Sale's translation is the most scholarly we have, but Rodwell's version is more literary, and hence easier for reading. (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi (23 November 1934).

In comparing what. to me. is a very important set of verses, I find the differences extraordinary in terms of what to me is their apparent prophetic message. Sale's appears explicitly admonitional and prophetic.

Sale: Sura 7: 33-36 Say, verily my Lord hath forbidden filthy actions, both that which is discovered thereof, and that which is concealed, and also iniquity, and unjust violence; and hath forbidden you to associate with God that concerning which he hath sent down no authority, or to speak of God that which ye know not. Unto every nation there is a prefixed term; therefore when their term is expired, they shall not have respite for an hour, neither shall they be anticipated. O Children of Adam, verily apostles from among you shall come unto you, who shall expound my signs unto you: whosoever therefore shall fear God and amend, there shall come no fear on them, neither shall they be grieved. But they who shall accuse our signs of falsehood, and shall proudly reject them they shall be companions of hell fire; they shall remain forever.

Rodwell appears to do the same.

Rodwell:
33 Say: Truly my Lord hath forbidden filthy actions whether open or
secret, and iniquity, and unjust violence, and to associate with God that for
which He hath sent down no warranty, and to speak of God that ye know not.


34 Every nation hath its set time. And when their time is come, they shall
not retard it an hour; and they shall not advance it.

35 O children of Adam! there shall come Apostles from among yourselves,
rehearsing my signs to you; and whoso shall fear God and do good works, no fear
shall be upon them, neither shall they be put to grief.


36 But they who charge our signs with falsehood, and turn away from them in
their pride, shall be inmates of the fire: for ever shall they abide therein.
(The Qur'an (Rodwell tr), Sura 7 - Al Araf)



On the other hand Yusuf Ali appears to obliterate or obfuscate the apparently prophetic intent of verse 35.


Yusuf Ali:

33. Say: The things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to Allah, for which he hath given no authority; and saying things about Allah of which ye have no knowledge.

34. To every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance (it in anticipation).

35. O ye children of Adam! whenever there come to you Messengers from amongst you, rehearsing my signs unto you, those who are righteous and mend (their lives), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

36. But those who reject our signs and treat them with arrogance, they are companions of the fire, to dwell therein (for ever). (The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 7)











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