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 Post subject: Verses 75:1-4
PostPosted: 04 Jun 2009, 07:28 
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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 75:1-4
PostPosted: 01 Aug 2009, 05:46 
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Quote:
{75:1} I swear by the Day of Resurrection

The Arabic says, "I do not swear ..." I don't think that removing the negation article in the translation is a good idea. Explanation or footnotes may be used here. For instance, both Asad and Pickthall have translated it, "Nay, I swear ..." which interprets the verse one way. Ibn Katheer's Exegesis states that it is an emphasized oath.

My humble sense of this style is this. God is saying that the Day of Resurrection is magnificent enough to swear by, but it should not be sworn by because a believer must swear by God alone if he swears by anything at all, according to the Hadeeth of the prophet, peace be upon him. Thus, it's like saying, "I wouldn't swear by ..."

Quote:
{75:2} And I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection].

The appended phrase is unnecessary as it forces an interpretation. Indeed, Ibn Katheer's exegesis quotes several disciples (Sahaaba) who said that the reproaching soul is the one which blames itself for the sins it has done and the good it failed to do!

Quote:
{75:4} Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips.

I'd use "Nay" instead of "Yes."

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 Post subject: Re: Verses 75:1-4
PostPosted: 02 Aug 2009, 17:23 
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Linguistic wrote:
Quote:
{75:1} I swear by the Day of Resurrection

The Arabic says, "I do not swear ..." I don't think that removing the negation article in the translation is a good idea. Explanation or footnotes may be used here. For instance, both Asad and Pickthall have translated it, "Nay, I swear ..." which interprets the verse one way. Ibn Katheer's Exegesis states that it is an emphasized oath.

My humble sense of this style is this. God is saying that the Day of Resurrection is magnificent enough to swear by, but it should not be sworn by because a believer must swear by God alone if he swears by anything at all, according to the Hadeeth of the prophet, peace be upon him. Thus, it's like saying, "I wouldn't swear by ..."

Quote:
{75:2} And I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection].

The appended phrase is unnecessary as it forces an interpretation. Indeed, Ibn Katheer's exegesis quotes several disciples (Sahaaba) who said that the reproaching soul is the one which blames itself for the sins it has done and the good it failed to do!

Quote:
{75:4} Yes. [We are] Able [even] to proportion his fingertips.

I'd use "Nay" instead of "Yes."

Agreed, agreed, and agreed :)

I don't think there is even a need for the argument about why the negated version was used. The default is to translate as is, and the burden of proof is on those who deviate from that, IMHO.

BTW, I am traveling right now, hence the recent lack of posts.

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 Post subject: Suggested translation
PostPosted: 01 Dec 2013, 20:16 
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{75:1} I do not [have to] swear by the Day of Resurrection.

{75:2} And I do not [have to] swear by the reproaching soul.

{75:3} Does man think that We will not assemble his bones?

{75:4} Nay! [We are] Able [even] to finely shape his fingers.

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