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:• '''deceivingly de·ceiv′·ingly ''adverb'''''}} | :• '''deceivingly de·ceiv′·ingly ''adverb'''''}} | ||
== Qur'an == | ==Qur'an== | ||
In the following Qur'an verses, Allah reveals to us that he is the "best deceiver". | In the following Qur'an verses, Allah reveals to us that he is the "best deceiver". | ||
=== Qur'an 3:54 === | ===Qur'an 3:54=== | ||
{{quote |{{Qtt|3|54}}| | {{quote |{{Qtt|3|54}}| | ||
| Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
'''Literal:''' And they cheated/deceived and God cheated/deceived, and God (is) the best (of) the cheaters/deceivers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/3/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 3. Ali-Imran - The Family Of 'Imran (سورة آل عمران) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | '''Literal:''' And they cheated/deceived and God cheated/deceived, and God (is) the best (of) the cheaters/deceivers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/3/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 3. Ali-Imran - The Family Of 'Imran (سورة آل عمران) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | ||
=== Qur'an 7:99 === | ===Qur'an 7:99=== | ||
{{quote |{{Qtt|7|99}}| | {{quote |{{Qtt|7|99}}| | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
'''Literal:''' Did they secure God's scheme/deceit ? So no(one) trusts God's scheme/deceit except the nation the losers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/7/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 7. Al-A'raf - The Heights (سورة الأعراف) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | '''Literal:''' Did they secure God's scheme/deceit ? So no(one) trusts God's scheme/deceit except the nation the losers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/7/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 7. Al-A'raf - The Heights (سورة الأعراف) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | ||
=== Qur'an 8:30 === | ===Qur'an 8:30=== | ||
{{quote |{{Qtt|8|30}}| | {{quote |{{Qtt|8|30}}| | ||
| Line 56: | Line 56: | ||
'''Literal:''' And when those who disbelieved deceive/scheme at you to affix/affirm you, or kill you, or bring you out, and they scheme/deceive , and God deceives/schemes and God (is) best (of) the deceivers/schemers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/8/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 8. Al-Anfal - Spoils Of War (سورة الأنفال) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | '''Literal:''' And when those who disbelieved deceive/scheme at you to affix/affirm you, or kill you, or bring you out, and they scheme/deceive , and God deceives/schemes and God (is) best (of) the deceivers/schemers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/8/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 8. Al-Anfal - Spoils Of War (سورة الأنفال) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | ||
=== Qur'an 10:21 === | ===Qur'an 10:21=== | ||
{{quote |{{Qtt|10|21}}| | {{quote |{{Qtt|10|21}}| | ||
| Line 64: | Line 64: | ||
'''Literal:''' And if We made the people taste/experience mercy from after calamity/disastrous distress touched them, then for them (is) cheatery/deceit/schemes in Our verses/evidences . Say: "God (is) quicker/faster (in) cunning/scheming , that Our messengers write what you cheat/ deceive/scheme."<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/10/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 10. Yunus - Jonah (سورة يونس) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | '''Literal:''' And if We made the people taste/experience mercy from after calamity/disastrous distress touched them, then for them (is) cheatery/deceit/schemes in Our verses/evidences . Say: "God (is) quicker/faster (in) cunning/scheming , that Our messengers write what you cheat/ deceive/scheme."<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/10/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 10. Yunus - Jonah (سورة يونس) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}} | ||
=== Qur'an 13:42 === | ===Qur'an 13:42=== | ||
{{quote |{{Qtt|13|42}}| | {{quote |{{Qtt|13|42}}| | ||
| Line 108: | Line 108: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Dictionary | !Dictionary | ||
! width = 100px | Word | ! width="100px" |Word | ||
! Meaning | !Meaning | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://translate.google.com/ Google Translate] | |[http://translate.google.com/ Google Translate] | ||
| <font size="4">ماكر</font> (Makir) | |<font size="4">ماكر</font> (Makir) | ||
| ''sly, cunning, deceitful'' ([http://translate.google.com/ read more]) | |''sly, cunning, deceitful'' ([http://translate.google.com/ read more]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://translation.babylon.com/Arabic Babylon.com] | |[http://translation.babylon.com/Arabic Babylon.com] | ||
