Post by Mohammed Aarif Waghoo on Oct 29, 2015 11:33:00 GMT 5.5
Bismillah, Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, to Him belong the endowments and the befitting perfections and commendations. I ask Allah to raise the rank of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam, and to protect his nation from that which he fears for it, Thereafter:
Know that most so-called Qur’an English Translations have mistakes that change the real meaning of the Qur’an such as the translations of “Yussuf Ali” or “Pickthal”. For example when they translate or even comment on Ayah 5 from Surah Taha {Ar-Rahmanu ^Alal-^Arsh istawa} they translate it wrongly as [Allah sat on the throne] or they say [Allah established himself firmly on the throne] or they say [Allah settled or rested on the throne]. All this is not true, and is not a proper Tafsir/Interpratation to the Ayah.
Hence Surat Taha, ayah 5 الرحمن على العرش استوى} سورة طه ءاية} in the Qur’an, clearly does not mean that Allah sits on the throne or that Allah is firmly established on the throne. In the Arabic language, the word istawa has fifteen (15) different meanings, among of which are to sit, to subjugate, to protect, to conquer, and to preserve. Based on the unanimous agreement of Muslims in the creed, it is clear that it is blasphemous to apply the meaning ‘to sit’ to Allah. However the terms to preserve and to subjugate are in compliance with the Religion and the language. And those so-called translations of al-Quran that referred to the term “Istawa” to “Sits” or “Sat”or “Established himself firmly on the throne” contradict Arabic rules, and Islamic basis. Bewarned from such translations and such attribues, Allah is almighty clear from the sitting, movement, size, shape, form or change. Allah is great.
They should have translated the meanings of the verses of al-Qur’an such according to the interpratations of the great interpreters of the Qur’an such as the Tafsir of Imam al-Qurtubiy and At-Tabariy and Ibnul-Jawziy whom all said that Istawa when attributed to Allah means Qahar or to Subjugate. So the Ayah would mean as Qurtubiy said: “Ayah 5 of surat Taha means {Allah subjugates the throne}. And the throne was specified here because it’s the largest of Allah’s creations”. Such interpretation gives perfection to Allah, that everything is under His control and power, where as attributing the sitting and the rest on the throne is likening Allah to the creations, and attributing weakness and tiredness to Him; and therefore is kufur to attribute to Allah.
Be warned from such misleading translations and keep hold on the belief that Allah does not need anything, and that He does not resemble any of His creations in any way, and that whatever you imagine in your minds Allah is different from it.
Imam Abu Ja^far at-Tahawiy said: “Whoever attributes to Allah any of the manners of beings has blasphemed” and he also said: “Allah is supremely clear of all boundaries, extremes, sides, organs and instruments. The six directions do NOT contain Him–these are attributed to all created things.” This means Allah is not a body or an image, and that He exists without a begining and wihtout a place.
The same kind of wrong interpretations has been made by translators like Moudoodi, Ashraf ali Thanvi,Shah Waliullah,Sulman Nidvi, and many others in indopak . The most accurate and proper translation in english + Urdu languages is Kanzul Eman by Alahazrat Ahmed raza khan (alehurehma) here are some differences compare them all and analyze.
It would be proper here to point out some major differences between Kanz-ul-Imaan and other Urdu translations, to highlight the superiority and correctness of the former. A few examples are as follows, which I trust will suffice: –
Example # 1. (Surah Al Imraan – verse 142)
…and until now Allah has not known who among you will fight. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir)
…whereas Allah has not yet fully known those among you who will fight. (In Urdu, by Fateh Mohammed Jalandhari)
…whereas until now Allah has not yet known those among you who have fought. (In Urdu, by Abdul Majid Daryabadi)
…and until now Allah has not yet found out who among you will fight. (In Urdu, by Mahmood ulHassan)
…while Allah has not yet tested your warriors. (Kanz-ul-Imaan, by Imam Ahmed Raza)
Allah is the All Knowing. How then can He not know those who will fight or not? The translations made by others tend to show that Allah does not have this knowledge, whilst Kanz-ul-Imaan is according to proper Islamic faith. Further examples of the same kind are found in Surah Mohammed (verse 31), Surah Maidah (verse 94) and in Surah Ankabut (verse 11).
Example # 2. (Surah Anfal – verse 30)
And they were plotting and Allah too was plotting, and Allah’s plot is the best. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir).
