Explanation of the Meaning of the Verse and the Translation by Allama Waheed uz-Zaman
Question:
Allama Waheed uz-Zaman, in Ashraf al-Hawashi, translated the following verse as:
“اور تحقیق ہم جِلاتے ہیں، اور مارتے ہیں اور ہم وارث ہیں”
(Surah al-Ḥijr: 23)
The question is: How is the meaning of “جلانے” (to kindle or ignite) applicable here, and what does it signify?
Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh, and Shaykh Ali Mu'adh ḥafiẓahullāh
Yes, in this translation, the meaning of "جلانے" is indeed correct, and it refers to giving life. The clarification is outlined below:
◈ The Arabic word "نُحْيِي" means to give life.
◈ In Urdu, the phrase "جلا بخشنا" also implies giving life or vitality.
◈ In Urdu, "جلانا" is not limited merely to the act of igniting with fire. It is also used metaphorically to mean bestowing life or infusing vitality.
◈ This metaphorical usage is what appears in the translation of the verse, where “جلانے” conveys the concept of bringing to life.
◈ In some contexts, "جلانا" is used to denote reviving or enlivening, and this aligns with the eloquent literary style adopted by Allama Waheed uz-Zaman.
◈ His translations often reflect a balance between linguistic accuracy and literary elegance, while preserving the depth of the original Arabic meanings.
◈ The intended meaning of the verse is that Allah is the One who gives life, causes death, and inherits all things.
◈ The translation by using "جلانے" aligns with the intended concept of giving life in a stylistically rich Urdu expression.
The use of "جلانے" in the translation of this verse represents a specific literary usage within the Urdu language, where it signifies bestowing life. This expression is accurate and consistent with the meaning of the verse. It reflects a refined literary style without compromising the meaning of the Qur’anic message in any way.
Question:
Allama Waheed uz-Zaman, in Ashraf al-Hawashi, translated the following verse as:
“اور تحقیق ہم جِلاتے ہیں، اور مارتے ہیں اور ہم وارث ہیں”
(Surah al-Ḥijr: 23)
The question is: How is the meaning of “جلانے” (to kindle or ignite) applicable here, and what does it signify?
Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh, and Shaykh Ali Mu'adh ḥafiẓahullāh
Yes, in this translation, the meaning of "جلانے" is indeed correct, and it refers to giving life. The clarification is outlined below:
Lexical Meaning
◈ The Arabic word "نُحْيِي" means to give life.
◈ In Urdu, the phrase "جلا بخشنا" also implies giving life or vitality.
Usage in the Urdu Language
◈ In Urdu, "جلانا" is not limited merely to the act of igniting with fire. It is also used metaphorically to mean bestowing life or infusing vitality.
◈ This metaphorical usage is what appears in the translation of the verse, where “جلانے” conveys the concept of bringing to life.
Literary Expression in Urdu
◈ In some contexts, "جلانا" is used to denote reviving or enlivening, and this aligns with the eloquent literary style adopted by Allama Waheed uz-Zaman.
◈ His translations often reflect a balance between linguistic accuracy and literary elegance, while preserving the depth of the original Arabic meanings.
Correctness of the Meaning
◈ The intended meaning of the verse is that Allah is the One who gives life, causes death, and inherits all things.
◈ The translation by using "جلانے" aligns with the intended concept of giving life in a stylistically rich Urdu expression.
Conclusion
The use of "جلانے" in the translation of this verse represents a specific literary usage within the Urdu language, where it signifies bestowing life. This expression is accurate and consistent with the meaning of the verse. It reflects a refined literary style without compromising the meaning of the Qur’anic message in any way.