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | |<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | ||
| ''n. calculating, cunning, astuteness, craftiness, foxiness, craft, slyness, archness, deceit, double-dealing, artifice, deception, wiliness, artfulness, furtiveness, ploy, trick, guile, ruse, roguery'' | |''n. calculating, cunning, astuteness, craftiness, foxiness, craft, slyness, archness, deceit, double-dealing, artifice, deception, wiliness, artfulness, furtiveness, ploy, trick, guile, ruse, roguery'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://www.Stars21.com TranStar] | |[http://www.Stars21.com TranStar] | ||
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | |<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | ||
| ''wiliness'' (means: "Full of wiles" [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wiliness Merriam-Webster]) | |''wiliness'' (means: "Full of wiles" [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wiliness Merriam-Webster]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://qamoose.arabeyes.org/dict_main.cgi ArabEyes.com] | |[http://qamoose.arabeyes.org/dict_main.cgi ArabEyes.com] | ||
| <font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr) | |<font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr) | ||
| ''deception'' | |''deception'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://www.ebnmasr.net/wtranslate/ Ibn Masr] | |[http://www.ebnmasr.net/wtranslate/ Ibn Masr] | ||
| <font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr) | |<font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr) | ||
| ''deception'' | |''deception'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://www.systranet.com/?text=%D9%85%D9%83%D8%B1&lp=ar_en SYSTRAnet.com] | |[http://www.systranet.com/?text=%D9%85%D9%83%D8%B1&lp=ar_en SYSTRAnet.com] | ||
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | |<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | ||
| ''deception'' | |''deception'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://free.translated.net/ Translated.net] | |[http://free.translated.net/ Translated.net] | ||
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | |<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | ||
| ''deception'' | |''deception'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com] | |[http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com] | ||
| <font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr) | |<font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr) | ||
| ''deviousness'' | |''deviousness'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com] | |[http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com] | ||
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | |<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | ||
| ''wiliness'' | |''wiliness'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://online.ectaco.co.uk/main.jsp?do=e-services-dictionaries-word_translate1&direction=1&status=translate&lang1=23&lang2=ar&refid=-1&source=deception Ectaco] | |[http://online.ectaco.co.uk/main.jsp?do=e-services-dictionaries-word_translate1&direction=1&status=translate&lang1=23&lang2=ar&refid=-1&source=deception Ectaco] | ||
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | |<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr) | ||
| ''deception'' | |''deception'' | ||
|} | |} | ||
== | ==Inaccurate Translations== | ||
The following are the English translations of the selected verses. As mentioned above, makir is never used in a positive sense - it denotes a shifty, sly person who uses deception as a means to their ends. | The following are the English translations of the selected verses. As mentioned above, makir is never used in a positive sense - it denotes a shifty, sly person who uses deception as a means to their ends. | ||
We see that most of the translators have taken makir (with one of its possible translations 'scheme') to mean 'a systematic plan of action', and have translated makir to mean 'planner' or 'plotter'. However this completely disregards the accepted connotations of the word and the context of the given verses. Makir does not mean planner. Just because makir can be translated as scheme, and scheme can mean plan/plot, this does not mean that you can translate makir as planner/plotter | We see that most of the translators have taken makir (with one of its possible translations 'scheme') to mean 'a systematic plan of action', and have translated makir to mean 'planner' or 'plotter'. However this completely disregards the accepted connotations of the word and the context of the given verses. Makir does not mean planner. Just because makir can be translated as scheme, and scheme can mean plan/plot, this does not mean that you can translate makir as planner/plotter. | ||
