Follow The Word of God [39:18]

الَّذينَ يَستَمِعونَ القَولَ فَيَتَّبِعونَ أَحسَنَهُ ۚ أُولٰئِكَ الَّذينَ هَداهُمُ اللَّهُ ۖ وَأُولٰئِكَ هُم أُولُو الأَلبابِ

Follow the word of God

[39:18] They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom GOD has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.

In the past I wondered why Rashad included the header “Follow the word of God”. Clearly God’s word is the best, but couldn’t the best be applicable to any information that is true and righteous?

Today I noticed the following verse that seems unrelated, but on further inspection found something interesting.

[92:6] And upholds the scripture. [92:7] We will direct him towards happiness. [92:8] But he who is stingy, though he is rich. [92:9] And disbelieves in the scripture.

The Arabic for this verse is the following:

Notice that the arabic indicates the word ” الْحُسْنَىٰ ” which literally translates to “the best”, yet Rashad translated this as “the scripture”. This is because God’s word is the best and the disbelievers, they reject God’s words and are therefore forbidden from seeing the truth.

The Quran Consummates All Scriptures
[2:89] When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD’s condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers. [2:90] Miserable indeed is what they sold their souls for—rejecting these revelations of GOD out of sheer resentment that GOD should bestow His grace upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. Consequently, they incurred wrath upon wrath. The disbelievers have incurred a humiliating retribution.

What is interesting is that 39:18 is mistranslated by many into the opposite of what it actually means. Below are several translations including Rashad’s.

The word ” الْقَوْلَ ” can either be translated as “The Word” as in the word of God, or as “all words”. If one was to translate this as “The Word” this it makes it appear that we should be selective which words of God we should follow. As many traditional Muslims believe that some of the verses of the Quran have been abrogated by Hadith. This style of translation suits their understanding.

[16:37] No matter how hard you try to guide them, GOD does not guide the ones He had committed to straying. Thus, no one can help them.

By God’s leave we have been blessed with a translation that is authorized, and communicates to us God’s word to guide us out of darkness into the light.

[65:11] a messenger who recites to you GOD’s revelations, clearly, to lead those who believe and work righteousness out of the darkness into the light. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. GOD will generously reward him.

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