Quote:
{90:1} I swear by this city, Makkah -
The Arabic says, "I do not swear." I like Sarwar's translation, "I do not [need to] swear..." J.M. Rodwell also translated it, "I need not swear.." However, the next verse explains why God didn't want to swear by this town, even though He has honored it. So, I suggest a straightforward translation:
{90:1} I do not swear by this town.Quote:
{90:2} And you, [O Muhammad], are free of restriction in this city -
I don't quite understand this translation. Other translations understood
حل as meaning "residing." But what value does this interpretation add to the context? I humbly think that the translation of Malik is the one that makes the most sense, i.e., being fair game. The prophet, peace be upon him was in constant danger from being assassinated all the time he lived in Mecca and indeed the night he migrated to Medina was the night before the pagans have plotted to kill him at dawn.
I suggest,
{90:2} While you [, O Muhammad,] are unprotected in this town.Quote:
{90:3} And [by] the father and that which was born [of him],
The Arabic says "a father." I suggest,
{90:3} And [by] a father and what he begat.Quote:
{90:4} We have certainly created man into hardship.
I suggest,
{90:4} We have certainly created man into travail.Quote:
{90:5} Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?
I suggest,
{90:5} Does he reckon that never will anyone overpower him?Quote:
{90:6} He says, "I have spent wealth in abundance."
I suggest,
{90:6} He says, "I extirpated vast wealth."Quote:
{90:7} Does he think that no one has seen him?
I suggest,
{90:7} Does he reckon that no one has seen him?