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The [[Qur'an]] never stated anywhere that [[Allah]] is the 'best deceiver'. The root word used in these verses is ''Makr'' which means ''deception''. The literal translations presented here, referenced from a Muslim [[websites|website]], make this very clear. However, the majority of Qur'anic translations [[Mistranslated Verses|erroneously translate]] this term; as can be seen in the following quotes and analysis.
{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=4|Content=4|Language=2|References=4}}
[[File:Quran 3-54.png|290px|right|thumb]]
The [[Qur'an]] openly states many times that [[Allah]] is the best of ''l-mākirīna'', a word sometimes mildly translated as ''planners'', though also as ''schemers'' or ''plotters''. The Arabic word used here is "ماكر" "maakir", coming from the root m-k-r م-ك-ر, with the word ''Makr'' "مكر" primarily meaning to practice deceit or guile or circumvention.<ref>Makr - [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf Lane's Lexicon p. 2728]</ref> Due to this definition, some critics consider it a highly inappropriate term for the Quran to describe Allah, particularly as the Quran elsewhere tells believers to shun lying speech ({{Quran|22|30}}), to not testify to falsehood ({{Quran|25|72}}), and describes them as the truthful ({{Quran|3|17}}). Similar exhortations to truthfulness are found in hadiths, with exceptions in the case of warfare, to facilitate the murder of one of Muhammad's enemies, or to bring reconciliation between parties (on a related note, one Quranic concept is commonly misrepresented in online critical discourse as if it were a general permission to lie about the faith, which is not the case, as explained in the article [[taqiyya]]).


Although there are many places in the Qur'an that use the same word (makir) in reference to Allah<ref>[http://www.irreduciblefifth.force9.co.uk/burhan/b.311.htm Quran root browser - م ك ر - m-k-r]</ref>  this article will focus only on the verses in which Allah describes himself as the 'best deceiver'.
==Introduction==


== To deceive (definition)==
The Qur'an openly states many times that Allah is the best of ''l-mākirīna''. The root word used in these verses is ''Makr'' which means deception, guile or circumvention. The literal translations presented here, referenced from a Muslim website, make this very clear. However, the majority of Qur'anic translations [[Mistranslations of Islamic Scripture (English)|erroneously translate]] this term; as can be seen in the following quotes and analysis.


{{quote |1=[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.yourdictionary.com/deceive|2=2011-04-10}} Deceive definition]<BR>Webster's New World College Dictionary|2='''<big>de·ceive</big>''' (dē sēv′, di-)
Although there are many places in the Qur'an that use the same word (makir) in reference to Allah,<ref>[http://www.irreduciblefifth.force9.co.uk/burhan/b.x.311.htm Quran root browser - م ك ر - m-k-r]</ref> this article will focus only on the verses in which Allah describes himself as the best of l-mākirīna.


'''''transitive verb'' deceived -·ceived′, deceiving -·ceiv′·ing'''
==Qur'an==
#to make (a person) believe what is not true; delude; mislead
#<small>Archaic</small> to be false to; betray
#<small>Archaic</small> to while away (time)


Etymology: ME ''deceiven'' < OFr ''deceveir'' < L ''decipere'', to ensnare, ''deceive'' < de-, from + ''capere'', to take.
In the following Qur'an verses, Allah is said to be the best of l-mākirīna, is faster in makran, or that all l-makru is Allah's.


'''''intransitive verb'''''
===Qur'an 3:54===
to use deceit; '''lie'''
 
'''Related Forms:'''
:• '''deceivable de·ceiv′·able ''adjective'''''
:• '''deceiver de·ceiv′er ''noun'''''
:• '''deceivingly de·ceiv′·ingly ''adverb'''''}}
 
== Qur'an verses ==
 
In the following Qur'an verses, Allah reveals to us that he is the "best deceiver".
 