Since the same word is used for both the unbelievers and Allah, in most cases the | Since the same word is used for both the unbelievers and Allah, in most cases the translations have opted for the more benign (and incorrect) translation in order to avoid the difficult statements made by the Qur'an. | ||
=== Qur'an 3:54 === | ===Qur'an 3:54=== | ||
{{quote || | {{quote || | ||
| Line 214: | Line 214: | ||
'''Palmer:''' But they (the Jews) were crafty, and God was crafty, for God is the best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=003:054 Quran Browser - Quran 3:54]</ref>}} | '''Palmer:''' But they (the Jews) were crafty, and God was crafty, for God is the best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=003:054 Quran Browser - Quran 3:54]</ref>}} | ||
=== Qur'an 7:99 === | ===Qur'an 7:99=== | ||
{{quote || | {{quote || | ||
| Line 267: | Line 267: | ||
'''Palmer:''' were they secure from the craft of God? none feel secure from the craft of God except a people that shall lose. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=007:099 Quran Browser - Quran 7:99]</ref>}} | '''Palmer:''' were they secure from the craft of God? none feel secure from the craft of God except a people that shall lose. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=007:099 Quran Browser - Quran 7:99]</ref>}} | ||
=== Qur'an 8:30 === | ===Qur'an 8:30=== | ||
{{quote || | {{quote || | ||
| Line 320: | Line 320: | ||
'''Palmer:''' And when those who misbelieve were crafty with thee to detain thee a prisoner, or kill thee, or drive thee forth; they were crafty, but God was crafty too, for God is best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=008:030 Quran Browser - Quran 8:30]</ref> }} | '''Palmer:''' And when those who misbelieve were crafty with thee to detain thee a prisoner, or kill thee, or drive thee forth; they were crafty, but God was crafty too, for God is best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=008:030 Quran Browser - Quran 8:30]</ref> }} | ||
=== Qur'an 10:21 === | ===Qur'an 10:21=== | ||
{{quote || | {{quote || | ||
| Line 373: | Line 373: | ||
'''Palmer:''' When we have let men taste of mercy after distress which has touched them, lo! they use a stratagem against our signs! Say, 'God is quicker at stratagem.' Verily, our messengers write down what stratagem ye use. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=010:021 Quran Browser - Quran 10:21]</ref> }} | '''Palmer:''' When we have let men taste of mercy after distress which has touched them, lo! they use a stratagem against our signs! Say, 'God is quicker at stratagem.' Verily, our messengers write down what stratagem ye use. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=010:021 Quran Browser - Quran 10:21]</ref> }} | ||
=== Qur'an 13:42 === | ===Qur'an 13:42=== | ||
{{quote || | {{quote || | ||
| Line 423: | Line 423: | ||
'''Palmer:''' And those who were before them were crafty too; but God's is the craft altogether! He knows what every soul earns; and the misbelievers shall know whose is the recompense of the abode. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=013:042 Quran Browser - Quran 13:42]</ref> }} | '''Palmer:''' And those who were before them were crafty too; but God's is the craft altogether! He knows what every soul earns; and the misbelievers shall know whose is the recompense of the abode. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=013:042 Quran Browser - Quran 13:42]</ref> }} | ||
==== Analysis ==== | ====Analysis==== | ||
The translations of Yusuf Ali, Sarwar Hilali/Khan and Malik | The translations of Yusuf Ali, Sarwar Hilali/Khan and Malik are especially misrepresentative in their translation of makir by translating the same word differently in two places (in the same verse). When referring to the unbelievers, they state that they 'plotted and planned' but that Allah only 'planned'. This implies that Allah's intentions and planning were completely benign, but that the unbelievers' intentions were not - as 'plotter' itself has negative connotations. This translation completely disregards the meaning and connotations of makir, but if they insist on using the word 'plan', then they should have rendered both usages the same, or they should have used 'devious/deceitful planner' instead of just 'planner' in order to convey the intended meaning. | ||
Arberry and Qaribullah use the word 'devised', Rodwell uses the word 'plotted', Sale uses 'devised a strategem' and Shakir, HK/Saheeh, QXP and Maulana Ali all use the word 'planned' in reference to both the unbelievers and Allah. As stated before, using any of these words (all synonyms for 'planner') is | Arberry and Qaribullah use the word 'devised', Rodwell uses the word 'plotted', Sale uses 'devised a strategem' and Shakir, HK/Saheeh, QXP and Maulana Ali all use the word 'planned' in reference to both the unbelievers and Allah. As stated before, using any of these words (all synonyms for 'planner') is a misrepresentation because they completely disregard the context and meaning of the word in question. Just because makir can mean scheme and scheme can mean plan/plot/devise, does not mean that you can translate makir as plan/plot/devise. This is a non-sequitor. | ||
