Quote:
{3:143} And you had certainly wished for martyrdom before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.
I don't see in the Arabic the level of emphasis that warrants the use of "certainly" in the translation. Additionally, "martyrdom" is not mentioned in this verse. Not literally. Death is the word used. I therefore suggest this translation instead,
{3:143} And you had even been wishing for death [as martyrs] before you encountered it; now you saw it looking on.Quote:
{3:144} Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm God at all; but God will reward the grateful.
I suggest,
{3:144} And Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers did pass on before him. If then he had died or was killed, would you have turned back on your heels (to unbelief)? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm God at all; but God will reward the thankful.Quote:
{3:145} And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of God at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world - We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter - We will give him thereof. And we will reward the grateful.
Only thing I'd change is "at a decree determined." The verse doesn't quite say that. Instead it says, "a postponed decree."
I suggest,
{3:145} And it is not for a soul to die except by permission of God - a termed writ. And whoever wants the reward of this world - We grant him thereof; and whoever wants the reward of the Hereafter - We grant him thereof. And we will reward the thankful.