to person.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reluctance of non-believers to read the Quran in its original language is understandable given the text's reliance on magic and supernatural elements. However, it is important to approach such texts with an open mind and a willingness to critically examine their content. Whether this process helps one become a non-believer or simply broadens their understanding of the world, reading such texts can be a valuable and educational experience.

Keywords: Quran, Non-Believers, Atheists