Comments on various English Quran Translations
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Salam all,
The following English Quran translations i would consider not worth reading- by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed Pervez
Examples
7430 A very clear Arabic "alaiha tisata ashar" is translated as "(This is just one destruction that has been explained) There are scores of others (this one and nineteen more)."
Ironically he puts his own interpretation in the verse while leaving the amin word (nineteen) in parenthesis. Even if you read other verses and compare them to the original Arabic text youll clearly find that his translation is almost entirely his own interpretation and often misses the real meaning of the words.
On the other hand compare this to "JM Rodwell's" translation of 7430-31-
7430 Over it are nineteen angels.
31 None but angels have we made guardians of the fire nor have we made this to be their number but to perplex the unbelievers, and that they who possess the Scriptures may be certain of the truth of the Koran, and that they who believe may increase their faith;This is indeed very close to RK's. Most of the translators indicate in their tranaslation that the disbelievers being tried by the number 19 is what makes the believers certain which id say makes no sense whatsoever.
Another very interesting translation regarding these verses is that of "Bijan Moeinian"
74 *30 Over it are nineteen (1)(1) please refer to the introduction for the significance of nineteen.
*31 I (God) have appointed some angles to be the guardians of Hell and I (God) have made their numbers (19)
? as a trial for those who disbelieve,
? to convince the Christians and Jews about the authenticity/ divine source of this book,
? to increase the faith of those who already believe,
? to remove any doubt from the heart of the Christians, Jews and the believers,
? to expose those who are sick at heart and can not be guided,
and the disbelievers mocking at these words say "What could God mean by this strange presentation?" Thus God leaves those who deserve to be left in ignorance in ignorance and guides whoever He pleases to the right path and no one but Lord knows the magnitude of His power. Hell is mentioned her so that people may be more careful and mindful about their behaviors."Muhammad Sarwar's" translation also reveals more than one purpose of 19
and it has nineteen angelic keepers (7430).We have made only angels as the keepers of the fire (for they are the strongest in carrying out Our commands).
Our informing (people) of the numbers of these angels is a trial for the disbelievers. It gives more certainty to the people of the Book and strengthens the faith of the believers. The people of the Book and the believers have no doubt about it.
We have fixed the number to make the disbelievers and those whose hearts are sick say, "What does God mean by such a parable?" Thus, God guides and causes to go astray whomever He wants. No one knows about the army of your Lord except He Himself. This parable is a reminder for mankind (31).
GOD Bless!
- by Mirza Ghulam Ahmed Pervez