Quote:
{8:55} Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of God are those who have disbelieved, and they will not [ever] believe -
This verse is a case in point for why
كفر should be translated "to be ungrateful," which is its original meaning. Otherwise, if it is translated "to disbelieve," as is often done, the last clause in the verse would seem redundant. Yusuf Ali, Pickthall and Asad all caught that. I suggest,
{8:55} Verily, the worst of living creatures in the sight of God are those who have been ungrateful so they do not believe.Quote:
{8:57} So if you, [O Muhammad], gain dominance over them in war, disperse by [means of] them those behind them that perhaps they will be reminded.
I suggest,
{8:57} So, if you encounter them in war, make an example of them that would disperse those behind them that they may reconsider.Quote:
{8:58} If you [have reason to] fear from a people betrayal, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms. Indeed, God does not like traitors.
I suggest,
{8:58} And if you do fear from a folk treachery, then announce to them [that their breach of their treaty] levels [it] (voids it). Verily, God does not like traitors.Quote:
{8:59} And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to God].
I suggest,
{8:59} Those who disbelieve should not think they came out ahead. Verily, they do not overpower [God].