Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

 

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Asalamu alaykum brother in islam

I have a very serious questions which i am not able to get a correct answer

question:

1)    In surah Al Baqarah verse ALIF, LAAM, MIM DHALIKAL KITHABA LA RAYBA FEE IT MEANS ""THAT" IS THE BOOK IN IT IS GUIDANCE SURE, WITHOUT DOUBT" why have all the great translators : yusuf ali, pickthal,shakir translated the word "DHALIKA" to "THIS" instead of THAT .isnt this an innovation? .. a basic arabic learnt man knows the translation of "that" & "this" in arabic.so should we be carefull of all the verses quoted by scholars in english translations including yours because i am very much confused as i cannot understand arabic, i have to depend on translations .

2)    Above verse does stats THAT BOOK ..then which is that book ?

3)    Does that mean that the quran is among the books which has doubt ? cause the verse doesnt say this book

4)    Brother if you quote me a different verse how can i know its the correct meaning ..i understand we cannot completely translate from one language exactly as per the source language however we can definetly get the right meaning .

5)    Most places in holy quran it is mentioned as a book.. even when it was not revealed in a book form, As i understant eventually the verses were complied and made a book so it SHOULD HAVE BEEN "HAZA KITABUL MUBEEN " sorry if iam wrong "THIS IS THE BOOK" in English is there a greater book in heaven if so please explain ?

 

PLEASE DONT FEEL OFENDED I JUST WANT TO CLEAR MY DOUBTS ..PLEASE HELP IN PROVIDING A CLEAR ANSWER TO MY CONFUSED BRAIN

PLEASE DONT TELL ME THE TRANSLATORS HAVE TRANSLATED TO STAY VERY CLOSE TO THE MEANING

 

JAZAK ALLAH KAIR

UR BROTHER IN ISLAM

 

 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

 

Answer:

 

Zalika this that luh mahfoodh tablet book

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

 

Your Statement: PLEASE DONT FEEL OFENDED I JUST WANT TO CLEAR MY DOUBTS

Beloved brother in Islam, never ever hesitate or apologize for asking any questions in the deen; for the deen or ‘way of life’ called Al-Islam is based on the Perfect Wisdom and Knowledge of the All Knowing Lord, and every single command of the All Wise Lord is abundant in common-sense and logic. Asking any type of questions in Islam to gain more knowledge, or to confirm the Truth so that one’s heart is more content, or to understand and thus follow with more conviction the dictates of the deen is not only permissible, but absolutely encouraged in Islam. It is the right of the brother or sister to ask anything they wish to clarify in the deen; and it is the responsibility and duty of the good scholars to address the question asked to the best of their knowledge and ability, and in the most polite and humble manner.

 

What is discouraged in Islam is if one asks questions for the sake of asking, or arguing to ridicule the Truth with absolutely no intention of obeying or following when the Truth is made clear to them, etc. But if one asks questions to clarify and seek knowledge so that one may better follow the deen; such seeking of the Knowledge of Truth is absolutely encouraged in Islam.

 

Thus my beloved and respected brother, never never ever hesitate or apologize when exercising your right to seek a clarification in the deen.

 

Your Question-1: why have all the great translators : yusuf ali, pickthal,shakir translated the word "DHALIKA" to "THIS" instead of THAT .isnt this an innovation? .. a basic arabic learnt man knows the translation of "that" & "this" in arabic

The exact English translation of the Arabic term ‘Dhalika’ would indeed be ‘That’; for the Arabic term of ‘This’ is ‘Haza’. But, one who knows even basic Arabic grammar will confirm that if the Aayah said ‘Hazal-Kitabu’ it would denote the wrong usage of grammar in this context!

 

When the Quran was being revealed, it was revealed verbally, and not in a book form. And when talks about something which is not present amongst them but will come into formation later, in the Arabic language that thing cannot be called ‘haza’ (this), but rather has to be called ‘dhalika’ (that)!

 

The correct literal translation of ‘dhalikal kitaab’ would indeed be ‘that Book’; and since the Book referred to in the Aayah is, without an iota of a doubt, the Holy Quran, the eminent translators have, in trying to stay closest to the meaning of the Holy Quran have translated it ‘this Book’, ie: the Glorious Quran.

 

Your Question-2: ……above verse does stats THAT BOOK ..then which is that book ?

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verse 2:

This (That) is The Book; in it is guidance sure without doubt to those who fear Allah.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 29 Surah Ankabut verse 47:

47 And thus (it is) that We (Allah) have sent down The Book to thee.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 29 Surah Ankabut verse 51:

51 And is it not enough for them that We (Allah) have sent down to thee

The Book which is rehearsed to them? Verily in it is Mercy and Reminder to those who believe.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 35 Surah Fatir verse 29:

29 Those who rehearse The Book of Allah, establish regular Prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them secretly and openly hope for a commerce that will never fail.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 3 Surah Ale-Imraan verse 7:

7 He (Allah) it is Who has sent down to thee The Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of The Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in The Book; the whole of it is from our Lord"; and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 6 Surah Anaam verse 92:

92 And this is The Book which We have revealed bringing blessings and confirming (the Revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book) and they are constant in guarding their prayers.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 31 Surah Luqmaan verses 1-3:

1 Alif Lam Mim.

2 These are Verses of The Wise Book,

3 A Guide and a Mercy to the doers of good.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 18 Surah Kahf verses 1-2:

1 Praise be to Allah Who hath sent to His Servant The Book and hath allowed therein no crookedness.

2 (He hath made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible punishment from Him and that He may give Glad Tidings to the believers who work righteous deeds that they shall have a goodly Reward.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 32 Surah Sajdah verses 1-3:

1 Alif Lam Mim.

2 (This is) the revelation of The Book in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the Worlds.

