Since Surah 78:33 is not a complete sentence, we quote the verses 78:31-34 so that the phrase is given in its context. For easier comparison we have put verse 78:33 in bold.
Pickthall | Yusuf Ali | Shakir | Sher Ali | Rashad Khalifa |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lo! for the duteous is achievement - Gardens enclosed and vineyards, And maidens for companions, And a full cup. | Verily for the Righteous there will be a fulfilment of (the heart's) desires; Gardens enclosed, and grapevines; Companions of equal age; And a cup full (to the brim). | Surely for those who guard (against evil) is achievement, Gardens and vineyards, And those showing freshness of youth, equals in age, And a pure cup. | Verily, for the righteous is decreed a triumph - Walled gardens and grapevines, And young maidens of equal age, And over-flowing cups. | The righteous have deserved a reward. Orchards and grapes. Magnificent spouses. Delicious drinks. |
Muhammad Ali | Arberry | Rodwell | Al-Hilali & Khan | |
Surely for those who keep their duty is achievement, Gardens and vineyards, And youthful (companions), equal in age, and a pure cup. | Surely for the godfearing awaits a place of security, gardens and vineyards and maidens with swelling breasts, like of age, and a cup overflowing. | But, for the God-fearing is a blissful abode, Enclosed gardens and vineyards; And damsels with swelling breasts, their peers in age, And a full cup: | Verily, for the Muttaqûn, there will be a success (Paradise); Gardens and grapeyards; And young full-breasted (mature) maidens of equal age; And a full cup (of wine). |
The (transliterated) Arabic reads:
31 'INNA LI- AL- MUTTAQEN MAFAAZ(AN) 32 H.ADAA'IQ WA- AcNAAB(AN) 33 WA- KAWAAcIB ATRAAB(AN) 34 WA- KA'S(AN) DIHAAQ(AN)
Several differences could be observed between the various versions of the Qur'an in regard to this passage (e.g. achievement, fulfillment, triumph, reward, security, success are quite a range of interpretations in 78:31). It is quite drastic, however, to discover that most of the Muslim translators are so embarrassed about 78:33 that they leave out half of the verse in their translations, hiding its real meaning. Al-Hilali & Khan are the only Muslims (we have seen) who translate somewhat truthfully, even though their translation is still tame compared to the image that the Arabic original is seeking to create in the mind of the men who are listening to the recitation of these verses. For what purpose? To rouse their sexual desire and the determination to do anything to reach this kind of paradise?
Why is this observation relevant? Muslim love to attack the Bible as a "pornographic book", because "such language is not fitting for the word of God", e.g. regarding the story of Lot, or God's condemnation of Israel in Ezekiel 23. It is however, the Qur'an that paints a thoroughly carnal paradise ([1], [2]).
Qur'an Versions
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