In this way, Pickthal, Khalifa, Free Minds and Shakir are the best translations here, because they | In this way, Pickthal, Khalifa, Free Minds and Shakir are the best translations here, because they correctly translate makir - which can mean scheme. However they leave it a little open ended by not conveying the full meaning of the word. In English, although the word 'scheme' usually has a negative connotation, this is not always the case. Makir is always used in a negative context. Palmer's use of 'crafty' in this verse, although accurate, presents the same problem. | ||
== Apologetics == | ==Apologetics== | ||
===Jamal Badawi === | ===Jamal Badawi=== | ||
Although Dr. Badawi admits that makir is a negative word with negative connotations, he seeks to justify its usage in the Qur'an when referring to Allah, by claiming that it has a different meaning than that which we mere mortals have assigned it when referring to each other. This is from a Live Q & A session held on the 16<sup>th</sup> of April, 2007, on the ''readingislam.com'' website. The question and answer are as follows: | Although Dr. Badawi admits that makir is a negative word with negative connotations, he seeks to justify its usage in the Qur'an when referring to Allah, by claiming that it has a different meaning than that which we mere mortals have assigned it when referring to each other. This is from a Live Q & A session held on the 16<sup>th</sup> of April, 2007, on the ''readingislam.com'' website. The question and answer are as follows: | ||
| Line 483: | Line 483: | ||
4. Dr. Badawi claimed that makir has a different meaning when referring to Allah and that the common Arabic meaning is not correct. However the Qur'an states: {{Quote|{{Quran|3|7}}| He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding. }} | 4. Dr. Badawi claimed that makir has a different meaning when referring to Allah and that the common Arabic meaning is not correct. However the Qur'an states: {{Quote|{{Quran|3|7}}| He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding. }} | ||
The Qur'an says that some people seek to mislead by giving their own interpretation to portions. | The Qur'an says that some people seek to mislead by giving their own interpretation to portions. If the "true" [when referring to Allah] meaning is unknown to most, what evidence does Dr. Bardawi provide in support of his unorthodox "truth"? | ||
===Islam Q&A=== | ===Islam Q&A=== | ||
| Line 604: | Line 604: | ||
And Allaah knows best.}} | And Allaah knows best.}} | ||
As with Jamal Badawi's apologetics, this is again a case of ''Special pleading'' <ref name="special"/>. This is adding meaning to the text which is not there, but comes only from a certain set of beliefs that Islam Q&A hold: namely: | As with Jamal Badawi's apologetics, this is again a case of ''Special pleading'' <ref name="special" />. This is adding meaning to the text which is not there, but comes only from a certain set of beliefs that Islam Q&A hold: namely: | ||
# that Allah is God | #that Allah is God | ||
# that Allah is perfect | #that Allah is perfect | ||
# that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'good' | #that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'good' | ||
# that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'truthful' | #that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'truthful' | ||
# that Allah never lies or deceives | #that Allah never lies or deceives | ||
However when we look at the verses in question, the same word is applied to the unbelievers and also Allah. So you must also accept that since Allah is perfect, the meaning of the word changes depending on who it's referring to. There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case. Nowhere does the Qur'an implicitly state or even imply that words mean different things when referring to Allah, nor are there any ahadith to this effect. This is a clear cut case of special pleading, invented by Muslims to excuse the fact that the exact words of their god state that he is the best deceiver. | However when we look at the verses in question, the same word is applied to the unbelievers and also Allah. So you must also accept that since Allah is perfect, the meaning of the word changes depending on who it's referring to. There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case. Nowhere does the Qur'an implicitly state or even imply that words mean different things when referring to Allah, nor are there any ahadith to this effect. This is a clear cut case of special pleading, invented by Muslims to excuse the fact that the exact words of their god state that he is the best deceiver. | ||
| Line 616: | Line 616: | ||