=== Qur'an 3:54 ===


{{quote |{{Qtt|3|54}}|
{{quote |{{Qtt|3|54}}|
Line 35: Line 22:
'''Literal:''' And they cheated/deceived and God cheated/deceived, and God (is) the best (of) the cheaters/deceivers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/3/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 3. Ali-Imran - The Family Of 'Imran (سورة آل عمران) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}
'''Literal:''' And they cheated/deceived and God cheated/deceived, and God (is) the best (of) the cheaters/deceivers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/3/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 3. Ali-Imran - The Family Of 'Imran (سورة آل عمران) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}


=== Qur'an 7:99 ===
===Qur'an 7:99===


{{quote |{{Qtt|7|99}}|
{{quote |{{Qtt|7|99}}|
Line 43: Line 30:
'''Literal:''' Did they secure God's scheme/deceit ? So no(one) trusts God's scheme/deceit except the nation the losers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/7/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 7. Al-A'raf - The Heights (سورة الأعراف) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}
'''Literal:''' Did they secure God's scheme/deceit ? So no(one) trusts God's scheme/deceit except the nation the losers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/7/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 7. Al-A'raf - The Heights (سورة الأعراف) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}


=== Qur'an 8:30 ===
===Qur'an 8:30===


{{quote |{{Qtt|8|30}}|
{{quote |{{Qtt|8|30}}|
Line 51: Line 38:
'''Literal:''' And when those who disbelieved deceive/scheme at you to affix/affirm you, or kill you, or bring you out, and they scheme/deceive , and God deceives/schemes and God (is) best (of) the deceivers/schemers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/8/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 8. Al-Anfal - Spoils Of War (سورة الأنفال) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}
'''Literal:''' And when those who disbelieved deceive/scheme at you to affix/affirm you, or kill you, or bring you out, and they scheme/deceive , and God deceives/schemes and God (is) best (of) the deceivers/schemers.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/8/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 8. Al-Anfal - Spoils Of War (سورة الأنفال) - Revealed in Madinah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}


=== Qur'an 10:21 ===
===Qur'an 10:21===


{{quote |{{Qtt|10|21}}|
{{quote |{{Qtt|10|21}}|
Line 59: Line 46:
'''Literal:''' And if We made the people taste/experience mercy from after calamity/disastrous distress touched them, then for them (is) cheatery/deceit/schemes in Our verses/evidences . Say: "God (is) quicker/faster (in) cunning/scheming , that Our messengers write what you cheat/ deceive/scheme."<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/10/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 10. Yunus - Jonah (سورة يونس) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}
'''Literal:''' And if We made the people taste/experience mercy from after calamity/disastrous distress touched them, then for them (is) cheatery/deceit/schemes in Our verses/evidences . Say: "God (is) quicker/faster (in) cunning/scheming , that Our messengers write what you cheat/ deceive/scheme."<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://iknowledge.islamicnature.com/quran/surah/10/lang/englishliteral/|2=2011-08-25}} 10. Yunus - Jonah (سورة يونس) - Revealed in Makkah (English: Literal)] - IslamicNature, accessed August 25, 2011</ref>}}


=== Qur'an 13:42 ===
===Qur'an 13:42===


{{quote |{{Qtt|13|42}}|
{{quote |{{Qtt|13|42}}|
Line 69: Line 56:
The word makir is always used disparagingly, and never in a positive context. It is often used to describe someone sly and dishonest. This is because of the way a makir deceives - they set out to cheat you by deception. It is highly inappropriate for Allah to use this word to describe himself; especially when two of his names are الحق (the truth) and الوكيل (the dependable).
The word makir is always used disparagingly, and never in a positive context. It is often used to describe someone sly and dishonest. This is because of the way a makir deceives - they set out to cheat you by deception. It is highly inappropriate for Allah to use this word to describe himself; especially when two of his names are الحق (the truth) and الوكيل (the dependable).


==Literal meaning of Makr==
==Literal Meaning of Makr==
This section quotes numerous academic sources to study the meaning of ''Makr'':
This section quotes numerous academic sources to study the meaning of ''Makr''.
 
