The phrase “Qatalahum Allah” (قاتلهم الله) appears in the Quran and carries a complex meaning often translated as “May Allah destroy them.” However, a deeper understanding of its linguistic and contextual nuances reveals a more nuanced interpretation. This article will delve into the various translations and interpretations of this phrase, focusing on its appearance in the Quran (9:30 and 63:4) and exploring the keyword “May Allah Guide Them In Arabic” as a relevant point of discussion.
In the Quran (9:30), the verse states:
وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ ابْنُ اللّهِ وَقَالَتْ النَّصَارَى الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ اللّهِ ذَلِكَ قَوْلُهُم بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ يُضَاهِؤُونَ قَوْلَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن قَبْلُ قَاتَلَهُمُ اللّهُ أَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ
This translates to: “The Jews said, “Ezra is the son of God,” and the Christians said, “The Messiah is the son of God.” These are their statements, out of their mouths. They emulate the statements of those who blasphemed before. May Allah destroy them! How deluded they are!”
Similarly, the phrase appears in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:4) concerning hypocrites.
Diverse Translations and Interpretations of “Qatalahum Allah”
The expression “Qatalahum Allah” has yielded a variety of translations in English, reflecting the difficulty in capturing its precise meaning:
- Saheeh International: May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?
- Itani: May God assail them! How deceived they are! (9:30) / God condemns them; how deluded they are! (63:4)
- Wahidduddin Khan: May God destroy them! How far astray they have been led! (9:30) / The curse of God be upon them! How they turn away! (63:4)
- Rodwell: God do battle with them! How are they misguided!
- Pickthall: Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they! (9:30) / Allah confound them. How they are perverted! (63:4)
These variations highlight the challenge of translating a phrase that carries both a literal and a figurative weight. While “May Allah destroy them” is a common rendering, it is crucial to understand the intent behind it.
The translations show that the underlying sentiment expresses the wish for Allah to intervene and deal with those who deliberately reject the truth and spread falsehoods. Pickthall’s translation – “Allah confound them” – offers an interesting perspective, implying a wish for confusion and disarray in their plans and actions.
Beyond Literal Destruction: A Call for Guidance
Instead of solely focusing on the destructive aspect, another interpretation emphasizes the desire for divine guidance. Recognizing that those who utter blasphemous statements or engage in hypocrisy are deeply misguided, the sentiment behind “Qatalahum Allah” can also be understood as a plea: “May Allah guide them in Arabic” (الله يهديهم).
This perspective suggests that the phrase is not merely a curse but also a recognition of the individuals’ profound spiritual need. It acknowledges that their actions stem from a place of ignorance and misdirection and that true rectification can only come through divine intervention.
Contextual Understanding: A Time for Reflection
The context in which “Qatalahum Allah” appears is crucial. In Surah At-Tawbah (9:30), it follows a description of those who attribute falsehoods to Allah. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions and the importance of adhering to the truth. Similarly, in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:4), it is used in relation to hypocrites who outwardly profess belief but harbor disbelief in their hearts.
Understanding the context helps us to see that the phrase is not an indiscriminate condemnation but rather a specific response to deliberate acts of defiance and deception. It also underscores the importance of sincere belief and the dangers of hypocrisy.
Conclusion: Seeking Guidance and Understanding
“Qatalahum Allah” is a phrase with multiple layers of meaning. While commonly translated as “May Allah destroy them,” it also carries a sense of frustration and a plea for divine intervention. Recognizing the spiritual need of those who are misguided, a deeper understanding can lead to a more compassionate perspective – a sincere hope that “May Allah guide them in Arabic” (الله يهديهم) to the truth. The ultimate goal is not destruction but rectification, guidance, and the triumph of truth over falsehood. It also fits well to the hypocrites in 63:4 as it is impossible to talk to someone about a problem that he denies. So let them see. As to the context of 9:30, the Prophet was told that he cannot persuade the people had around him and to leave it to God to punish them.