And they were conspiring and Allah was also conspiring – and the best conspiracy is that of Allah. (In Urdu, by Mahmood ulHassan)
And the state of affairs was that the disbelievers were deceiving, and Allah too was deceiving – and Allah is the best of those who deceive. (In Urdu, by D. Nazeer Ahmed)
And they were scheming, and Allah was making His secret plan; and Allah’s secret plan is the best. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza)
Allah is Pure, and Independent of all shortcomings. It is obvious that other translators have carelessly faltered and used the same words for Allah as they used for the disbelievers. At this juncture, Kanz-ul-Imaan uses the proper words befitting Allah’s Majesty, while also conveying the proper meaning. Further examples of the same kind are found in Surah Ale Imran (verse 54), Surah Nisaa (verse 142), and in Surah Yunus (verse 21)
Example # 3 (Surah Duha – verse 7)
And found you wandering then guided you? (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir)
And found you lost astray, therefore showed you the way?(In Urdu, by Shah Rafiuddin)
And found you unaware (of the path) so showed you the way? (In Urdu, by Abdul Majid Daryabadi)
And Allah found you unaware (of Islamic laws), so He showed you the way (of Islamic laws)? (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi)
And (He) found you deeply engrossed in His love, so directed you? (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza).
The Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has been sent by Allah as a Prophet for the entire world, and as a guiding light from Allah. Umpteen references are available to show that the Holy Prophet was rightly guided since birth. How then can one who is supposed to be the ideal of entire mankind, be misguided or lost himself? How would Allah guide mankind through such a person? It is quite clear that the translation must use the most suitable meaning of the Arabic text and not necessarily the most common meaning. Kanz-ul-Imaan correctly interprets the Arabic word “Daallan” to mean “deeply engrossed in His love”, and not “astray” as some translators have done. Another example of the same kind is found in Surah Shura (verse 52).
Example # 4 (Surah Fatah – verse 1 & 2)
We have pronounced a decision for you – a firm decision – so that Allah may forgive you the sins you committed in the past, and those that remain behind. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir).
Indeed We gave you a victory, a clear victory, so that for you Allah may forgive the past sins of yours, and those that remain. (In Urdu, by Shah Rafiuddin).
We have indeed given you a very clear victory, so that with it Allah may forgive all your mistakes of the past and the future. (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi).
We have indeed, for your sake (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), bestowed a clear victory. So that Allah may forgive, for your sake, the sins of those before you and those after you. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza)
The same reasons given in example # 3 also apply here. And it is very clear who has used proper reasoning and shown true respect for the Leader of the Pious, the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him). Other translators have not shown proper respect.
Example # 5 (Surah Baqarah – verse 120)
And if you ever follow what pleases them, after this knowledge which has come to you, then you have no one to support you against the “hand” of Allah, nor any aide. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir)
And if you, after this knowledge which has come to you, follow their desires so for you there will be no supporter nor any aide against the seizure of Allah. (In Urdu, by Abdul Majid Daryabadi).
And if you follow their wrong beliefs, after the coming of true knowledge through the revelations, then you will have neither any friend nor any aide to save you from the wrath of Allah. (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi).
Were you (the followers of this Prophet) to follow their desires after the knowledge has come to you, you would then not have a protector or an aide against Allah. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza).
The learned scholars know that in umpteen instances in the Holy Qur’an, while addressing the Holy Prophet, the actual address is towards the entire Muslim nation. Kanz-ul-Imaan makes it very clear from the above that the reminder and warning is in fact for the Muslim nation, for truly the Holy Prophet is himself an announcer of warning. Another example of the same kind is found in Surah Baqarah (verse 145).
Example # 6 (Bismillah Al Rahman Al Raheem)
Beginning with the name of Allah who is Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir).
I begin along with the name of Allah, the Forgiver, the Merciful. (In Urdu, by Shah Rafiuddin).
I begin with the name of Allah who is very gracious, extremely merciful. (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi).
Allah – in the name of – the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza).
Readers will note the beauty of Kanz-ul-Imaan. It keeps the name of Allah at the beginning. It also does not have any reference to one’s self. Other translators have either not kept the word “Allah” in the beginning or have wrongly inserted references to the “self” – which is not present in the Arabic text.
I trust the above reasons and examples cited, will convince the readers of the need to have an English Translation based on the Urdu Translation rendered by Imam Ahmed Raza (May Allah have mercy upon him).
