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Offline Reader Questions

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Alleged Contradiction in the Quran
« on: May 06, 2012, 04:29:26 AM »
Question by Mubashir

Thanks Bhai, here is another one for you for a quick comment ...

Contradiction found in the Quran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYaLBBhwtQI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Offline Joseph Islam

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    • The Quran and its Message
Re: Alleged Contradiction in the Quran
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2012, 04:33:56 AM »
Dear brother Mubashir,
 
Salamun Alaikum.
 
When the verb 'salla' in its imperfect form 'yusalli' appears with a preposition 'ala' (upon / on), then it takes the meaning of 'bless' (Divine favour / To be favoured by God).
 
Both 33:43 and 33:56 appear with the preposition 'ala'
 
Verse 3:39 that was quoted does not have a preposition 'ala'. It reads 'yasalli 'fi'' (praying in). So a direct comparison of the two would be inappropriate form a strictly grammatical perspective.
 
Also, please see 4:102 and 9:84 where the same imperfect verb form 'yusalli' is used.
 
In 9:84 the preposition 'ala' is present which takes the initial meaning of 'yusalli' as bless. But most translators translate it as 'pray' as the context of the 'blessings' are imparted during one's death and possible at the graveside (taqum ala qabrihi). However, this verse can easily be read as  '(1) And do not bless them ever and (2) Don't stand by their graves' as two separate commands.
 
But of course, one can ask for blessings within a prayer as well hence this is where 'best' interpretation is given from a translators point of view.
 
However, in the context of God and His angels in this context (33:43, 33:46), the rendering would only be retained as 'blessings' (Divine favour) because of the preposition 'ala'.
 
This is simple Arabic grammar. Words not only have roots and forms but they also have context and rules of language in which they operate. We must keep them all in view.
 
If this is shown to anyone who has any knowledge of Arabic or of Arabic grammar, the requirement for the preposition 'ala' will be clearly stated.

With a view to advance a crude analogy:
 
Let us take the verb 'hitting' in English. Do the two uses of the same verb retain the same meaning in English?
 
She was 'hitting' ON you
 
She was 'hitting' IN the room
 
I trust you see the point.


I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.
 
'During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act' 
George Orwell