NOTICE: This article is a reproduction from Submitters Perspective No 23, December 1986.
Preparations are under way for a new English translation of Qur’an, and the signs are already abundant that it is going to be a historical event. For example, if you look in my first translation you will see that Verse 9 of Sura 2 indicates that the hypocrites attempt to deceive God and the believers. This is wrong. While preparing the new translation, backed by the wealth of experience, feedback and education gained from the first translation, it became evident that the hypocrites are not trying to deceive anybody; they simply are unaware that they do not believe. The Arabic word Yukhaadi’oon does not mean “attempting to deceive.” Hence, the new translation is:
2:8 Then there are those who say, “We believe in God and the Last Day,” while they are not really believers.
2:9 In doing this, they do not deceive God and the believers; they only deceive themselves without being aware.
See the difference? These people actually, and sincerely, believe that they are true believers. This, of course, is confirmed by Verse 22 of Sura 6, where the idol worshipers, even face to face with the Almighty God, will swear by God that they were not idolaters.
To participate in this historic project, the only qualification you need is to be a true Muslim: one who upholds Qur’an, the whole Qur’an and nothing but Qur’an. Let me assure you that only those worthy of this divinely guided project will be able to participate.
No one is going to screen the potential participants. God is the only one who knows the innermost convictions, and He alone knows who is worthy of participating.
You do not need to know Arabic (see the ONLY qualification above). Let me give you a perfect example of not needing Arabic to participate. I mailed the first few pages of the new translation to Sister Soussan Rey of Monte Carlo. She phoned back and said that Verse 6 of Al Faatihah should be changed from “Guide us in the right path” to “Guide us in the straight path.” She convinced me immediately by saying that there are Christians and Jews who are on the right path (see Qur’an 3:113–114 for example), but they are not on the “straight” path. Because Islam did not lose the basic duties of worship such as the contact prayer (Salat) (see 19:59), the true Muslims are on the shortest, fastest and most efficient path to God, the straight path. Since I agreed to incorporate Soussan’s excellent suggestion, I have to give her credit. This led to the idea that all believers can contribute if given the chance. It didn’t take me long to see that this is the way God has willed it. So I am asking all the believers out there to help me with the translation.
If you are fortunate enough to participate, God will teach you the Qur’an in accordance with His word in 55:2; in the best manner ever. Your name will be immortalized as a contributor to this God-authorized English version of God’s message to the world.
HERE IS HOW IT WILL WORK
IN SHAA ALLAH I will send to you 10 pages of the new translation at a time. You will study those 10 pages critically, and compare them with any other translation or commentary, then write down your suggested modifications if any. You mail back the 10 pages in the self addressed envelope supplied. As soon I receive your corrected 10 pages, I will mail another set of 10 pages, and so on.
Naturally, I cannot afford to send hundreds of copies every week or every other week by first class mail. Each one of you will bear the cost, and at the same time help publish the new translation. With each segment you receive, you will get an invoice, at the rate of $1 per page, that you can send back with your corrections, at your own pace.
If this sounds good to you, fill out the application form below and mail it to me right away. You will receive the first installment within a week IN SHAA ALLAH.
Congratulations, and God bless you.
P.S. This project conforms to the Qur’anic principle that the “believers’ affairs are based on consultation” (Sura 42, Verse 38).
(Message from Ahmad Wehbe)
Peace be upon you,
The opponents and enemies claim that Rashad Khalifa was blindly following his own personal opinion when he translated the Quran. However, this article proves that such accusations are furthest from the truth.
Rashad Khalifa made it his duty to allow others to contribute and share their understanding so that the translation would the best it could be.
Thank you and GOD bless.