Three Translation

1(a)= O believers, eschew much suspicion; some suspicion is a sin.

2(a)= O those who believed! Avoid suspicion much. Truly, some suspicion is a sin.
3(a)= O believers, eschew much suspicion; some suspicion is a sin.
Meaning of Each Translation:
Translation
1(a)= - Believers are advised to avoid excessive suspicion as some suspicion is considered a
sin.
2(a)= - Addressing those who believe, the guidance is to steer clear of suspicion,
emphasizing that some suspicion is indeed sinful.
3(a)= - Similar to the first translation, believers are instructed to eschew excessive suspicion,
with a reminder that some suspicion is sinful.
Five Differences:
1. Choice of Address:
- Translation 1 uses a general "O believers."
- Translation 2 addresses the audience as "O those who believed!"
- Translation 3 is again a general "O believers." The difference lies in the specificity of
addressing believers.

2. Variation in Terminology:
- While all three convey the idea of avoiding suspicion, Translation 1 uses "eschew," and
Translation 2 uses "avoid." Translation 3 repeats "eschew." This shows variation in the choice
of words.

3. Phrasing of the Sin:

- Translation 1 phrases it as "some suspicion is a sin."
- Translation 2 repeats a similar phrase, "some suspicion is a sin."
- Translation 3 mirrors this phrasing. The slight differences could be in emphasis or nuance.

4. Expression of Certainty:
- Translation 2 adds the word "Truly" at the beginning, emphasizing the certainty of the
advice.
 - Translation 1 and 3 do not include a similar expression of certainty.

5. Structural Repetition:
- Translation 3 is identical to Translation 1, showing a structural repetition.
- Translation 2 maintains a distinct structure. This repetition in Translation 3 could be a
stylistic choice or an oversight.
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1(b)= And do not spy, neither backbite one another; would any of you like to eat the flesh of
his brother dead? You would abominate it.
2(b)= And spy not nor backbite some by some other. Would one of you love to eat the flesh
of his lifeless brother? You would have disliked it.
3(b) = And do not spy, neither backbite one another; would any of you like to eat the flesh of
his brother dead? You would abominate it.
Meaning:
1(b)= - Prohibits spying and backbiting among believers.
- Uses a vivid analogy: Would you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? This is meant
to evoke a strong aversion to backbiting.
2(b)= - Similar to the first, advises against spying and backbiting.
- Presents the analogy differently, asking if one would love to eat the flesh of a lifeless
brother, emphasizing the emotional aspect of the aversion.
3(b)= - Reiterates the prohibition of spying and backbiting, using the same analogy as in
Translation 1.
Differences
1. Variation in Wording:
- Translation 1 uses "neither backbite one another," while Translation 2 shortens it to "nor
backbite some by some other." The variations show stylistic differences without changing
the core message.
2. Choice of Words:
- Translation 2 uses "love" in the context of eating the flesh, introducing a different
emotional nuance compared to Translation 1's "like." Example: "Would one of you love to
eat the flesh..."
3. Divergence in Expressions:
- Translation 2 includes "you would have disliked it" instead of "you would abominate it" in
Translation 1. This represents a subtle difference in expressing the aversion. Example: "You
would have disliked it."

4. Structural Differences:
- Although the core message is the same, the structures of Translation 1 and Translation 3
are identical, while Translation 2 has a distinct structure. Example: "And spy not nor backbite
some by some other."

5. Emphasis on Lifelessness:
- Translation 2 specifically mentions the lifelessness of the brother in the analogy, adding
another layer to the aversion. Example: "Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his lifeless
brother?"

1(c) = And fear you God; assuredly God turns, and He is All-compassionate.
2(c)= And be Godfearing of God. Truly, God is Accepter of Repentance, Compassionate.
3(c) = And fear you God; assuredly God turns, and He is All-compassionate.
Meaning
1(c)= - Encourages believers to fear God.
- Emphasizes that God is assuredly forgiving and compassionate, highlighting the hope for
divine mercy and compassion.
2(c)= - Instructs believers to be Godfearing.
- Affirms that God is the Accepter of Repentance and Compassionate, underlining the
qualities of forgiveness and compassion associated with God.

3(c)= - Reiterates the call to fear God.

