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 Post subject: Verses 2:219-220
PostPosted: 07 Jun 2009, 08:11 
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Suggested translation1,2:


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1This translation may have been updated from the original suggested translation as a result of the discussions that follow.
2Click on the {verse number} of a translation to see other good translations of the verse.

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 Post subject: Re: Verses 2:219-220
PostPosted: 18 Jun 2009, 10:13 
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{2:219} They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess [beyond needs]." Thus God makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.
(emphasis added)

This is a striking example of a "defensive" addition, namely the qualified "[yet, some] benefit" choice of words. Almost all translations have a similar bias, with YusufAli using "and some profit," Pickthall using "and (some) utility," Sarwar using "Although they have benefits," and Asad using "some benefit."

I don't see any reason in a translation not to just say "and benefits" or "as well as benefits" and leave it at that.

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 Post subject: Re: Verses 2:219-220
PostPosted: 18 Jun 2009, 20:21 
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Pragmatic wrote:
I don't see any reason in a translation not to just say "and benefits" or "as well as benefits" and leave it at that.

I'm totally with you on that.

In addition, translating /æl,xamr/ الخمر to wine is incorrect, since wine translates /æn,næbi:ð/ النبيذ. I suggest "intoxicants."

Finally, "verses" does not translate /æ:,jæ:t/ آيات. "Signs" does. However, in the context of this verse, the translation to "verses" is warranted, since the verb used is "to clarify."

So, I suggest,
{2:219} They ask you about intoxicants and easy gain (gambling). Say, "In them is major sin and benefits for people. But their sin is bigger than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say the excess. Thus does God clarify to you the verses that perhaps you might reflect -

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 Post subject: Re: Verses 2:219-220
PostPosted: 30 Jun 2009, 10:41 
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Linguistic wrote:
In addition, translating /æl,xamr/ الخمر to wine is incorrect, since wine translates /æn,næbi:ð/ النبيذ. I suggest "intoxicants."
Finally, "verses" does not translate /æ:,jæ:t/ آيات. "Signs" does.

I agree on both counts. In particular, the mass translation of /æ:,jæ:t/ آيات into verses in the original translation, regardless of whether the subject is indeed a Quranic verse or a general sign of creation, will require adjusting the translation of quite a number of verses.

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 Post subject: Re: Verses 2:219-220
PostPosted: 24 Aug 2009, 15:57 
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{2:220} To this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, "Improvement for them is best." And if you mix your affairs with theirs - they are your brothers. And God knows the corrupter from the amender. And if God had willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, God is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Very good translation. My humble suggestion for it is this,

{2:220} On [this] the nearest [life] and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, "Improvement for them is best." And if you intermingle with them - then [they are] your brethren. And God knows the corrupter from the amender. And if God had willed, He would have inconvenienced you. Verily, God is Almighty and Wise.

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