Quran 7:40 – Why Jamal/Jummal Translated As Camel Instead Of Rope
You are right. This translation has been preferred by Muhammad Asad, who translates جمل as “twisted rope”. Asad has cited Zamakhshari and Razi in support of his opinion. For detailed reasoning on this issue and why camel would not be an appropriate translation here, please see Note 32 to Chapter 7 in Muhammad Asad’ translation. Lane’s Lexicon has also elaborated on the interpretation of this verse in support of “rope” or “cable”, based on opinion of Ibne Abbas and Ali. Pls see attached excerpt of Lane.
Dr. Irfan Shahzad Sahab ( @Irfan76 ) can shed some light on the linguistics of this word.