3 Or do they say "He has forged it"? Nay it (The Book) is the Truth from the Lord that thou mayest admonish a people to whom no warner has come before thee: in order that they may receive guidance.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 42 Surah Shura verses 17-18:

17 It is Allah Who has sent down The Book in Truth and the balance (by which to weigh conduct). And what will make thee realize that perhaps the Hour is close at hand?

18 Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it: those who believe hold it in awe and know that it is the Truth. Behold verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verse 176:

176 (Their doom is) because Allah sent down The Book in Truth but those who seek causes of dispute in The Book are in a schism far (from the purpose).

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 39 Surah Zumar verses 1-2:

1 The revelation of this Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power Full of Wisdom.

2 Verily it is We Who have revealed The Book to thee in Truth: so serve Allah offering Him sincere devotion.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 14 Surah Ibraheem verse 1:

1 Alif Lam Ra. A Book which We have revealed unto thee in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light by the leave of their Lord to the Way of (Him) Exalted in Power Worthy of all Praise!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 13 Surah Raad verse 1:

1 Alif Lam Mim Ra. These are the Signs (or Verses) of The Book: that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 46 Surah Ahqaaf verses 1-2:

1 Ha Mim.

2 The revelation of The Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power Full of Wisdom.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 16 Surah Nahl verse 89:

89 One day We shall raise from all peoples a witness against them from amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these (thy people): and We have sent down to thee The Book explaining all things a guide a Mercy and glad tidings to Muslims.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 10 Surah Yunus verses 1-2:

1 Alif Lam Ra. These are the Revelations of The Book of Wisdom.

2 It is a matter of wonderment to men that We have set Our inspiration to a man from among themselves? That he should warn mankind (of their danger) and give the good news to the believers that they have before their Lord the lofty rank of Truth (but) say the unbelievers: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer!"

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 39 Surah Zumar verse 23:

23 Allah has revealed the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book consistent with itself (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases but such as Allah leaves to stray can have none to guide.

 

Dear and beloved brother in Islam, without an iota of a doubt, the ‘al-Kitaab’ or Book in each of the above verses is none other than the Glorious Quran! If one needs further evidence that the ‘Book’ is indeed the Quran, then here follows the evidence from none other than from Him Who Revealed it……

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 12 Surah Yusuf verses 1-2:

1 Alif Lam Ra. These are the Verses of The Perspicuous Book.

2 We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran in order that ye may learn wisdom.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 41 Surah Haa-Meem verses 1-3:

1 Ha Mim.

2 A revelation from (Allah) Most Gracious Most Merciful

3 A Book whereof the verses are explained in detail, a Quran in Arabic for people who understand

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 27 Surah Naml verses 1-3:

1 Ta Sin. These are verses of the Quran, a Book that makes (things) clear;

2 A Guide; and glad tidings for the believers

3 Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity and also have (full) assurance of the Hereafter.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 43 Surah Zukhruf verses 1-3:

1 Ha Mim.

2 By The Book that makes things clear

3 We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic that ye may be able to understand.

 

Your Question-3: does that mean that the quran is among the books which has doubt ? cause the verse doesnt say this book

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 41 Surah Haa Meem verses 40-44:

40 Those who pervert the Truth in Our Revelations (of The Book) are not hidden from Us! Which is better? He that is cast into the Fire or he that comes safe through on the Day of Judgement? Do what ye will: Verily He (Allah) Seeth (clearly) all that ye do.

41 Those who reject the Message (of The Book) when it comes to them (are not hidden from Us); and indeed it is a Book of Exalted Power.

42 No falsehood can approach it (The Book) from before or behind it: it (The Book) is sent down by One Full of Wisdom Worthy of all Praise.

43 Nothing is said to thee that was not said to the Messengers before thee: That thy Lord has at His command (all) Forgiveness as well as a most Grievous Penalty.

44 Had We (Allah) sent this as a Quran (in a language) other than Arabic they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger) an Arab?" Say: "It (The Quran) is a guide and a healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not there is a deafness in their ears and it is blindness in their (eyes); they are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!"

 

The Glorious Quran? The Very Words of the Lord Most Majestic Most Supreme Who Creaetd? Is it even comprehensible that The One Who is absolutely and categorically free from even an iota of an error or mistake Reveal a Book wherein there is an error or doubt???????

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 4 Surah Nisaa verse 82:

82 Do they (the disbelievers) not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it (The Quran) been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.

