In the translation of the Ayah 33 of Surah 7, where Allah (SWT) mentions the things which are haram, Ghamidi translates the Arabic word “ithm” as “Haq Talfee” (usurping of rights). Most other translators translate it as “sin”, such as Maududi, Muhammad Junagarih, and even Sahih International to name a few. Could you please explain the basis of why Mr. Ghamidi translates the word “ithm” as usurpation of rights, and not sin as other scholars have done so?
Best regards.
Answer
Salaam
Thank you for writing to us.
The Arabic word “إثم” (‘ithm‘) serves as the antonym of “بر” (‘bir‘). ‘Bir’ denotes the act of granting due rights, while ‘ithm‘ signifies the usurpation of others’ rights. Although ‘ithm‘ is generally interpreted as “sin,” this interpretation typically arises in contexts where the term appears in isolation without any discourse indicators that would alter its usual meaning, which is contingent upon the context. In the present instance, ‘ithm‘ is used alongside “فواحش” (‘fawaahish‘) and “بغی” (‘baghyi‘). Consequently, it cannot be vaguely translated as “sin,” since both ‘fawaahish‘ and ‘baghyi‘ also denote sinful acts. Therefore, in this verse, as in Qur’an 2:182, ‘ithm‘ specifically connotes the usurpation of others’ rights.
Mushfiq Sultan serves as an Assistant Fellow at Al-Mawrid and manages Al-Mawrid’s Query Service. His responsibilities at Al-Mawrid encompass research, writing, creation of educational content on various aspects of Islam and responding to the questions received at Al-Mawrid, thereby contributing to the institute’s mission of fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the religion. Presently, he is working on the Hindi translation of Javed Ahmad Ghamidi’s important works, Mīzān and Al-Bayān. He has a profound interest in world religions, their philosophical foundations, and interfaith relations. His research focuses on Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and Hindu thought, with particular attention to scriptural exegesis and theological discourse. He has been teaching at Al-Mawrid Institute since 2018. His current works include an exegetical study of Isaiah 42 and its relevance to the Prophet Muhammad, and a broader inquiry into Hinduism and Islam – exploring a fresh framework for dialogue. He can be reached at sultanmushafiq@gmail.com.
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