4. Sura an-Nisa

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِتَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِمَا أَرَاكَ اللّهُ ...  

4: 105. We have sent down to thee the Book in truth, that thou mightest judge between men, as guided by Allah:

... وَلاَ تَكُن لِّلْخَآئِنِينَ خَصِيمًا ﴿١٠٥﴾  

so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust.

وَاسْتَغْفِرِ اللّهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا ﴿١٠٦﴾  

4: 106. But seek the forgiveness of Allah; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[[ Ali’s note - 621 The Commentators explain this passage with reference to the case of Taima ibn Ubairaq, who was nominally a Muslim but really a Hypocrite, and given to all sorts of wicked deeds. He was suspected of having stolen a set of armor, and when the trial was hot, he planted the stolen property into the house of a Jew, where it was found. The Jew denied the charge and accused Taima, but the sympathies of the Muslim community were with Taima on account of his nominal profession of Islam. The case was brought to the Prophet, who acquitted the Jew according to the strict principle of justice, as "guided by Allah." Attempts were made to prejudice him and deceive him into using his authority to favour Taima. When Taima realized that his punishment was imminent he fled and turned apostate. ………(4.105) ]]

Asad’s Version:

4: 105

Asad Behold, We have bestowed upon thee from on high this divine writ, setting forth the truth, so that you may judge between people in accordance with what God has taught you [note 133]. Hence, do not contend with those who are false to their trust,

Yusuf Ali We have sent down to thee the Book in truth that thou mightest judge between men as guided by Allah: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust.

Pickthall Lo! We reveal unto thee the Scripture with the truth, that thou mayst judge between mankind by that which Allah showeth thee. And be not thou a pleader for the treacherous;

Transliteration Inna_ anzalna_ ilaikal kita_ba bil haqqi litahkuma bainan na_si bima_ ara_kalla_h(u), wa laa_ takul lil kha_'inina khasima_(w),

4: 106

Asad but pray God to forgive [them] [note 134]: behold, God is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.

Yusuf Ali But seek the forgiveness of Allah; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.

Pickthall And seek forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

Transliteration Wastagfirilla_h(a), innalla_ha ka_na gafu_rar rahima_(n).

[[Asad’s note 133 The “you” in this and the following two verses - ………refers, on the face of it, to the Prophet; by implication, however, it is addressed to everyone who has accepted the guidance of the Quran: this is evident from the plural “you” in verse 109…………..

134 – This is obviously refers to the hypocrites as well as to the half-hearted followers of the Quran spoken of earlier in this surah:………..]]