Wednesday, August 22, 2012

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSLATIONS AND RUSHING TO JUDGMENT by Mike Ghouse


ARABIC SOURCEThe Quran (the Holy Book of Muslims) was received in Arabic, so if you are reading an Urdu or English version then it is a translation.

MISSING THE MARK
However good the translation, the meaning may not be perfectly accurate or receivable in a way that people can appreciate today.

MODERN MAYHEM
Further modern meanings have changed our understanding of what was originally meant.

WHAT THE QURAN IS AND WHAT A TRANSLATION IS
The Quran is divine and God's word, and it is always about justice, fairness and for the goodness of humanity.

SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH
There are issues with translations, even Arabic writers have misinterpreted. The burden of finding the truth falls squarely on us, after all, no one but us is responsible for our actions on the Day of Judgment.

The translation by Dr. Tahir-ul QadiriA Sura or Surah is a chapter in the Quran. Mike shares some verses from the second chapter – Sura Baqra and mentions his concerns about translations.

2:212, (Qadiri translation) starts with, "life for the Kafirs was set up for the worldly pleasures."

THE MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF KAFIRThe word Kafir was used as though there is a community of people out there who are called Kafirs.

WHAT KAFIR REALLY MEANSKafir is a generic word for those who hide the truth, deny the truth or pretend the truth to be different, and it is an individual attribute rather than a group label. Although it has the simplest meaning, it has acquired a derogatory status to ridicule other people.

INTIMACY2:222 (Qadiri Translation) - talks about avoiding intimacy with wife until she is pure or clean again. Mike has a severe difficulty with this translation. It gives the impression that a woman is unclean or impure. Instead, if the translation had said, “avoid intimacy with wife until she is through with menstruation,” it would have meant a natural process.

SHIA AND SUNNI DIMENSION
Sunni Muslims believe the Prophet in his last sermon was clear; he was leaving his Sunna (Muslim law based on what Prophet Muhammad said) and the book to the people. However, Shia Muslims add the Prophet’s family to it.

These are the two different versions. The best thing is to accept the different interpretations, but not agree as a matter of principle.

Mike Ghouse: “I have no problem with what they believe; I don’t believe what they believe, and they don’t believe what I believe… I am not superior to them, nor they are superior to me. I am right in my way, as they are right in their ways....”

More about Mike Ghouse
Original post: http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.sg/2012/07/ramadan-day-1-carrollton-mosque.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to doing his individual share of building cohesive societies  and invites you to the 8th Annual Unity Day USA on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Details at www.UnitydayUSA.com. It's an event that builds bridges and uplifts every American.

Pic credit – Nadeem Faraz. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Nadeem is an award-winning writer, poet and artist.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon HIm) Blessings for the world by Nadeem Faraz.

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