If one who claims to be perfect, displays an imperfect trait (deception, plotting etc..) then we know two things: | If one who claims to be perfect, displays an imperfect trait (deception, plotting etc..) then we know two things: | ||
# They are a liar | #They are a liar | ||
# They are imperfect | #They are imperfect | ||
Allah has told us in the Qur'an that he is the best deceiver - we have his own admission that he is imperfect and a liar. | Allah has told us in the Qur'an that he is the best deceiver - we have his own admission that he is imperfect and a liar. | ||
=== Harun Yahya === | ===Harun Yahya=== | ||
Harun Yahya includes ''Al-Makir'' in his listing of Allah's 99 names: | Harun Yahya includes ''Al-Makir'' in his listing of Allah's 99 names: | ||
{{ quote |[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php#16 Names of Allah/ No. 16 (Al-Makir)]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php|2=2011-03-05}} --><BR>Harun Yayha| '''AL-MAKIR''' | {{quote |[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php#16 Names of Allah/ No. 16 (Al-Makir)]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php|2=2011-03-05}} --><BR>Harun Yayha| '''AL-MAKIR''' | ||
'''The Planner''' | '''The Planner''' | ||
| Line 642: | Line 642: | ||
No doubt, Allah creates every incident with a purpose and for the ultimate good. He uses the unbelievers' plots against believers to test them. He then extends His help to those servants who can discern the good and beauties in the events He creates, and turns all of these to their benefit.}} | No doubt, Allah creates every incident with a purpose and for the ultimate good. He uses the unbelievers' plots against believers to test them. He then extends His help to those servants who can discern the good and beauties in the events He creates, and turns all of these to their benefit.}} | ||
Like Dr. Badawi's apologetics regarding Makir, Harun Yahya attempts to spin the meaning of the word when referring to Allah. | Like Dr. Badawi's apologetics regarding Makir, Harun Yahya attempts to spin the meaning of the word when referring to Allah. The first verse quoted above (Qur'an 8:30) has actually been quoted incorrectly by Yahya on this portion of his website. The translation given, referring to people as plotters, but Allah as a planner, does not exist. This is not an error or oversight by Yahya, because we find elsewhere on his website<ref>[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/school/school2.php The School of Yusuf - Harun Yahya]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/school/school2.php|2=2011-03-05}} --></ref><ref>[http://www.harunyahya.com/ysf03.php The Prophet Yusuf - Harun Yahya]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/ysf03.php|2=2011-03-05}} --></ref> that the verse has been quoted correctly; referring to both as 'plotters'. Again in his quote of Qur'an 13:42, Yahya has misquoted the verse - labeling the unbelievers as "plotters" but Allah as a "planner". | ||
These misquotes have been deliberately presented on this page because Harun Yahya is attributing the name ''Al Makir'' directly to Allah, but claiming it simply means "The planner". In order to spin makir into having a positive connotation, translating the same word differently in Qur'an 8:30 and 13:42 was necessary in order to portray Allah as being righteous, and the non believers (referred to in the verses) as devious. If they had been presented correctly - in that 'plotter' is attributed to Allah as well as the unbelievers, then it implies that Allah is also plotting the same type of activities that the unbelievers were [allegedly] plotting. This would serve to cast Allah in a bad light, as well as Muslims - since they are the ones who carry out his wishes (as relayed through Muhammad). | These misquotes have been deliberately presented on this page because Harun Yahya is attributing the name ''Al Makir'' directly to Allah, but claiming it simply means "The planner". In order to spin makir into having a positive connotation, translating the same word differently in Qur'an 8:30 and 13:42 was necessary in order to portray Allah as being righteous, and the non believers (referred to in the verses) as devious. If they had been presented correctly - in that 'plotter' is attributed to Allah as well as the unbelievers, then it implies that Allah is also plotting the same type of activities that the unbelievers were [allegedly] plotting. This would serve to cast Allah in a bad light, as well as Muslims - since they are the ones who carry out his wishes (as relayed through Muhammad). | ||
=== Allah Only Deceives Enemies === | ===Allah Only Deceives Enemies=== | ||
