Quran 4:34 – Alternative Translations
Brother Muhammad. Thank you for a great perspective. I agree with both perspectives. In this case, a meaning of correct word makes a huge difference. One translation allows lightly beating a wife as a last resort to save marriage while the other meaning say to abandon her or leave her. Not only a word but even a comma can make a huge difference. A common example given is.. اٹھو ، نہ بیٹھو اٹھو نہ, بیٹھو On the other hand a person looking at a holistic meaning of Quran, when presented with two meanings as to whether abandon wife or beat her would know that beating or abandoning both are meant as a last resort to maintain marriage. If beating or abandoning will make things worse, then there is no need for either. Just divorce her at that point. Neither action will go against the spirit of the message. AlthOugh I agree with Faisal that Quran in original language is protected, but perhaps translation is not. Still righteous people and those who put effort into properly understanding Quran may not go wrong. It is Allah’s responsibility to guide them.