Ruling On Transliterating The Qur'ān

QUESTION: May Allah be kind to you. This question pertains to the ruling on writing the Qur'ān in English for those who do not know Arabic? ANSWER (Sheikh Sulaymān Ar-Ruhaili وفقه الله) The base rule is that it is not permissible to write the Qur'ān in a language other than Arabic, and it is not permissible to transcribe it in any script other than the one it came in (I.e. Uthmanic script) - unless it is clearly for the purpose of recitation. If there arises a need to write the Qur'ān in non-Arabic letters for the instruction of new Muslims who neither know Arabic nor can pronounce it, then I believe it is permissible with two conditions: FIRSTLY: it must be limited to that which is absolutely necessary, such as Al-Fatiha; since reciting it is obligatory in prayer. SECONDLY: This writing must be something temporary and not permanent. How so? Meaning, it is written on a tablet for them to read and repeat until they memorise it, and at the same time the teacher must pay attention on correcting their pronunciation, then it is to be wiped off. It is not permissible to have this [printed] in books. For example, authoring a book which includes [transliterated] chapters from the Qur'ān in English to assist new Muslims with memorising; this is not permissible because it may lead to alteration [of the Qur'ān]. Likewise, if a Muslim is unable to memorise Al-Fatiha and we are able to write letters on a paper for them to read while praying, this is fine. Until they are able to recite it in Arabic, or they manage to memorise it.