| Authorized translation (ca. 1953-1992) |
Authorized Arabic text (1995) |
| Lament not in your hours of trial, neither rejoice therein; seek ye the
Middle Way which is the remembrance of Me in your afflictions and reflection over that which may befall you in future. Thus informeth you He Who is the Omniscient, He Who is aware. |
 |
| Haddad translation (1900-01) |
Provisional Arabic transliteration (1998) |
| In the event of calamities, whether they befall you or others, be neither sorry nor happy, but rather choose the mention of God under such circumstances, and be
vigilant as to that which may befall you at the end [see parallel translation for note on this verse]. Thus ye are admonished by the learned, the All-knowing! |
|
| Provisional Literal translation (1998) |
Earl E. Elder translation (1961) |
|
Neither show grief nor joy in times of calamity. Seek that which is between two extremes, which means the remembering (of God) when in that state and the being aware of
what the outcome may be. So does the Omniscient Knower announce to you. |
| Notes to Translations (1998) |
Correspondence on Literal trans. (1998) |
| Authorized translation (ca. 1953-1992) |
Authorized Arabic text (1995) |
| Shave not your heads; God hath adorned them with hair, and in this there
are signs from the Lord of creation to those who reflect upon the requirements of nature. He, verily, is the God of strength and wisdom. |
|
| Haddad translation (1900-01) |
Provisional Arabic transliteration (1998) |
| Shave not your heads because God hath adorned them with hair, and in this
there are reasons to those who reflect upon the necessities of nature, on the part of the king of the world. Verily He is the mighty, the wise! |
|
| Provisional Literal translation (1998) |
Earl E. Elder translation (1961) |
|
Do not shave your heads. God has adorned them with hair. In that there are certainly signs to him who considers the requirements of nature (al-tabi'a) from the
standpoint of the Possessor of Mankind. |
| Notes to Translations (1998) |
Correspondence on Literal trans. (1998) |
| Authorized translation (ca. 1953-1992) |
Authorized Arabic text (1995) |
| Notwithstanding, it is not seemly to let the hair pass beyond the limit of the ears. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Lord of all worlds. |
|
| Haddad translation (1900-01) |
Provisional Arabic transliteration (1998) |
| But the hair must not grow below the level of the ears. This is that which is commanded by the Lord of the worlds. |
|
| Provisional Literal translation (1998) |
Earl E. Elder translation (1961) |
|
Indeed, He is the Mighty, the Wise. It is not fitting to go beyond the limits of the ears. [note 4] This is what the Master of the worlds commanded. |
| Notes to Translations (1998) |
Correspondence on Literal trans. (1998) |
| Authorized translation (ca. 1953-1992) |
Authorized Arabic text (1995) |
| Exile and imprisonment are decreed for the thief, and, on the third offence, place ye a mark upon his brow so that, thus identified, he may not be accepted in the cities of God and His countries. Beware lest, through compassion, ye neglect to carry out the statutes of the
religion of God; do that which hath been bidden you by Him Who is compassionate and merciful. |
|
| Haddad translation (1900-01) |
Provisional Arabic transliteration (1998) |
| Theft: To the first or second offence of theft imprisonment or banishment is decreed. But on the third conviction a mar, or sign is to be placed on the forehead of the thief whereby he may be known, and man become aware of him, lest he may be received by other
cities and countries of God. Clemency: Beware not to allow clemency to take hold of you in the religion of God, but do that whereunto you are commanded by one pitiful and clement. |
|
| Provisional Literal translation (1998) |
Earl E. Elder translation (1961) |
|
Banishment and prison have been commanded (as punishment) for the thief. For the third offence put a sign on his forehead. [note 1] Thus he will be known, so that the cities and the provinces of God do not receive him. Beware lest pity (al-ra'fa) take
hold on you in (following) the religion of God. Do what you have been commanded to do by the Tender-hearted (al-mushfiq), Merciful One. |
| Notes to Translations (1998) |
Correspondence on Literal trans. (1998) |
| Authorized translation (ca. 1953-1992) |
Authorized Arabic text (1995) |
| We school you with the rod of wisdom and laws, like unto the father who educateth his son, and this for naught but the protection of your own selves and the elevation of
your stations. By My life, were ye to discover what We have desired for you in revealing Our holy laws, ye would offer up your very souls for this sacred, this mighty, and most exalted Faith. |
|
| Haddad translation (1900-01) |
Provisional Arabic transliteration (1998) |
| Verily we have reared you up with the scourges of wisdom and ordinances for the purpose of your preservation and the exaltation of your station; as children are reared
by their parents. By My life, were ye to know that which we have desired for you of our sacred commandments ye would have sacrificed your souls in the cause of this sacred, mighty and impregnable command. |
|
| Provisional Literal translation (1998) |
Earl E. Elder translation (1961) |
|
We have disciplined you with the rods of Wisdom and commandments that you may keep yourselves and exalt your positions, just as fathers discipline their sons. By My
life, if you only knew what We desire for you by Our holy commands, you would have devoted your souls to this Holy, Mighty, and Impregnable Cause. |
| Notes to Translations (1998) |
Correspondence on Literal trans. (1998) |