===Lane's Lexicon===
 
Edward William Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon is the most revered and scholarly English dictionary of the Arabic language. From Lane's Lexicon p. 2728 (the full entry can be viewed [[:File:Makr Lane-Lexicon-page Vol 7-pg. 256.jpg|here]] or [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf here]):
 
{{Quote|1=[http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf Lane's Lexicon p. 2728]|2=1. مَكَرَ, aor. مَكُرَ, (Msb, TA,) inf. n. مَكْرٌ; (S, A, Msb, K;) and ↓ امكر; (Msb;) He practised deceit, guile, or circumvention; or he practised deceit, guile, or circumvention, desiring to do to another a foul, an abominable, or an evil, action, clandestinely, or without his knowing whence it proceeded; syn. خَدَعَ; (Msb;) and of the inf. n. خَدِيعَةٌ: (S, A, K:) he practised an evasion or elusion, a shift, an artifice, or artful contrivance or device, a machination, a trick, a plot, a stratagem, or an expedient; he plotted; or he exercised art, craft, cunning, or skill, in the management or ordering of affairs, with excel-lent consideration or deliberation, and ability to manage according to his own free will; syn. of the inf. n. إِحْتِيَالٌ: (S, TA:) or to this explanation, conveyed by احتيال as the syn. of the inf. n., should be added secretly, or privately: (Lth, TA:) مَكْرٌ is praised or dispraised according to the nature of its object. (El-Basáir.) [For further explanation, see what follows.] It is trans. by means of بِ: and also, accord. to Z, by itself: (MF:) [but I know not any instance of its being trans. by itself: except as meaning he plotted a thing: see مَكْرَ السَّيِّئ in the Kur, xxxv. 41, cited voce سَيِّئٌ:] you say مَكَرَ بِهِ, (S, A, TA,) aor. and inf. n. as above, (S, TA,) meaning, He deceived, beguiled, or circumvented, him; or he deceived, beguiled, or circumvented, him, and desired to do him a foul, an abominable, or an evil, action, clandestinely, or without his knowing whence it proceeded: &c.: (S, A, TA:) syn. كَادَهُ: or it differs [somewhat] from كاده, accord. to Aboo-Hilál El-'Askeree: (TA:) some say, that مكر به signifies as above with the addition of feigning the contrary of his real intentions; which كاده does not imply: or this latter signifies “ he did him harm,” or “ mischief; ” and the former, he did him harm, or mischief, clandestinely. (MF, voce كاد.) See art. خدع. مَكَرَ also signifies He managed with thought, or consideration, or acted with policy, and practised stratagem, in war. (TA.) مَكَرَ اللّٰهُ and ↓ أَمْكَرَ are syn., (IKtt, Msb,) signifying, (tropical:) God recompensed, or requited, for مَكْر [or the practising deceit, &c.]: (Lth, * Msb, TA: *) or مَكْرُ اللّٰهِ signifies God's granting a man respite or delay, and enabling him to accomplish his worldly aims [so as to bring upon himself the punishment due to his evil actions]: (Er-Rághib, TA:) or, accord. to IAth, God's causing his trials to befall his enemies, exclusively of his friends: or his taking men by little and little, so that they do not reckon upon it, bestowing upon them renewed favours for acts of obedience which are imagined to be accepted whereas they are rejected. (TA.)<BR />
 
3. ماكرهُ He practised with him mutual deceit, guile, or circumvention; &c.; (A, * TA;) syn. خَادَعَهُ. (TA.)<BR />
 
4. see 1, in two places.<BR />
 
6. تماكروا They practised mutual deceit, guile, or circumvention; &c. (A, * TA.)<BR />
 
مَكُورٌ: see مَاكِرٌ.<BR />
مَكَّارٌ: see مَاكِرٌ.<BR />
 
مَاكِرٌ (S, A, Msb, K) and ↓ مَكَّارٌ (S, A, K) and ↓ مَكُورٌ (K) epithets from مَكَرَ: (S, A, Msb, K:) [the first signifying Practising deceit, guile, or circumvention; &c.: and the second and third, practising the same much, or frequently; deceitful, guileful, artful, crafty, or cunning; a trickster, or crafty knave.]
 
