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القرآن
4 Reading this translation 4 / 4

When two recitations of the text diverge

Observation 2 examples 1 min

The reference Arabic text is that of the Hafs reading. Other transmitted recitations exist, among them that of Warsh; most differences do not affect the meaning. When they do, the immediate continuation of the text, then the thread of the sura, decide which reading the translation follows.

In 47:4, Hafs reads قُتِلُوا ("those who were killed"), Warsh قَاتَلُوا ("those who fought"). The next verse decides: "He will guide them and set right their condition, and admit them to the Garden" (47:5). Guiding someone and setting right his condition supposes that he is alive. The translation therefore follows Warsh: "And those who fought in the path of God, He will never render their deeds astray." (47:4).

The reverse also happens. In 43:19, Hafs reads عِبَادُ ("the obedient"), Warsh عِندَ ("with"). Here the thread of the sura, where the root عبد keeps returning, supports Hafs: "the Agents, who are the obedient ones of the All-Benevolent" (43:19).

The rule is therefore not to prefer one reading on principle, but to check each divergence and let the text decide.

In the text

Example 47:4
وَٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ
“And those who fought in the path of God”
Reference text (Hafs): "were killed"; the translation follows Warsh, "fought".
Example 47:5
سَيَهْدِيهِمْ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَهُمْ
“He will guide them and set right their condition”
The immediate continuation supposes the living: it decides.