Know that most so-called Qur’an English Translations have mistakes that change the real meaning of the Qur’an such as the translations of “Yussuf Ali” or “Pickthal”. For example when they translate or even comment on Ayah 5 from Surah Taha {Ar-Rahmanu ^Alal-^Arsh istawa} they translate it wrongly as [Allah sat on the throne] or they say [Allah established himself firmly on the throne] or they say [Allah settled or rested on the throne]. All this is not true, and is not a proper Tafsir/Interpratation to the Ayah.
Hence Surat Taha, ayah 5 الرحمن على العرش استوى} سورة طه ءاية} in the Qur’an, clearly does not mean that Allah sits on the throne or that Allah is firmly established on the throne. In the Arabic language, the word istawa has fifteen (15) different meanings, among of which are to sit, to subjugate, to protect, to conquer, and to preserve. Based on the unanimous agreement of Muslims in the creed, it is clear that it is blasphemous to apply the meaning ‘to sit’ to Allah. However the terms to preserve and to subjugate are in compliance with the Religion and the language. And those so-called translations of al-Quran that referred to the term “Istawa” to “Sits” or “Sat”or “Established himself firmly on the throne” contradict Arabic rules, and Islamic basis. Bewarned from such translations and such attribues, Allah is almighty clear from the sitting, movement, size, shape, form or change. Allah is great.
They should have translated the meanings of the verses of al-Qur’an such according to the interpratations of the great interpreters of the Qur’an such as the Tafsir of Imam al-Qurtubiy and At-Tabariy and Ibnul-Jawziy whom all said that Istawa when attributed to Allah means Qahar or to Subjugate. So the Ayah would mean as Qurtubiy said: “Ayah 5 of surat Taha means {Allah subjugates the throne}. And the throne was specified here because it’s the largest of Allah’s creations”. Such interpretation gives perfection to Allah, that everything is under His control and power, where as attributing the sitting and the rest on the throne is likening Allah to the creations, and attributing weakness and tiredness to Him; and therefore is kufur to attribute to Allah.
Be warned from such misleading translations and keep hold on the belief that Allah does not need anything, and that He does not resemble any of His creations in any way, and that whatever you imagine in your minds Allah is different from it.
Imam Abu Ja^far at-Tahawiy said: “Whoever attributes to Allah any of the manners of beings has blasphemed” and he also said: “Allah is supremely clear of all boundaries, extremes, sides, organs and instruments. The six directions do NOT contain Him–these are attributed to all created things.” This means Allah is not a body or an image, and that He exists without a begining and wihtout a place.
The same kind of wrong interpretations has been made by translators like Moudoodi, Ashraf ali Thanvi,Shah Waliullah,Sulman Nidvi, and many others in indopak . The most accurate and proper translation in english + Urdu languages is Kanzul Eman by Alahazrat Ahmed raza khan (alehurehma) here are some differences compare them all and analyze.
It would be proper here to point out some major differences between Kanz-ul-Imaan and other Urdu translations, to highlight the superiority and correctness of the former. A few examples are as follows, which I trust will suffice: –
Example # 1. (Surah Al Imraan – verse 142)
…and until now Allah has not known who among you will fight. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir)
…whereas Allah has not yet fully known those among you who will fight. (In Urdu, by Fateh Mohammed Jalandhari)
…whereas until now Allah has not yet known those among you who have fought. (In Urdu, by Abdul Majid Daryabadi)
…and until now Allah has not yet found out who among you will fight. (In Urdu, by Mahmood ulHassan)
…while Allah has not yet tested your warriors. (Kanz-ul-Imaan, by Imam Ahmed Raza)
Allah is the All Knowing. How then can He not know those who will fight or not? The translations made by others tend to show that Allah does not have this knowledge, whilst Kanz-ul-Imaan is according to proper Islamic faith. Further examples of the same kind are found in Surah Mohammed (verse 31), Surah Maidah (verse 94) and in Surah Ankabut (verse 11).
Example # 2. (Surah Anfal – verse 30)
And they were plotting and Allah too was plotting, and Allah’s plot is the best. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir).