[[:File:Makr Lane-Lexicon-page Vol 7-pg. 256.jpg|Lane's Lexicon, p: 2728]]}}
 
===Hans Wehr===


{{Quote|1=[http://www.studyquran.co.uk/14_MIIM.htm Lane's Lexicon: "Miim"]|2='''Miim-Kaf-Ra''' = To practice deceit or guile or circumvention, practice evasion or elusion, to plot, to excercise art or craft or cunning, act with policy, practice strategem.
The Hans Wehr dictionary is regarded as the standard scholarly dictionary of Arabic for English-speaking students and scholars of the language. It also confirms the meaning of the term:


''makara'' vb. (1){{br}}
{{Quote|[[:File:Hans Wehr dictionary - page 917.jpg|Hans Wehr dictionary, page 917]]|[[File:Hans Wehr dictionary - page 917.jpg|300px]]}}
perf. act. 3:54, 3:54, 7:123, 13:42, 14:46, 16:26, 16:45, 27:50, 40:45, 71:22{{br}}
impf. act. 6:123, 6:123, 6:124, 8:30, 8:30, 8:30, 10:21, 12:102, 16:127, 27:70, 35:10{{br}}
n.vb. 7:99, 7:99, 7:123, 10:21, 10:21, 12:31, 13:33, 13:42, 14:46, 14:46, 14:46, 27:50, 27:50, 27:51, 34:33, 35:10, 35:43, 35:43, 71:22{{br}}
pcple. act. 3:54, 8:30


[[:File:Makr Lane-Lexicon-page Vol 7-pg. 256.jpg|LL, V7, p: 256]]}}
===Arabic Lexicon===
For more detail, see [[:File:Makr Lane-Lexicon-page Vol 7-pg. 256.jpg|Lane-Lexicon for ''Makr'']]


[[:File:Hans Wehr dictionary - page 917.jpg|Hans Wehr dictionary]] also confirms the meaning of the term:
{{Quote|1=[{{Reference archive|1=http://lexicons.sakhr.com/openme.aspx?fileurl=/html/1088382.html|2=2013-07-21}} Arabic Lexicon on ''Al-Makr'']|2=[[File:Arabic-lexicon for Al-Makr.gif]]}}


{{Quote|Hans Wehr dictionary, page 917|[[File:Hans Wehr dictionary - page 917.jpg|300px]]}}
{{Quote|1=[{{Reference archive|1=http://lexicons.sakhr.com/openme.aspx?fileurl=/html/3076064.html|2=2013-07-21}} Arabic Lexicon on ''Makir'']|2=[[File:Arabic-lexicon for Makir.gif]]}}
{{Quote|1=[http://lexicons.sakhr.com/openme.aspx?fileurl=/html/1088382.html Arabic Lexicon on ''Al-Makr'']|2=[[File:Arabic-lexicon for Al-Makr.gif]]}}


{{Quote|1=[http://lexicons.sakhr.com/openme.aspx?fileurl=/html/3076064.html Arabic Lexicon on ''Makir'']|2=[[File:Arabic-lexicon for Makir.gif]]}}
===Miscellaneous Dictionaries===


