Most Muslims consider versions of the Quran in other languages to be “interpretations,” not “translations.”

Austria’s Troubling Quran Law

by Jennifer S. Bryson

Austria’s attempt to mandate a single German translation of the Quran reflects ignorance about Islam and the factors contributing to violent extremism, obliviousness to the nature of modern media, and an attitude of cultural imperialism.

The Austrian government has proposed a new law to regulate the affairs ofMuslims in Austria. While it is worthwhile that Austrians are looking for ways to update their 1912 law governing Muslim affairs, the proposed reform requiring, among other things, a single German translation of the Quran is ill-conceived.

This proposal for a government-mandated single German translation of the Quran reflects gross ignorance about Islam, ignorance about the factors contributing to violent extremism, and obliviousness to the nature of modern media. Last but not least, it smells of cultural imperialism.

Muslims believe God revealed the Quran to Muhammad in Arabic. Most Muslims consider versions of the Quran in other languages to be “interpretations,” not “translations.” So, the idea of a secular government mandating that a version of the Quran in German be “official” probably strikes most Muslims as bizarre.

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