Given the context of the verses provided in the above article, it is clear that they discuss Allah deceiving his (perceived) enemies only. However, what the verses also contain is a definitive statement from Allah - ''Allah is the best deceiver''. It does not state "Allah is better at deceiving than his enemies" Therefore, in these verses, we have the (supposedly) omniscient (all-knowing) being Allah, telling us outright that he is the best deceiver. Being all-knowing, he would be aware of anyone higher at deception than he is. | |||
If someone who is all-knowing tells you he is the best deceiver, and you accept this | If someone who is all-knowing tells you he is the best deceiver, and you accept this how can you say that you trust him not to deceive you as well? After all, since he is the self-admitted 'best' at deception, if he chose to deceive you, it would be highly unlikely that you would be able to detect such a deception if you are using solely his words as a guide to your life. Who's to say he is being truthful about anything else in the Qur'an? Even if he says he is being truthful to you, you already know that you cannot trust him because he has already admitted to being the 'best deceiver' - it could be another deception. | ||
Furthermore, there are verses in the Qur'an that show us that Allah did not only confine his deception to his enemies, as in the above quoted verses. | Furthermore, there are verses in the Qur'an that show us that Allah did not only confine his deception to his enemies, as in the above quoted verses. | ||
==== Allah Deceives Muslims ==== | ====Allah Deceives Muslims==== | ||
{{quote | {{cite quran|8|43|end=44|style=ref}} | When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many you would certainly have become weak-hearted and you would have disputed about the matter, but Allah saved (you); surely He is the Knower of what is in the breasts. | {{quote | {{cite quran|8|43|end=44|style=ref}} | When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many you would certainly have become weak-hearted and you would have disputed about the matter, but Allah saved (you); surely He is the Knower of what is in the breasts. | ||
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(And (remember) when you met. He showed them to you...), He encouraged each of the two groups against the other, according to `Ikrimah, as recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim. }} | (And (remember) when you met. He showed them to you...), He encouraged each of the two groups against the other, according to `Ikrimah, as recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim. }} | ||
Kathir claims it was 'compassion' on the part of Allah to show a 'few' to Muhammad when there were many more than that, but this does not negate the fact that Allah deceived the Muslims in this matter - it was deception plain and simple. If we say to you that you get 3 years in jail in return for your sworn testimony, but we know (and conceal) the fact that you will actually get 6 years, this is not compassion, it is deception. In the same way we can say that Allah has deliberately deceived the Muslims in these verses in order to get them to do what he wants (ie. [[The Meaning of Qatal|fight]]). This example alone negates the | Kathir claims it was 'compassion' on the part of Allah to show a 'few' to Muhammad when there were many more than that, but this does not negate the fact that Allah deceived the Muslims in this matter - it was deception plain and simple. If we say to you that you get 3 years in jail in return for your sworn testimony, but we know (and conceal) the fact that you will actually get 6 years, this is not compassion, it is deception. In the same way we can say that Allah has deliberately deceived the Muslims in these verses in order to get them to do what he wants (ie. [[The Meaning of Qatal|fight]]). This example alone negates the claim that "Allah only deceives his enemies" as we can see that Allah deceived Muhammad - uswa hasana - so it is not unlikely that Allah will (and has) deceived other Muslims before and after this event. | ||
==== Allah Created Christianity Through Deception==== | ====Allah Created Christianity Through Deception==== | ||
According to Islam, [[Jesus]] is not [[God]], and he was ''not'' crucified, yet an entire religion sprung from Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. This is the central focus of Christianity. Allah however, makes it clear in the Qur'an that Jesus was not crucified (died) and he is not God's son, meaning that Christian's are in error to follow these beliefs. But why do Christians think he was crucified? Because Allah admits that he made it appear so: | According to Islam, [[Jesus]] is not [[God]], and he was ''not'' crucified, yet an entire religion sprung from Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. This is the central focus of Christianity. Allah however, makes it clear in the Qur'an that Jesus was not crucified (died) and he is not God's son, meaning that Christian's are in error to follow these beliefs. But why do Christians think he was crucified? Because Allah admits that he made it appear so: | ||