Meanings from other dictionaries and sources have been compiled below:
Meanings from other dictionaries and sources have been compiled below:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Dictionary
!Dictionary
! width = 100px | Word
! width="100px" |Word
! Meaning
!Meaning
|-
|-
| [http://translate.google.com/ Google Translate]
|[http://translate.google.com/ Google Translate]
| <font size="4">ماكر</font> (Makir)
|<font size="4">ماكر</font> (Makir)
| ''sly, cunning, deceitful'' ([http://translate.google.com/ read more])
|''sly, cunning, deceitful'' ([http://translate.google.com/ read more])
|-
|-
| [http://translation.babylon.com/Arabic Babylon.com]
|[http://translation.babylon.com/Arabic Babylon.com]
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
|<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
| ''n. calculating, cunning, astuteness, craftiness, foxiness, craft, slyness, archness, deceit, double-dealing, artifice, deception, wiliness, artfulness, furtiveness, ploy, trick, guile, ruse, roguery''  
|''n. calculating, cunning, astuteness, craftiness, foxiness, craft, slyness, archness, deceit, double-dealing, artifice, deception, wiliness, artfulness, furtiveness, ploy, trick, guile, ruse, roguery''
|-
|-
| [http://www.Stars21.com TranStar]
|[http://www.Stars21.com TranStar]
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
|<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
| ''wiliness'' (means: "Full of wiles" [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wiliness Merriam-Webster])
|''wiliness'' (means: "Full of wiles" [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wiliness Merriam-Webster])
|-
|-
| [http://qamoose.arabeyes.org/dict_main.cgi ArabEyes.com]
|[http://qamoose.arabeyes.org/dict_main.cgi ArabEyes.com]
| <font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr)
|<font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr)
| ''deception''
|''deception''
|-
|-
| [http://www.ebnmasr.net/wtranslate/ Ibn Masr]
|[http://www.ebnmasr.net/wtranslate/ Ibn Masr]
| <font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr)
|<font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr)
| ''deception''
|''deception''
|-
|-
| [http://www.systranet.com/?text=%D9%85%D9%83%D8%B1&lp=ar_en SYSTRAnet.com]
|[http://www.systranet.com/?text=%D9%85%D9%83%D8%B1&lp=ar_en SYSTRAnet.com]
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
|<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
| ''deception''
|''deception''
|-
|-
| [http://free.translated.net/ Translated.net]
|[http://free.translated.net/ Translated.net]
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)  
|<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
| ''deception''
|''deception''
|-
|-
| [http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com]
|[http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com]
| <font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr)
|<font size="4">المكر</font> (Al-Makr)
| ''deviousness''
|''deviousness''
|-
|-
| [http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com]
|[http://freetranslation.paralink.com/ ImTranslator.com]
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
|<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
| ''wiliness''  
|''wiliness''
|-
|-
| [http://online.ectaco.co.uk/main.jsp?do=e-services-dictionaries-word_translate1&direction=1&status=translate&lang1=23&lang2=ar&refid=-1&source=deception Ectaco]
|[http://online.ectaco.co.uk/main.jsp?do=e-services-dictionaries-word_translate1&direction=1&status=translate&lang1=23&lang2=ar&refid=-1&source=deception Ectaco]
| <font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)  
|<font size="4">مكر</font> (Makr)
| ''deception''
|''deception''
|}
|}


== The deception of the translators ==
==Inaccurate Translations==


The following are the English translations of the selected verses. As mentioned above, makir is never used in a positive sense - it denotes a shifty, sly person who uses deception as a means to their ends.  
The following are the English translations of the selected verses. As mentioned above, makir is never used in a positive sense - it denotes a shifty, sly person who uses deception as a means to their ends, even if the ends themselves may be viewed in either a favourable or unfavourable light.  


We see that most of the translators have taken makir ( with one of its possible translations 'scheme') to mean 'a systematic plan of action', and have translated makir to mean 'planner' or 'plotter'. However this completely disregards the accepted connotations of the word and the context of the given verses. Makir does not mean planner. Just because makir can be translated as scheme, and scheme can mean plan/plot, this does not mean that you can translate makir as planner/plotter. This is dishonesty on the part of those translators.
We see that most of the translators have taken makir (with one of its possible translations 'scheme') to mean 'a systematic plan of action', and have translated makir to mean 'planner'. However this completely disregards the accepted connotations of the word and the context of the given verses. Makir does not mean planner. Just because makir can be translated as scheme, and scheme can mean plan/plot, this does not mean that you can translate makir as planner.


Since the same word is used for both the unbelievers and Allah, in most cases the translators have opted for the more benign (and incorrect) translation in order to avoid revealing what Allah has truly said about himself, as this could cause fitnah.
Since the same word is used for both the unbelievers and Allah, in most cases the translations have opted for the more benign (and incorrect) translation in order to avoid the difficult statements made by the Qur'an.


