Little question about QURAN verse translation

[Karim_sunni]

Salaam, i am having an argument with a christian about verse 4:34

4.34 Alrrijalu qawwamoona AAala alnnisa-i bima faddala Allahu baAAdahum AAala baAAdin wabima anfaqoo min amwalihim faalssalihatu qanitatun hafithatun lilghaybi bima hafitha Allahu waallatee takhafoona nushoozahunna faAAithoohunna waohjuroohunna fee almadajiAAi waidriboohunna fa-in ataAAnakum fala tabghoo AAalayhinna sabeelan inna Allaha kana AAaliyyan kabeeran

he claims that the next translation is correct:

" Men are superior to women on account of the qualities which God hath gifted the one above the other, and on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them. Virtuous women are obedient, careful, during the husband's absence, because God hath of them been careful. But chide those for whose refractoriness ye have cause to fear; remove them into beds apart, AND SCOURGE THEM: but if they are obedient to you then seek not occasion against them: verily, God is High, Great!"

S. 4:34 Rodwell

He says that superior is an possible translation of the quranic verse, since i don't know arabic, what does the arabic word 'translated into superior by this anti -islamic orientalist' really mean?

so that i can refute this christian with arguments like 'the arabic word can only mean etc...'

wa salaam

[Kareem]

does he speak arabic?

[sudoku]

Assalaamu Alaikum

i got this translation from http://www.ummah.net/what-is-islam/q...le/nobe004.htm

34. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allâh and to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allâh orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.). As to those women on whose part you see ill*conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allâh is Ever Most High, Most Great.

Wassalaamu Alaikum

[Karim_sunni]

SHokran Umm-eesa, i know that translation, it's Shakir's and Yusuf Ali's translation, i like almost for sure know that the translation you post has to be the correct one, i only hope that someone could confirm that the arabic words mentioned in this verse indeed mean 'protector ' and / or 'maintainer' , so that i can shut the mouth of this anti-islam basher for-ever

[sudoku]

Assalaamu Alaikum

"Qawwaam" means (According to the Hans Wehr Arabic-English Dictionary)
1.Manager
2.Director
3.Super Intendant
4.Caretaker
5.Keeper
6.Custodian
7.Guardian (when used with the word " 'Alaa", as in the ayaah above..

Hope Insha Allah this helps, Ameen

Wassalaamu Alaikum

[Karim_sunni]

yesssssssssss





Umm-eesaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa shokran againnnnnnnnnnnnnn

looks like you are again my sheikh (giving me always the answers, i just wanne hear, DJAZAKALLAH)

i

[laughinglion]

It is unlikely that it has this meaning, unless you forced your own biases into such a transalation. It is from a root qaama (the same root as qiyam); and means to raise, erect, stand up and numerous other meanings incuding to support. Qawwaam has the more specific meaning of; keeper, custodian, guardian, etc. Nowhere does there seem to be a suggestion of superiority.

I am only a student in this so there is room for mistakes and further clarification.

With Peace.

[sudoku]

Assalaamu Alaikum

Wa Iyyaakum!

Wassalaamu Alaikum

[sudoku]

Assalaamu Alaikum

Well, br Laughinglion...according to my trusty dictionary, your translations are right, Alhamdu Lillah!

Wassalaamu Alaikum

[Karim_sunni]

Really shokrannnnnnn brothers and sisters, my Iman is getting stronger and more stronger, since i now know the arabic words, the more and more i love the quranic verses, wajowwwwwwwwwww i have to learn arabic, i wish i could