Most of us have a Pikthall or Yusuf Ali translation of the Quran at home.
The translation they give for the verse 4:34, uses the word 'beat/scourge' for an arabic word suggesting the Quran advocates wife beating i.e.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because God has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what God would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For God is Most High, great (above you all)." - Yusuf Ali Translation
"Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great." - Marmaduke Pikthall Translation
A study of the arabic word used, the whole Verse, as well the Qur'an as a whole reveals a very different picture. More specifically, the arabic word used has some of the most varied meanings out of all the arabic words. Many translators took note of this erroneous traditional translation of Verse 4:34. We have many alternative translations of the Quran which does not propogate the unnatural and violant orthodox 'beat/scourge/hit etc.' interpretation. Before we continue, we should bear in mind the following advise of the Qur'an:
"The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the BEST of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence." [Qur'an39:18]
- Dr Kamal Omar
- Ahmed Ali
Al-Qur'an, The Koran translation by Ahmed Ali : Arthur's Classic Novels
Free-Minds, a place to discover Islam based on GOD Alone
- Dr Shabbir Ahmed & Liaquat Ali (QXP)
- Muhamed Ahmed with his daughter Samira
Muhamed Ahmed with his daughter Samira: Koran translation
- Laleh Bakhtiar
The Sublime Quran » In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
- (Late) AbdurRasheed Kamptee, Dr. Abdulazeez Abdulraheem, Shaikh AbdulGhafoor Parekh
emuslim - Message of Islam