=== Qur'an 3:54 ===
===Qur'an 3:54===


{{quote ||  
{{quote ||  
Line 200: Line 201:
'''Palmer:''' But they (the Jews) were crafty, and God was crafty, for God is the best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=003:054 Quran Browser - Quran 3:54]</ref>}}
'''Palmer:''' But they (the Jews) were crafty, and God was crafty, for God is the best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=003:054 Quran Browser - Quran 3:54]</ref>}}


=== Qur'an 7:99 ===
===Qur'an 7:99===


{{quote ||
{{quote ||
Line 253: Line 254:
'''Palmer:''' were they secure from the craft of God? none feel secure from the craft of God except a people that shall lose. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=007:099 Quran Browser - Quran 7:99]</ref>}}
'''Palmer:''' were they secure from the craft of God? none feel secure from the craft of God except a people that shall lose. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=007:099 Quran Browser - Quran 7:99]</ref>}}


=== Qur'an 8:30 ===
===Qur'an 8:30===
 
{{quote ||
'''Yusuf Ali:''' Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah. <ref name="iw8-30">{{quran-ia|8|33}}</ref>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Pickthal:''' And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Arberry:''' And when the unbelievers were devising against thee, to confine thee, or slay thee, or to expel thee, and were devising, and God was devising; and God is the best of devisers. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Shakir:''' And when those who disbelieved devised plans against you that they might confine you or slay you or drive you away; and they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Sarwar:''' The unbelievers planned to imprison, murder or expel you (Muhammad) from your city. They make evil plans but God too plans and God's plans are the best. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Khalifa:''' The disbelievers plot and scheme to neutralize you, or kill you, or banish you. However, they plot and scheme, but so does GOD. GOD is the best schemer. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Hilali/Khan:''' And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad SAW) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''H/K/Saheeh:''' And [remember, O Muúammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Malik:''' Remember, how the unbelievers plotted against you. They sought to take you captive or kill you or exile you. They planned - and Allah also planned - Allah is the best planner of all. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''QXP:''' Remember (O Messenger), when the rejecters were making schemes to arrest you, slay you, or expel you. That was their plan, but Allah's Law of Requital is designed to work in a way unfailing. Allah is the Best of planners. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Maulana Ali:''' And when those who disbelieved devised plans against thee that they might confine thee or slay thee or drive thee away -- and they devised plans and Allah, too, had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Free Minds:''' And the rejecters plot against you to arrest you, or to kill you, or to expel you. And they plot, and God plots, and God is the best of plotters. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''Qaribullah:''' And when the unbelievers plotted against you (Prophet Muhammad). They sought to either take you captive or have you killed, or expelled. They plotted but Allah (in reply) also plotted. Allah is the Best in plotting. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''George Sale:''' And call to mind when the unbelievers plotted against thee, that they might either detain thee in bonds, or put thee to death, or expel thee the city; and they plotted against thee: But God laid a plot against them; and God is the best layer of plots. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
'''JM Rodwell:''' And call to mind when the unbelievers plotted against thee, to detain thee prisoner, or to kill thee, or to banish thee: They plotted-but God plotted: and of plotters is God the best! <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
 
{{quote ||
{{quote ||
'''Asad:''' AND [remember, O Prophet,] how those who were bent on denying the truth were scheming against thee, in order to restrain thee [from preaching], or to slay thee, or to drive thee away: thus have they [always] schemed:'° but God brought their scheming to nought-for God is above all schemers. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
'''Asad:''' AND [remember, O Prophet,] how those who were bent on denying the truth were scheming against thee, in order to restrain thee [from preaching], or to slay thee, or to drive thee away: thus have they [always] schemed:'° but God brought their scheming to nought-for God is above all schemers. <ref name="iw8-30"/>}}
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'''Palmer:''' And when those who misbelieve were crafty with thee to detain thee a prisoner, or kill thee, or drive thee forth; they were crafty, but God was crafty too, for God is best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=008:030 Quran Browser - Quran 8:30]</ref> }}
'''Palmer:''' And when those who misbelieve were crafty with thee to detain thee a prisoner, or kill thee, or drive thee forth; they were crafty, but God was crafty too, for God is best of crafty ones! <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=008:030 Quran Browser - Quran 8:30]</ref> }}


