Tag Archives: Text out of context

Hypocrites tactics

Hypocrites actions: Distortions of txt

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Key Points

  • The translation of Quranic verses 4:45 and 4:46 from Tafheemul Quran seems to emphasize Allah’s protection and the behavior of some Jews who altered scripture.
  • It appears likely that verse 4:45 reassures believers of Allah’s knowledge and support, while verse 4:46 criticizes distortion of religious texts, though interpretations may vary.

Translation

Here are the translations of verses 4:45 and 4:46 from Tafheemul Quran by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi:

  • Verse 4:45: “Allah knows your enemies better and Allah suffices as a protector and Allah suffices as a helper.”
  • Verse 4:46: “Among those who have become Jews there are some who alter the words from their context, and make a malicious play with their tongues and seek to revile the true faith. They say: ‘We have heard and we disobey’ (sami’na wa ‘asayna), ‘Do hear us, may you turn dumb’ (isma’ ghayr musma’) and ‘Hearken to us’ (ra’ina). It would indeed have been better for them and more upright if they had said: ‘We have heard and we obey’ (sami’na wa ata’na) and: ‘Do listen to us, and look at us (with kindness)’ (wa isma’ wa unzurna). But Allah has cursed them because of their disbelief. Scarcely do they believe.”

Explanation

  • Verse 4:45 seems to comfort believers by highlighting Allah’s awareness of their enemies and His role as their protector and helper, encouraging trust in divine support.
  • Verse 4:46 appears to address some Jews who distorted scripture and used language maliciously, such as saying “We have heard and we disobey” instead of the obedient “We have heard and we obey.” This suggests a critique of altering religious texts and mocking faith, with a call for sincerity.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Quranic Verses 4:45 and 4:46 from Tafheemul Quran

This note provides a comprehensive examination of Quranic verses 4:45 and 4:46, translated and explained through the lens of Tafheemul Quran by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, a prominent Islamic scholar. The analysis aims to elucidate the theological significance, historical context, and detailed commentary, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in Quranic studies.

Translation and Source

The translations provided are sourced from Tafheemul Quran, accessible via islamicstudies.info, which offers an English rendition of Maududi’s exegesis. The translations are as follows:

  • Verse 4:45: “Allah knows your enemies better and Allah suffices as a protector and Allah suffices as a helper.”
  • Verse 4:46: “Among those who have become Jews there are some who alter the words from their context, and make a malicious play with their tongues and seek to revile the true faith. They say: ‘We have heard and we disobey’ (sami’na wa ‘asayna), ‘Do hear us, may you turn dumb’ (isma’ ghayr musma’) and ‘Hearken to us’ (ra’ina). It would indeed have been better for them and more upright if they had said: ‘We have heard and we obey’ (sami’na wa ata’na) and: ‘Do listen to us, and look at us (with kindness)’ (wa isma’ wa unzurna). But Allah has cursed them because of their disbelief. Scarcely do they believe.”

These translations were obtained by searching for “Tafheemul Quran translation of verses 4:45 and 4:46” and accessing relevant pages on islamicstudies.info, which hosts Maududi’s work with kind permission from the Islamic Foundation UK.

Detailed Commentary and Explanation

The commentary from Tafheemul Quran provides insights into the theological and historical context of these verses, which are part of Surah An-Nisa (The Women), revealed in Medina and addressing various legal, social, and interfaith issues.

