It is noteworthy that the above-mentioned traditions were...

It is noteworthy that the above-mentioned traditions were narrated by prominent Sunni traditionists through various transmitters. Yusuf Ali was not a traditionist nor do Sunnis consider his commentary an authoritative one. Besides, we can prove logically that Yusuf Ali’s commentary is incorrect. “Those of near kin” are the kin of the Prophet himself. Because is only one person.

If Allah wanted to say “Love the Prophet because he is your kin”, He could say so, and He would not use “Those of near kin”. Moreover, from the verse, it is clear that Allah was not addressing non-Muslims because the verse is about his wage in return for his prophethood. Thus those unbelievers (among his kin or else) who do not recognise him as a Prophet, were not being addressed.

What kind of wage could the Prophet expect from an unbeliever (among his kin or else) who does not recognize him as a prophet?! Thus, It was the Muslims who are being addressed by the verse. Now, if Yusuf Ali meant that the verse was addressing those Muslims who were his kin, then I would like to ask: Who among the near kin of the Prophet was Muslims but tried to prosecute the Prophet? The answer is none.

If you think otherwise, please present your evidence from the history of the life of the Prophet (PBUHH). Therefore, Yusuf Ali’s commentary is neither in harmony with the above-mentioned Sunni traditions in this regard nor in harmony with logic. I do not intend to discuss all the mistakes which exist in Yusuf Ali’s works.

I myself have found some trivial mistakes in his translation of the Qur’an, and there is even a book named “Discussion on the errors of Yusuf Ali” (7) which discusses some of his errors. Although I do not intend to fully discredit his works, it would be beneficial to mention his translation of a verse of the Qur’an in connection with the current topic, and then compare it to other translations. This verse is very similar to the above-mentioned verse of the Quran (8).

Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, similarly said: “(O Prophet) tell (people) whatever I asked you as wage (in return for my prophethood) is in the benefit of you (people)” (9).

Here is Pickthall’s translation: Pickthall> “Say: Whatever reward I might have asked of you is yours” (10) Now, let us look at Yusuf Ali’s translation: Yusuf Ali> “Say: No reward do I ask of you; it is (all) in your interest” (11) One can see that the translation of Yusuf Ali provides meaning quite contradictory to the others.