=== Qur'an 10:21 ===
===Qur'an 10:21===


{{quote ||
{{quote ||
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{{quote ||
{{quote ||
'''Arberry:''' When We let the people taste mercy after hardship has visited them, lo, they have a device concerning Our signs. Say: 'God is swifter at blesing; surely Our messengers are writing down what you are devising. <ref name="iw10-21"/>}}
'''Arberry:''' When We let the people taste mercy after hardship has visited them, lo, they have a device concerning Our signs. Say: 'God is swifter at devising; surely Our messengers are writing down what you are devising. <ref name="iw10-21"/>}}


{{quote ||
{{quote ||
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'''Palmer:''' When we have let men taste of mercy after distress which has touched them, lo! they use a stratagem against our signs! Say, 'God is quicker at stratagem.' Verily, our messengers write down what stratagem ye use. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=010:021 Quran Browser - Quran 10:21]</ref> }}
'''Palmer:''' When we have let men taste of mercy after distress which has touched them, lo! they use a stratagem against our signs! Say, 'God is quicker at stratagem.' Verily, our messengers write down what stratagem ye use. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=010:021 Quran Browser - Quran 10:21]</ref> }}


=== Qur'an 13:42 ===
===Qur'an 13:42===


{{quote ||  
{{quote ||  
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'''Palmer:''' And those who were before them were crafty too; but God's is the craft altogether! He knows what every soul earns; and the misbelievers shall know whose is the recompense of the abode. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=013:042 Quran Browser - Quran 13:42]</ref> }}
'''Palmer:''' And those who were before them were crafty too; but God's is the craft altogether! He knows what every soul earns; and the misbelievers shall know whose is the recompense of the abode. <ref>[http://www.quranbrowser.com/cgi/bin/get.cgi?version=pickthall+yusufali+khan+shakir+sherali+khalifa+arberry+palmer+rodwell+sale+transliterated&layout=auto&searchstring=013:042 Quran Browser - Quran 13:42]</ref> }}


==== Analysis ====
====Analysis====


The translations of Yusuf Ali, Sarwar Hilali/Khan and Malik have furthered their dishonesty in the translation of makir by translating the same word differently in two places (in the same verse).  When referring to the unbelievers, they state that they 'plotted and planned' but that Allah only 'planned'. This implies that Allah's intentions and planning were completely benign, but that the unbelievers intentions were not - as 'plotter' itself has negative connotations. This translation completely disregards the meaning and connotations of makir, but if they insisted in using the word 'plan', then they should have rendered both usages the same, or they should have used 'devious/deceitful planner' instead of just 'planner' in order to convey the intended meaning.
The translations of Yusuf Ali, Sarwar Hilali/Khan and Malik are especially misrepresentative in their translation of makir by translating the same word differently in two places (in the same verse).  When referring to the unbelievers, they state that they 'plotted and planned' but that Allah only 'planned'. This implies that Allah's intentions and planning were completely benign, but that the unbelievers' intentions were not - as 'plotter' itself has negative connotations. This translation completely disregards the meaning and connotations of makir, but if they insist on using the word 'plan', then they should have rendered both usages the same, or they should have used 'devious/deceitful planner' instead of just 'planner' in order to convey the intended meaning.


Arberry and Qaribullah use the word 'devised', Rodwell uses the word 'plotted', Sale uses 'devised a strategem' and Shakir, HK/Saheeh, QXP and Maulana Ali all use the word 'planned' in reference to both the unbelievers and Allah. As stated before, using any of these words (all synonyms for 'planner') is dishonest because the translators have completely disregarded the context and meaning of the word in question. Just because makir can mean scheme and scheme can mean plan/plot/devise, does not mean that you can translate makir as plan/plot/devise. This is a non-sequitor.  
Arberry and Qaribullah use the word 'devised', Rodwell uses the word 'plotted', Sale uses 'devised a strategem' and Shakir, HK/Saheeh, QXP and Maulana Ali all use the word 'planned' in reference to both the unbelievers and Allah. As stated before, using any of these words (all synonyms for 'planner') is a misrepresentation because they completely disregard the context and meaning of the word in question. Just because makir can mean scheme and scheme can mean plan/plot/devise, does not mean that you can translate makir as plan/plot/devise.  