 

My dear and beloved brother, had the Glorious Quran been Sent or Revealed by any other than Allah, surely it would have been possible for one to find in it much discrepancies and contradictions!!!!

 

But Allah Subhanah Himself time and time again confirms in His Glorious Quran that This Book is indeed from Him, and Allah is our witness brother, even if all of mankind and all of jinn, the first amongst them and the last amongst them…..if all of creation were to sit together and strive till the end of time…..The Lord Most Majestic is our witness, they would not be able to locate even one error, or one mistake or even an iota of a doubt in this Glorious Book of Allah Subhanah!!!!!

 

Your Question-4: brother if you quote me a different verse how can i know its the correct meaning ..i understand we cannot completely translate from one language exactly as per the source language however we can definetly get the right meaning .

Dear and beloved brother in Islam, it is only natural that each language has its own characteristics, fluency, meanings, and adaptations….and when a phrase or sentence or even a word in one language when translated into another language might not be able to capture its complete or full meanings and fluency of the original language…but if the translation has been done honoring the context, one can easily depict the true meaning of what is being related.

 

For example: If one were to say in the English language “I will drop you to the airport”….the same phrase literally translated into the Arabic language would be: ‘ba ‘gittak’ il-mataar’ or in the Urdu or Hindi language would be: ‘Main aapko airport mein ‘phek’ dunga!’. But any person who has even a basic knowledge of the English language would know and realize that the word ‘drop’ when used in the context of the sentence does not mean ‘to drop’ or ‘to throw’ but rather it means ‘to leave’….

 

Similarly, the Arabic language of the Glorious Quran too has its own nuances, but if translated by one who sincerely fears Allah, its basic message and meanings can be easily transferred to another language so that its basic message may be comprehended by those who do not understand the Arabic language.

 

Your Question (cont)…… how can i know its the correct meaning ..

The absolute best way to obtain the ‘correct’ meaning is obviously to study and master the Arabic language…..but if one has little or no knowledge of the Arabic language and its nuances, he would have no choice but to accept the translations of one (or more) scholars whom he trusts are proficient in both the languages, the original as well as the translated.

 

Your Question-5: most places in holy quran it is mentioned as a book.. even when it was not revealed in a book form, As i understant eventually the verses were complied and made a book so it SHOULD HAVE BEEN "HAZA KITABUL MUBEEN " sorry if iam wrong "THIS IS THE BOOK" in English

Beloved brother, when the Revelations were being revealed there was no physical book called the Quran, thus it would only be in alignment with perfect grammar that when a reference is made to an object which is not in presence, it be referred to as ‘that’ and not ‘this’.

 

For example: If I were to quote a phrase from a book of ‘Shakespeare’ which I am holding in my hands, or is within my pointing vicinity….I would be compelled to say I am quoting from ‘this’ book…….but if the book I am quoting from is not in my pointing vicinity, obviously even in English grammar it would only be accurate to say I am quoting from ‘that’ book!

 

Your Question: is there a greater book in heaven if so please explain

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 43 Surah Zukhruf verses 1-4:

1 Ha Mim.

2 By The Book that makes things clear

3 We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).

4 And verily it (The Quran) is in ‘The Mother of the Book’ in Our Presence, High (in Dignity), full of wisdom.

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 85 Surah Buruj verses 21-22:

21 Nay this is a Glorious Qur'an

22 (Inscribed) in a ‘Tablet Preserved’!

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 13 Surah Raad verses 38-39:

38 We did send Messengers before thee and appointed for them wives and children: and it was never the part of a Messenger to bring a Sign except as Allah permitted (or commanded). For each period is a Book (revealed).

39 Allah doth blot out or confirm what He Pleaseth: with Him (Allah) is ‘The Mother of the Book’.

 

Beloved brother in Islam, the Lord indeed does make mention of a ‘greater book’ in the Glorious Quran which is preserved with honor and dignity with Him; that ‘great book’ is termed ‘Umm-ul-Kitaab’ (The Mother of the Book) and ‘Al-Loh Al-Mahfood’ (Preserved Tablet) by Allah Subhanah in His Glorious Quran.

 

The ‘Al-Loh al-Mahfood’ or the ‘Umm-al-Kitaab’ is the Foundation of Revelation, the Mother of all Divine Revealed Books and is the core or essence of Revelation, the original principle or fountain-head of Allah's Eternal and Universal Law. Every Revealed Book of Allah Subhanah, be it the original ‘Injeel’ (Gospel) revealed on Prophet Isa (a.s.), or the ‘Torah’ revealed upon Prophet Moses (a.s.), or the Quran revealed upon Prophet Mohamed (saws), etc.……every single Divine Revelation is but an off-spring, forms a part, and is inscribed in this ‘Mother of the Book’! The ‘Mother of the Book’ is in Allah's Own Majestic and Supreme Presence, and its Dignity and Wisdom are more than any in creation can imagine or contemplate!

 

If one trusts, obeys, and follows the guidance and commands of Allah and His Messenger (saws), one can be assured of never ever being misled; but if one believes, obeys and follows any other guidance, other than that of Allah and His Messenger (saws), one can be assured of being led astray.

 

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

 

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

 

 

Burhan