'Ghayb' or the Unseen

[Zainab_M]

I would like to share a comment by Brother Louay Fatoohi, taken from one his his articles titled "Ghayb" meaning the Unseen.  The article explains the various context of this term which he has explained well.  You can read this article HERE.  I only disagree with the last paragraph which I quote as below:

Quote
Finally, I should note that while the term “ghyab” is usually translated correctly as “unseen,” “invisible,” “secrets,” or “hidden things,” the slightly different term “bil-ghyab” is mostly translated incorrectly. The latter is often wrongly translated as “in secret,” which has a completely different meaning from the intended meaning of “as a matter of faith.” This wrong translation is used by many including Shakir, Pickthall, Sher Ali, Palmer, Rodwell, and Sale. Arberry uses “in the unseen,” which is also incorrect. Yusuf Ali and Hilali-Khan, however, use translations such as “fear Him unseen,” which convey the meaning accurately.
Unquote


Concerning this last paragraph, don't the terms "in secret" and "as a matter of faith" have the same basic connotation?  Accepting something "as a matter of faith" would mean (or could refer to mean) accepting the 'unknown.'  The term "in secret" in several translations is also meant to refer to the unknown, not to the standard definition of secret such as private, concealed or undisclosed.

Any comments from anyone?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Yes, I think Br. Louay doesn't agree with that translation because he hasn't expanded it enough.   That's creating a bit of misunderstanding.

Confusions generally arise with translations owing to the difference of grammatical rules in different languages.  At such times it helps if one moves away from the standard norms of grammatical rules and its interpretations, and be focused entirely on the context or the discourse that surrounds a language.  That helps more to determine the interpretation of terminologies in that piece.  

For example, the literal meaning of the word 'zalimeen' in English would translate as 'tyrants.'  But in Arabic, or in Quranic Arabic, 'zalimeen' has a wider reference.  It often translates as 'wrong doers' or 'miscreants' etc.  Similarly, the word 'sama' would literally mean 'atmosphere' in English. Probably in Urdo it also means the same.  But in Arabic it usually translates to 'sky' or 'the heavens.'   Now, if you think of it, the terms atmosphere, sky and the heavens basically have the same connotation, except that 'sky' and 'the heavens' have a more specific and wider denotation.  

Keeping in mind the same, some may translate as --

those who 'believe in secret' or those who 'fear Allah in secret.'  

Another translation of the same maybe --

those who 'believe as a matter of faith' or who 'fear Him unseen.'

The variation is much on the same lines as the difference  between 'atmosphere' and 'sky.'  

When it's said to believe as 'a matter of faith' the connotation is obviously to the unseen.  If it wasn't the unseen, then it would be more a matter of personal or visual experience and blind faith wouldn't be required.

Similarly, when it's stated to 'believe in secret' or someone 'believes in secret,'  it carries the same sense, that is, to believe in the secrets of the heavens and the earth which means the unseen.  There are many secrets in the universe and the earth created by Allah which are unseen by mankind and only known to Him.   Most importantly, Allah Almighty Who is uncreated and the One Lord & Master of everything, is the most important concept of the Unseen.  Thus, believing in Allah and believing in all the unseen secrets which He has created like Paradise, Hellfire, Al-Araaf must be a matter of faith.

I would conclude that both translations, "fear Him unseen" and "in secret" are correct.  It's only that the former is a bit more extensive in writing, in that, it literally underscores the importance of belief in the unseen through faith (or blind faith), while the latter highlights the importance of belief in the unseen (secret) .. the aspect of faith (or blind faith) being taken for granted.  

And only Allah knows best.

[N. Truth Seeker]

MashAllah very scholarly topic. 

I would conclude that both translations, "fear Him unseen" and "in secret" are correct.  It's only that the former is a bit more extensive in writing, in that, it literally underscores the importance of belief in the unseen through faith (or blind faith), while the latter highlights the importance of belief in the unseen (secret) .. the aspect of faith (or blind faith) being taken for granted.  

And only Allah knows best.

Well yes, this is precisely the difference. 