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Let's look at it from another point of view; Allah sent Jesus to 'fix' the errors that had crept into Judaism, but then undoes any corrections that were made from the intervention (and Jesus' message) by making it appear (in the end) that Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead. This negates the entire purpose of sending Jesus. This leaves the people with not only one alternative to Allah's 'true' religion, but two; Judaism or Christianity which entails (among other things) following the message of Jesus, which Allah himself had corrupted by making it appear that he had risen from the dead. So for 600 years, Allah's pure religion was not to be found on this Earth and now (thanks to Allah's deception) had two competing faiths to deceive the people and tempt them away from the 'straight path'. This makes no sense. | Let's look at it from another point of view; Allah sent Jesus to 'fix' the errors that had crept into Judaism, but then undoes any corrections that were made from the intervention (and Jesus' message) by making it appear (in the end) that Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead. This negates the entire purpose of sending Jesus. This leaves the people with not only one alternative to Allah's 'true' religion, but two; Judaism or Christianity which entails (among other things) following the message of Jesus, which Allah himself had corrupted by making it appear that he had risen from the dead. So for 600 years, Allah's pure religion was not to be found on this Earth and now (thanks to Allah's deception) had two competing faiths to deceive the people and tempt them away from the 'straight path'. This makes no sense. | ||
==== Conclusion ==== | ====Conclusion==== | ||
In conclusion we can see that this objection (of context) is irrelevant because the statement in the verses is definitive (not dependent on context) and from the Qur'an itself we see that Allah has no problem deceiving: | In conclusion we can see that this objection (of context) is irrelevant because the statement in the verses is definitive (not dependent on context) and from the Qur'an itself we see that Allah has no problem deceiving: | ||
* "Enemies of Islam" | |||
* Muslims | *"Enemies of Islam" | ||
* Innocent people - who lived in the 600 years that it took Allah to send the Qur'an | *Muslims | ||
*Innocent people - who lived in the 600 years that it took Allah to send the Qur'an | |||
==Responses to Apologetics== | ==Responses to Apologetics== | ||
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{{Core POTB}} | {{Core POTB}} | ||
== See Also == | ==See Also== | ||
{{Hub4|Lying|Lying}} | {{Hub4|Lying|Lying}} | ||
{{Hub4|Allah|Allah}} | {{Hub4|Allah|Allah}} | ||
{{Hub4|Mistranslated Verses|Mistranslated Verses}} | {{Hub4|Mistranslated Verses|Mistranslated Verses}} | ||
{{Translation-links-english|[[Allah le meilleur trompeur|French]]}} | {{Translation-links-english|[[Allah le meilleur trompeur|French]]}} | ||
== External Links == | ==External Links== | ||
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/allah_best_deceiver.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Allah the greatest deceiver of them all] | *[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/allah_best_deceiver.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Allah the greatest deceiver of them all] | ||
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/cornelius/makr.html|2=2011-11-24}} Allah: Truthful or Deceiver?] | *[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/cornelius/makr.html|2=2011-11-24}} Allah: Truthful or Deceiver?] | ||
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Wood/deceptive_god.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Deceptive God, Incompetent Messiah] | *[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Wood/deceptive_god.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Deceptive God, Incompetent Messiah] | ||
'''Resources''' | '''Resources''' | ||
* [http://www.ghazali.org/books/wehr-cowan-76.pdf Hans-Wehr Dictionary - mkr (page 917)] ''(40MB PDF file)'' | *[http://www.ghazali.org/books/wehr-cowan-76.pdf Hans-Wehr Dictionary - mkr (page 917)] ''(40MB PDF file)'' | ||
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon - mkr - Volume 7, Page 256] | *[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon - mkr - Volume 7, Page 256] | ||
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.co.uk/14_MIIM.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon online summary - Mim-Kaf-Ra] | *[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.co.uk/14_MIIM.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon online summary - Mim-Kaf-Ra] | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|30em}} | {{Reflist|30em}} | ||
[[Category:Qur'an]] | [[Category:Qur'an]] | ||
[[Category:Sani]] | [[Category:Sani]] | ||