Is recitation of the Quran permissible in a language other than Arabic?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Recitation of the prayer by substituting the Arabic wording with a non-Arabic language is not permissible, even if the reciter is unable to recite it correctly in Arabic. This is the position held by Al-Shafi'i, Abu Yusuf, and Muhammad. The evidence for this ruling rests upon the Quranic injunctions indicating the divine text's nature as Arabic, specifically mentioning {a clear Arabic tongue} (Quran 12:2) and {an Arabic Quran} (Quran 26:195). Furthermore, the Quran is a miracle in both its wording and meaning; altering the wording removes it from its original form, rendering it mere commentary rather than the Quran itself. If mere explanation sufficed, the challenge to produce a chapter like it would have been void.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa permits substituting the Arabic wording with another language. Some of his companions specify that this permission applies only to someone who cannot recite correctly in Arabic. Their evidence is the verse {And this was revealed to you, an Arabic Quran, that you may warn thereby the Mother of Cities and those around her} (Quran 6:19), arguing that warning must be in the recipient's tongue.