PLEASE NOTE THAT that it was quite lenghty but i have simplified it for me as i understand it to be - for more info the website that i got the notes are on file so check it our yourself. the translations used were from the same site as well.
With so many English translations of the Qur’an available, it is inevitable that the reader would ask “why make another one?” The answer to that question lays in the current structure of the Islamic faith itself, and the fact that, for many centuries, Islam has been primarily subcategorized as either “Sunni” or “Shia” or one of the many other denominations that have emerged over the years. As such, all translators have belonged to one school of thought or another which clearly comes across in the interpretation of and choice of translation for specific words or verses.
Also, while many translators have been sincere in their rendering of the Arabic meaning of the words, they have been unable to refrain from adding comments in the form of “parenthesis” within the text of the translation or in the form of footnotes and appendices to reflect their views on certain verses or the views of the denomination they adhere to.
Finally, no matter how much can be said about this translation or any other, it is imperative to point out that guidance cannot come from any human being, rather, the only true knowledge and guidance can only come from the One who initiated the heavens and Earth. May He be glorified forever.
If you are one of those who wish to seek knowledge and improve on your understanding of the Scripture, then we have identified seven key study points which may be put to use by both novices and experts. These points will appear to be quite obvious once you read them, but
sometimes, being reminded, benefits us all.
1. LANGUAGE IS NOT A BARRIER
The first point of contention in the study of the Scripture typically is language. Many of the people who want to uphold the Scripture have been informed that God’s book can only be recited or studied in Arabic and that any translation will not give the proper meaning. The flip-side is that these same “experts” will then tell the Arabic speakers that the Scripture is “too difficult” for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the scholars!
Of course, the Scripture itself says that language is not a barrier to its understanding as God is the One who is making it understood to people who open their hearts to Him and become purified.
“And had We made it a non-Arabic compilation, they would have said: ‘If only its verses were made clear!’ Non-Arabic and Arabic, say: ‘For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears, and they are blind to it. These will be called from a place far away.’”(Qur’an 41:44)
“It is an honorable Qur’an. In a protected book. None can grasp it except those purifi ed. A revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”(Qur’an 56:77-80)
2. LOOK AT THE FULL VERSE
Quoting the Scripture out of context is by far the single biggest mistake that even seasoned students continue to fall into. This method of quoting can be used to justify any desire or any view no matter how un-Godlike it may appear.
For example, a favorite quote which is repeated by many unknowledgeable groups is that the Scripture promotes killing and violence as evidenced by the verse:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them…” (Qur’an 2:191).
However, once we use the method of full context, then a totally different picture appears regarding the same issue:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. And do not fi ght them at the Sacred Temple unless they fi ght you in it; if they fi ght you then kill them, thus is the reward of the disbelievers.”(Qur’an 2:191)
Here we have a case of warfare being engaged in, and the people who were driven out being allowed to fight and reclaim their land/territory… A far cry from the sporadic killing that is implied when quoting out of context.
3. LOOK TO THE SURROUNDING VERSES
Another crucial point to studying the Scripture properly is to always look at the verses preceding and following a specific verse/subject. this i reckon is to get the gist of what it is talking about - this is closely linked to the before point.. it is very easy to take things out of context if you focus on one verse, but in general the quran is a teaching and a guide - one verse out of context is at best foolhardy but when the whole section or story is read, it makes sence with regards to understanding and application of its teachings.
4. BE AWARE OF CONTEXT
Some Arabic words, like in English, can have slightly different meanings depending on the context they are placed in. One such example is the word ‘Daraba’ which has a natural meaning of putting forth as can be seen in the verses below:
“Have you not seen how God puts forth (Daraba) the example that a good word is like a good tree, whose root is fi rm and its branches in the sky.”(Qur’an 14:24)
“For the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, they cannot go forth (Darban) in the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their modesty; you know them by their features, they do not ask the people repeatedly. And what you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.”(Qur’an 2:273)
“O you who believe, if you go forth (Darabtum) in the cause of God, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to those who greet you with peace: “You are not a believer!” You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God favored you, so investigate carefully. God is expert over what you do.” (Qur’an 4:94)
However, there are certain cases where this word can give the meaning of ‘strike/beat’ as the act of striking involves the hand being put forth: “So how will it be when their lives are terminated by the angels, while striking (Yadriboona) their faces and their backs?” (Qur’an 47:27)
While this may not appear as a big issue, not looking at the context can have serious consequences as we can see in the meaning that has ascribed to the word ‘Daraba’ by the majority of translators for verse 4:34:
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct , admonish them (fi rst), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them – “Idribuhun” (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means
(of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).” (Qur’an 4:34)
As a result of the choice of words, we have generations upon generations of men who believe it is their God given right to ‘beat’ their wives into obedience!
The correct approach would have been to understand the context of the verse (in this case, it deals with the subject of a woman who wishes to desert her husband “Nushooz”) and thus the word “Idribuhun” is one of the suggested three steps suggested to deal with the situation (the first step is talking it out, while the second is giving her space by avoiding sexual contact with her).
