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The Quran => Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only => Topic started by: Reader Questions on June 29, 2012, 08:06:52 AM

Title: 'Laa Misaasa' - Touch Me Not (20:97)
Post by: Reader Questions on June 29, 2012, 08:06:52 AM

Dear br. Joseph,

Salamun alaikum,

I have a query regarding the translation of the Arabic construction “Laa misaasa” (20:97) as “touch me not”.  I do not see any part of this construction that could be translated as “me”, and that it could just be “no touching”. 

What is your view on this?  Thanks.

Title: Re: 'Laa Misaasa' - Touch Me Not (20:97)
Post by: Joseph Islam on June 29, 2012, 08:11:38 AM

Salamun Alaikum

'La mIsaasa' (la mIsaas) literally means 'no touching'. So this implies that there will no mutual touching of one another or 'I will not touch nor will I be touched'. [1] It is a two way process (i.e. don’t touch me and I won’t touch you). This can also be argued for ‘La mAsaas’ [2]

However, if the implication was to only imply 'me' [one way], then the pronoun''-NI' would be grammatically expected after the verb.

So I am not sure why the 'exclusive' 'Me/I' is read into the Quran by some. Therefore, I agree with you that such a ‘reading’ is not definitive by the grammar construct.

I attach an excerpt from Edward Lane's lexicon in support of my understanding.

I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.