Also, one must read the Quranic verses carefully so as not to confuse the meanings.  The word "secret" in many verses is also used with its standard meaning, that is, 'private' or 'undisclosed' or 'hidden.'   For example,  read the following verse from Surah Al-Baqrah.  This is Pickthall's translation.  Where he translates using the word "stealth," many other translators including Yusuf Ali, have used "secretly."  Most people might think that the word "secretly" better suits the context, however, Pickthall's aim has always been to keep his translations as accurate and direct as possible from the original, which from the viewpoint of English grammar, might sometimes result in not the most accurate selection of English words.   The translation of Verse 2:274 is an example of that.  But to be honest, I prefer this method of Pickthall a lot more than that of others, who either with the goal of beautifying their translations or for the purpose of putting up their personal interpretations, do not adhere to the method of keeping their translations as close as possible to the original Quranic Arabic.  After all, reading a translation that's closest to the original is the most important thing, a lot more important than reading decorated translations, many of which might have deviated from the original.

"Those who spend their wealth by night and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with their Lord, and their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve."  2:274

In the above Verse 2:274, "stealth" or "secretly" express the standard & literal meaning, that is, 'in private' or 'hidden from public eyes.'


Check another example too from Surah Maryam ....

19:3 إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ نِدَاءً خَفِيًّا
"When he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret,"

This is again Pickthall's translation.  He has translated the word "khafiya" or خَفِيًّا as "secret."   If you look up the Arabic to English dictionary, it can mean 'secret' or 'hidden.'   In this context the term 'secret' (or even if it's translated as 'hidden') does not mean 'unseen.'  Rather it means crying out to Allah 'in private' or 'in seclusion,' expressing the literal interpretation of the word "secret."

Moreover, pertaining to the topic of this thread, there are also English translations of some Quranic verses which translate to the effect of fearing Allah 'in secret.'  I cannot precisely recall which verses at the moment, but I'm sure this expression is used in several translations.   I'll quote those verses as I come across them in my daily readings, InshAllah.  In this regard, I think sisters Cat and Zeynab have explained this matter with a lot of thought.  But, in my opinion, even in such verses the term "in secret" can be taken in the literal sense of 'private' or 'undisclosed.'   Of course it depends upon the context of every  verse we read.  But I think it could either refer to fearing Allah 'as a matter of faith,' or it could also refer to people who are humble and keep their faith in Allah 'secret.'  This would mean, not making an outward show of one's piety and faith in Allah or not trying to impress others, rather strengthening one's faith, enjoining the right, forbidding the wrong and at the same time being humble about one's efforts. 

And only Allah knows best.  Allah-o-Alim.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

MaashAllah, dear br. PT.  You have further educated us.  Your interpretations seem to expand very correctly, in the right direction. 

The Quranic term which br. Louay Fatoohi disucssed in his last paragraph and the topic of this thread is "بِالْغَيْبِ"  (bil-ghayb).   Tonight as I was reading Surah Maryam, I came across a verse containing this term.

(19:61)  جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِي وَعَدَ الرَّحْمَٰنُ عِبَادَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ وَعْدُهُ مَأْتِيًّا

"Gardens of Eden, which the Beneficent hath promised to His slaves in the unseen. Lo! His promise is ever sure of fulfilment -"

This is a Pickthall translation.  He has translated "bil-ghayb" as "unseen," a translation which br. Louay doesn't agree with and prefers the expression "as a matter of faith."  But, in the context of the above particular verse, very definitely the term "unseen" fits the meaning more accurately.   Therefore, as I had mentioned, every verse much be studied separately to determine which expression is best suited for a translation.  However, Pickthall, as we know, is focused more on the similarity of the English equivalent with the original Arabic of every word he translates.    Thus, I think br. Louay's brief critisizm is not too correct.  Apart from not expanding the interpretation of Pickthall translations, he is also generalizing matters much. 

Also, I would like to bring out the point in regard to the above verse, that even if "in secret" was used in place of "unseen," it would still convey the same sense. 

[Zainab_M]

Sister Heba and Br. Pt .. I cannot say how grateful I am to both of u for taking the time and giving me such a precious feedback on this important topic, and you've also helped to widen my reflections on a correct path.  Alhumdulilah.  I had been following it from the beginning, but I thought I'll post my thanks at the end of it.  I must save this thread in my backup file.  Thank you again and may Allah bless you.