- Reaffirms that God turns, indicating a divine capacity for forgiveness, and emphasizes
God's All-compassionate nature.
Differences:
1. Variation in Terminology:
- Translation 1 uses "fear you God," while Translation 2 uses "be Godfearing of God." The
difference lies in the choice of words. Example: "And fear you God" vs. "And be Godfearing
of God."
2. Adjective Placement:
- Translation 1 places the adjective "All-compassionate" after "God turns." In Translation 3,
it precedes "God turns." Example: "assuredly God turns, and He is All-compassionate" vs.
"assuredly God turns, and All-compassionate is He."
3. Difference in Emphasis:
- Translation 2 uses "Truly" at the beginning, adding emphasis to the statement about God
being the Accepter of Repentance and Compassionate. Example: "Truly, God is Accepter of
Repentance, Compassionate."
4. Phrasing of Divine Turning:
- While all three translations mention God turning, the phrasing differs. Example:
"assuredly God turns" (Translation 1 and 3) vs. "God turns" (implied in Translation 2).
5. Placement of Divine Attributes:
- In Translation 1 and 3, "All-compassionate" is associated directly with God. In Translation
2, the attributes "Accepter of Repentance, Compassionate" are mentioned together.
Example: "and He is All-compassionate" (Translation 1 and 3) vs. "Truly, God is Accepter of
Repentance, Compassionate" (Translation 2).
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These three passages are different translations of the same verse from the Quran. They
convey a similar message but with some variations in wording. Here are the meanings of
each translation:
1. Waheeddu Din Khan:
- Encourages believers to avoid excessive suspicion, noting that some suspicion is sinful.
- Advises against spying and backbiting, using a vivid analogy of disliking to eat the flesh of
one's dead brother.
- Emphasizes the fear of God, highlighting His compassionate nature.
2. Laleh Bakhtiar:
- Addresses believers, urging them to avoid excessive suspicion as it is considered a sin.
- Advises against spying and backbiting, employing a strong analogy about not wanting to
eat the flesh of a deceased brother.
- Stresses the importance of God-consciousness, describing God as Accepter of
Repentance and Compassionate.

3. Arberry:
- Directs believers to refrain from excessive suspicion, noting the sinfulness of some
suspicions.
- Warns against spying and backbiting, using a vivid metaphor about abominating the idea
of consuming a dead brother's flesh.
- Calls for fear of God, highlighting God's compassionate nature and His capacity for
turning and forgiveness.

Differences among the translations:

- The core message is consistent across all three translations, emphasizing avoiding
suspicion, spying, and backbiting.
- Differences lie in the choice of words, expressions, and nuances in conveying the message.
- The variations reflect the stylistic preferences and interpretation choices of the translators,
while the fundamental moral and ethical guidance remains intact.
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As a reader:

1. Waheed du Din Khan:

- The use of "eschew" and "abominate" gives a strong emphasis on avoiding suspicion and
backbiting.
- The analogy of eating the flesh of a dead brother creates a vivid and impactful image.
- The mention of God's compassion emphasizes the moral guidance.
2. Laleh Bakhtiar:
- The term "Avoid suspicion much" is straightforward, urging believers to be cautious.
- The choice of words like "love" and "disliked" in the analogy adds a nuanced emotional
layer.
- The repetition of "Truly" and descriptors like "Accepter of Repentance, Compassionate"
reinforces the message.

3. Arberry:
- Similar to Waheeddu Din Khan, the use of "eschew" and "abominate" imparts a strong
directive.
- The repetition of the analogy and the phrase "assuredly God turns" adds a sense of
certainty and reassurance.
- The emphasis on God's compassion is consistent with the other translations.

In terms of impact on cognition:

- Waheeddu Din Khan uses vivid language and strong verbs, creating a powerful and
memorable impression.
- Laleh Bakhtiar introduces emotional elements through words like "love" and "disliked,"
fostering a personal connection.
- Arberry combines certainty with repetition, reinforcing the importance of avoiding
suspicion and relying on God's compassion.

Each translation contributes a unique linguistic and emotional flavor, but the core moral
guidance remains consistent across all three.
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Determining the "best" translation can be subjective, as it depends on factors such as clarity,
poetic expression, and personal preference. Each translation has its merits, and the choice
may vary based on the reader's interpretation. Let's look at some aspects to consider:
1. Clarity:
Example: Waheeddu Din Khan's translation is clear and straightforward in its language,
making it accessible to a broad audience.
2. Poetic Expression
Example: Laleh Bakhtiar's translation adds an emotional and poetic touch, using
expressions like "love" and "you would have disliked it," which may resonate with some
readers seeking a more emotive experience.
3.Faithfulness to the Original Text:
Example: Arberry's translation often aims for a more literal rendering of the original text,
which can be appreciated by those who prioritize fidelity to the Quranic Arabic.

Ultimately, the "best" translation depends on the reader's goals and preferences. If someone
values clarity and simplicity, Waheeddu Din Khan's translation might be preferred. If a reader
seeks a more emotional and poetic rendition, Laleh Bakhtiar's version could be favored. For
those prioritizing linguistic fidelity, Arberry's translation may be the choice.

It's advisable to read multiple translations and consult with scholars or experts to gain a
well-rounded understanding of the Quranic verses.