Misinterpretation of the Quran

Muslimboy2222

Junior Member
:salam2:

As i was browsing the web i came across a few articles explaining scientific miracles of the quran and one of the examples given as evidence somewhat bothered me. So i decided to check it with tafseer Ibn kathir and as i suspected the verse was misinterpreted.The evidence was about "the conquest of space" and the verse given in support of it was Q 55:33 below is the english translation of the verse by different translators

Muhsin Khan: O assembly of jinns and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah)!

Sahih International: O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority [from Allah ].

Pickthall: O company of jinn and men, if ye have power to penetrate (all) regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate (them)! Ye will never penetrate them save with (Our) sanction.

Yusuf Ali: O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!

Shakir: O assembly of the jinn and the men! If you are able to pass through the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass through; you cannot pass through but with authority.

Lets check what the tafseer of ibn kathir says

(O assembly of Jinn and men! If you are able to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah)!) meaning, `you will never be able to escape Allah's orders and decrees, because it encompasses you. You will never be able to avoid or avert His rule and judgement over you, you are surrounded by it wherever you may be.' This is also about the Gathering when the angels, comprising seven lines in every direction, will surround the creatures. None of the creatures will be able to escape on that Day,(except with authority) meaning, except with the commandment from Allah)

So i am wondering if the explaination given by ibn kathir is the same as the one by tabari or even ibn abbas.

:wasalam:

 

Muslimboy2222

Junior Member
Asalaamu Alaikum,

You need to be careful with interpreting verses, especially when done out of context. Before this verse Allah(swt) is talking about judgement day, meaning that despite whatever technology man may have to try and "escape" hell on earth, they won't be able to.

In fact, this article explains it far better then me - http://muslimmatters.org/2007/08/23/a-problem-of-interpreting-quran-by-science/

:salam2:

Thanks for the link!!!! it really explains everything and you are right that we need to be careful when interpreting verses but sadly the example i gave is but 1 among many. I really cant see how this verse has to do "space travel" as some claim. By the way do you know of any other misinterpretations

:wasalam:
 

Perseveranze

Junior Member
:salam2:

Thanks for the link!!!! it really explains everything and you are right that we need to be careful when interpreting verses but sadly the example i gave is but 1 among many. I really cant see how this verse has to do "space travel" as some claim. By the way do you know of any other misinterpretations

:wasalam:

Not necassarily, if you have any that you'd like to inquire about then feel free to post it here and someone will Inshallah be able to explain it better.
 
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