Verse 4:45: Allah’s Knowledge and Protection
  • Translation Analysis: This verse states, “Allah knows your enemies better and Allah suffices as a protector and Allah suffices as a helper.” It emphasizes Allah’s omniscience regarding the enemies of the believers and His sufficiency as both a protector and helper.
  • Commentary: While the specific commentary for verse 4:45 was not detailed in the accessed section, its placement in the context of Surah An-Nisa suggests it reassures early Muslims facing opposition, particularly from Jewish tribes in Medina. It underscores the Islamic principle of tawakkul (trust in Allah), encouraging believers to rely on divine support rather than being overwhelmed by adversaries.
  • Theological Significance: This verse reinforces the belief in Allah’s all-encompassing knowledge and His role as the ultimate protector, providing comfort and strength. It aligns with Islamic teachings on divine justice and mercy, suggesting that believers should place their trust in Allah amidst challenges.
Verse 4:46: Critique of Distortion and Malice
  • Translation Analysis: This verse addresses “those who have become Jews,” noting that some alter words from their context, make malicious plays with their tongues, and seek to revile the true faith. It lists specific phrases like “We have heard and we disobey” (sami’na wa ‘asayna) and “Do hear us, may you turn dumb” (isma’ ghayr musma’), contrasting them with the correct “We have heard and we obey” (sami’na wa ata’na) and “Do listen to us, and look at us (with kindness)” (wa isma’ wa unzurna). It concludes with Allah’s curse due to their disbelief, noting that few believe.
  • Commentary: The commentary explains that “those who have become Jews” likely refers to individuals from the Abrahamic tradition who were originally Muslims (in the sense of submission to Allah) but later identified as Jews, particularly in the context of Medina’s Jewish tribes. It details three methods of distortion:
  1. Tampering with the Text of the Torah: This suggests textual corruption or deliberate misinterpretation.
  2. Misinterpreting Scripture: Twisting meanings to suit their purposes.
  3. Misreporting Conversations: Misrepresenting dialogues to discredit Muslims.
  • The phrases mentioned, such as “sami’na wa ‘asayna,” are seen as deliberate rejections of divine commands, with “isma’ ghayr musma'” interpreted as a wish for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or Muslims to be unable to respond, potentially a form of cursing. “Ra’ina” (Hearken to us) could also mean “our shepherd” in a derogatory sense, adding to the malice.
  • The commentary notes that using the correct phrases, like “sami’na wa ata’na,” would have been better and more upright, reflecting obedience and respect. However, their disbelief led to Allah’s curse, with few believing, indicating a call for return to faith.
  • Theological Significance: This verse critiques hypocrisy and deception in religious practice, emphasizing the gravity of altering scripture and using language maliciously. It serves as a warning against such actions, highlighting divine displeasure and the consequences of disbelief. It also calls for sincerity and proper conduct, contrasting malicious phrases with respectful alternatives, and reflects the historical tensions between early Muslims and certain Jewish communities.

Historical and Contextual Insights

These verses were revealed in Medina, a period marked by interactions with Jewish tribes like the Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayza. The commentary suggests that the verses address specific instances where some Jews opposed the Prophet Muhammad, possibly through distorting their scriptures or using language to mock Muslims. This context is crucial for understanding the verses’ emphasis on maintaining the integrity of religious texts and the importance of respectful dialogue.

Comparative Analysis with Other Tafsirs

While Tafheemul Quran provides a detailed socio-historical interpretation, other tafsirs like Tafsir Ibn Kathir or Maarif-ul-Quran might offer additional perspectives. For instance, Ibn Kathir also discusses the distortion of scripture by some Jews, aligning with Maududi’s view, but may focus more on legal implications. The consistency across tafsirs suggests a shared understanding of the verses’ critique of textual corruption and malice.

Table: Summary of Key Elements

Verse Translation Summary Key Commentary Points Theological Significance 4:45 Allah knows enemies better; He is protector and helper. Reassures believers of divine support; emphasizes tawakkul (trust in Allah). Encourages reliance on Allah amidst opposition. 4:46 Some Jews alter words, use malicious phrases; Allah curses their disbelief. Details distortion methods (text, interpretation, conversation); contrasts malicious vs. respectful speech. Critiques hypocrisy, calls for sincerity, reflects historical tensions.

Broader Implications

These verses contribute to Islamic theology by reinforcing trust in Allah’s protection and condemning the distortion of religious texts, which is seen as a grave sin. They also provide guidance on interfaith interactions, emphasizing respect and sincerity. For modern readers, they may serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of sacred texts and maintaining respectful dialogue, especially in interfaith contexts.

Citations and Further Reading

This analysis, conducted on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 08:14 AM CDT, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of verses 4:45 and 4:46, ensuring all details from the translation and commentary are included for a thorough exploration.