And they were conspiring and Allah was also conspiring – and the best conspiracy is that of Allah. (In Urdu, by Mahmood ulHassan)
And the state of affairs was that the disbelievers were deceiving, and Allah too was deceiving – and Allah is the best of those who deceive. (In Urdu, by D. Nazeer Ahmed)
And they were scheming, and Allah was making His secret plan; and Allah’s secret plan is the best. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza)
Allah is Pure, and Independent of all shortcomings. It is obvious that other translators have carelessly faltered and used the same words for Allah as they used for the disbelievers. At this juncture, Kanz-ul-Imaan uses the proper words befitting Allah’s Majesty, while also conveying the proper meaning. Further examples of the same kind are found in Surah Ale Imran (verse 54), Surah Nisaa (verse 142), and in Surah Yunus (verse 21)
Example # 3 (Surah Duha – verse 7)
And found you wandering then guided you? (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir)
And found you lost astray, therefore showed you the way?(In Urdu, by Shah Rafiuddin)
And found you unaware (of the path) so showed you the way? (In Urdu, by Abdul Majid Daryabadi)
And Allah found you unaware (of Islamic laws), so He showed you the way (of Islamic laws)? (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi)
And (He) found you deeply engrossed in His love, so directed you? (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza).
The Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has been sent by Allah as a Prophet for the entire world, and as a guiding light from Allah. Umpteen references are available to show that the Holy Prophet was rightly guided since birth. How then can one who is supposed to be the ideal of entire mankind, be misguided or lost himself? How would Allah guide mankind through such a person? It is quite clear that the translation must use the most suitable meaning of the Arabic text and not necessarily the most common meaning. Kanz-ul-Imaan correctly interprets the Arabic word “Daallan” to mean “deeply engrossed in His love”, and not “astray” as some translators have done. Another example of the same kind is found in Surah Shura (verse 52).
Example # 4 (Surah Fatah – verse 1 & 2)
We have pronounced a decision for you – a firm decision – so that Allah may forgive you the sins you committed in the past, and those that remain behind. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir).
Indeed We gave you a victory, a clear victory, so that for you Allah may forgive the past sins of yours, and those that remain. (In Urdu, by Shah Rafiuddin).
We have indeed given you a very clear victory, so that with it Allah may forgive all your mistakes of the past and the future. (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi).
We have indeed, for your sake (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), bestowed a clear victory. So that Allah may forgive, for your sake, the sins of those before you and those after you. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza)
The same reasons given in example # 3 also apply here. And it is very clear who has used proper reasoning and shown true respect for the Leader of the Pious, the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him). Other translators have not shown proper respect.
Example # 5 (Surah Baqarah – verse 120)
And if you ever follow what pleases them, after this knowledge which has come to you, then you have no one to support you against the “hand” of Allah, nor any aide. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir)
And if you, after this knowledge which has come to you, follow their desires so for you there will be no supporter nor any aide against the seizure of Allah. (In Urdu, by Abdul Majid Daryabadi).
And if you follow their wrong beliefs, after the coming of true knowledge through the revelations, then you will have neither any friend nor any aide to save you from the wrath of Allah. (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi).
Were you (the followers of this Prophet) to follow their desires after the knowledge has come to you, you would then not have a protector or an aide against Allah. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza).
The learned scholars know that in umpteen instances in the Holy Qur’an, while addressing the Holy Prophet, the actual address is towards the entire Muslim nation. Kanz-ul-Imaan makes it very clear from the above that the reminder and warning is in fact for the Muslim nation, for truly the Holy Prophet is himself an announcer of warning. Another example of the same kind is found in Surah Baqarah (verse 145).
Example # 6 (Bismillah Al Rahman Al Raheem)
Beginning with the name of Allah who is Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (In Urdu, by Shah Abdul Qadir).
I begin along with the name of Allah, the Forgiver, the Merciful. (In Urdu, by Shah Rafiuddin).
I begin with the name of Allah who is very gracious, extremely merciful. (In Urdu, by Ashraf Ali Thanvi).
Allah – in the name of – the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (Kanz-ul-Imaan by Imam Ahmed Raza).
Readers will note the beauty of Kanz-ul-Imaan. It keeps the name of Allah at the beginning. It also does not have any reference to one’s self. Other translators have either not kept the word “Allah” in the beginning or have wrongly inserted references to the “self” – which is not present in the Arabic text.
I trust the above reasons and examples cited, will convince the readers of the need to have an English Translation based on the Urdu Translation rendered by Imam Ahmed Raza (May Allah have mercy upon him).