Translations are merely explanations of the meanings of the Qur'an

A: Translations of the meanings of the Qur’an are just explanations. They are not the Qur’an according to the Ijma‘ (consensus of scholars), nor do the rulings pertaining to the Qur’an apply to them. (Part No. 4; Page No. 165) Accordingly, it is not permissible to recite the translated version or the interpretation of Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Qur’an) in Salah (Prayer); and all the other Surahs are equal in this ruling. A person should learn in Arabic the portions of the Qur’an they need for worship, such as Al-Fatihah. Those who have not memorized Al-Fatihah in Arabic should instead utter Tahmid (saying: "Al-hamdu lillah [All praise is due to Allah]"), Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]") and Tahlil (saying: "La ilaha illa Allah [There is no god except Allah]") when they pray until they learn Al-Fatihah in Arabic.It is not permissible for them read the translation of the Qur’an and its interpretation in acts of worship, but they may read and study these translations to understand from them the Islamic rulings. They may also read the books of Hadith translated to their language to know from them the principles of Islam. They may also select the doctrinal books that convey the creed of the Salaf (righteous predecessors), the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), and the first three Muslim generations to whose goodness the Prophet (peace be upon him) testified. They should do their best to learn the Arabic language to be able to understand the texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah in the language they were revealed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.