“The men are to support the women by what God has bestowed on them over
one another and for what they spend of their money. The upright women are dutiful; keeping private the personal matters for what God keeps watch XI over. As for those women from whom you fear desertion (Nushooz4), then you shall advise them, and abandon them in the bedchamber, and separate from them (Idribuhun). If they respond to you, then do not seek a way over them; God is High, Great.”(Qur’an 4:34)
As such, what meaning of “Idribuhun” would make the most sense:
letting the wife temporarily separate from her husband and think things through, or, beating her into submission and forcing her to remain with her husband?
The answer as always is to follow the best meaning derived…
“The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence.”(Qur’an 39:18)
5. ARRANGE SIMILAR TOPIC VERSES TOGETHER
A study point of crucial importance is to arrange the verses of the Scripture by order of subject/topic to seek its meaning. Looking to the example of ‘divorce,’ we find that the subject is
scattered in three different chapters (chapter 2, chapter 33, and chapter 65) which, when placed together, provide a more extensive picture of the proceedings and laws regarding divorce…
Tthe simple step of examination of all related verses gives a very detailed account that can be applied in any civil society.
6. LOOK TO EXAMPLES IN THE QUR’AN
Once a meaning is derived, the final accuracy test is to compare such a meaning to the stories related in the Scripture/Qur’an if such a story can be found. The reason being is that the stories related in the Scripture are ‘live’ examples for us to learn from and compare situations. These stories have not been placed there without purpose or simply for our entertainment.
“We narrate to you the best stories through what We have inspired to you in this Qur’an; and before it you were of those who were unaware.” (Qur’an 12:3)
One of the clearest examples for using this method is to deal with the
issue of ‘theft’.
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off (Iqta) his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Qur’an 5:38) According to the above translation of Yusuf Ali, and according to the practice in most countries that claim to follow Islamic law, the hands of thieves are to be severed completely. If this is indeed what God has commanded, then we have no option but to hear and obey.
However, in this particular case, we find that a small check against the real life example given in the Scripture of Joseph and his brothers and how they dealt with the issue of theft leads us to a completely different conclusion:
“They said: ‘By God, you know we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we are no thieves!’ They said: ‘What shall be the punishment, if you are not truthful?’ They said: ‘The punishment is that he in whose bags it is found will himself serve as the punishment. It is so that we punish the wicked.’” (Qur’an 12:73-75)
The law of God that Joseph applied against his brother in the matter of theft did not lead to any amputation of the hand or any other mindless act of violence. It did, however, lead to the brother being made to remain behind and work as a penalty against that which he was accused of stealing.
Looking back at verse 5:38 with the correct translation we see a completely different understanding from that found by Yusuf Ali:
“As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources—as a penalty for what they have earned—to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.” (Qur’an 5:38)
The correct understanding of the verse not only matches the live example given in the Scripture, but it also comes in-line with the other checks and balances that God has given such as the punishment not exceeding the crime (16:126).
7. BE PATIENT AND SEEK GOD’S HELP
Even with all the skill and knowledge we may possess, the study of the Scripture will always be lacking if God is not sought for help and assistance. After all, He is the ultimate teacher of humankind in all things, especially the Scripture.
“When you read the Qur’an, you shall seek refuge with God from Satan the outcast. He has no authority over those who believe, and who put their trust in their Lord. His authority is over those who follow him, and set him up as a partner.”(Qur’an 16:98-100)
Also, do not be scared or confused if your findings or understandings do not conform to what others have said or taught for years or centuries… Truth does not need to conform to the majority to be truth.
“And if you obey the majority of those on Earth they will lead you astray; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.”(Qur’an 6:116)
Finally, remember we are here on this planet to serve God and walk in His path, and not to serve our own agendas and our own egos:
“You alone we serve, and You alone we seek for help.” (Qur’an 1:5)
CONCLUSION
You now should have the necessary tools to educate yourself to the Scripture’s system and method for deriving meanings and laws…Try to make it a habit of seeking the answers for yourself through the guidance of God… Do not be quick to ask ‘others’ what God says regarding this or that matter, but try to establish the bond with God directly yourself…
It is only through this self-awareness that people can have a defense mechanism against the misinformation and ignorance that has been taught for many generations.
Learn to let God be the focus of your actions and your life, and let His words be your guide to success in this life and the next..What will count is not how much wealth we accumulate or how powerful we become, but how we use that wealth to help others and how we use our power and
position to help mankind towards betterment.
“O you who believe, do not be distracted by your money and your children from the remembrance of God. And those who do this, then they are the losers. And give from that which We have provided to you, before death comes to one of you, then he says: “My Lord, if only You
could delay this for a short while, I would then be charitable and join the righteous!”And God will not delay any soul if its time has come. And God is Expert to all that you do.”(Qur’an 63:9-11).
I guess this makes perfect sense does it not? well to me it did, this is teh reason why i try not to believe what anyone has said - I rely on the Most Gracious for my understanding and guidance and by His grace - He will guide me to the straight path.
I use WebQT which is a programme on submission.org to help me compare different translations and look to God to help me with the best understanding..... by and large there are similarities on what the translators are trying to convey however there are also major differences in terms on how they feel it ought to read.. this is where it is good to compare and not rely on just one as Knowledge belonges to God and He will guide us to the best understanding.
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