In this way, Pickthal, Khalifa, Free Minds and Shakir are the best translations here, because they have correctly translated makir - which can mean scheme. However they have left it a little open ended in that they have not conveyed the full meaning of the word. In English, although the word 'scheme' usually has a negative connotation, this is not always the case. Makir is always used in a negative context. Palmer's use of 'crafty' in this verse, although accurate, presents the same problem.
In this way, Pickthal, Khalifa, Free Minds and Shakir are the best translations here, because they correctly translate makir - which can mean scheme. However they leave it a little open ended by not conveying the full meaning of the word. In English, although the word 'scheme' usually has a negative connotation, this is not always the case. Makir is always used in a negative context. Palmer's use of 'crafty' in this verse, although accurate, presents the same problem.


== Apologetics ==
==Islamic Views on the Translation of Makir==


=== Dr. Jamal  Badawi ===
===Jamal  Badawi===


Although Dr. Badawi admits that makir is a negative word with negative connotations, he seeks to justify its usage in the Qur'an when referring to Allah, by claiming that it has a different meaning than that which we mere mortals have assigned it when referring to each other. This is from a Live Q & A session held on the 16<sup>th</sup> of April, 2007, on the ''readingislam.com'' website. The question and answer are as follows:
Although Dr. Badawi admits that makir is a negative word with negative connotations, he seeks to justify its usage in the Qur'an when referring to Allah, by claiming that it has a different meaning than that which we mere mortals have assigned it when referring to each other. This is from a Live Q & A session held on the 16<sup>th</sup> of April, 2007, on the ''readingislam.com'' website. The question and answer are as follows:
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When reading this verse, it is immediately apparent that this verse is talking about physical characteristics; the Qur'an is saying that although we have been created in pairs (male and female), Allah is not like this as he has no partner. Reviewing the relevant portion of Kathir's Tafsir confirms this:
When reading this verse, it is immediately apparent that this verse is talking about physical characteristics; the Qur'an is saying that although we have been created in pairs (male and female), Allah is not like this as he has no partner. Reviewing the relevant portion of Kathir's Tafsir confirms this:


{{quote |1=[http://tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=42&tid=47008 Allah is the Protector, Ruler and Creator (42:11)]<BR>Tafsir 'ibn Kathir|2= [فَاطِرَ السَّمَـوَتِ وَالاٌّرْضِ]
{{quote |1=[http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2109&Itemid=98 Allah is the Protector, Ruler and Creator (42:11)]<BR>Tafsir 'ibn Kathir|2= [فَاطِرَ السَّمَـوَتِ وَالاٌّرْضِ]


(The Creator of the heavens and the earth.) means, the Maker of them both and everything in between.
(The Creator of the heavens and the earth.) means, the Maker of them both and everything in between.
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It is therefore in error for Dr. Badawi to submit this verse as evidence that words have different meanings when referring to Allah, because it is clearly talking about physical creation and not the meanings of words as they should be defined when Allah uses them to describe himself.
It is therefore in error for Dr. Badawi to submit this verse as evidence that words have different meanings when referring to Allah, because it is clearly talking about physical creation and not the meanings of words as they should be defined when Allah uses them to describe himself.


Even though we see that Dr. Badawi has no legitimate basis for his claim, we shall humor him in order to ask some questions:
Even though we see that Dr. Badawi has no legitimate basis for his claim, his claim can be proven wrong based on the following lines of enquiry:


1. How many words have different meanings when referring to Allah? We've already seen that you've taken a word with a negative meaning and turned it into a positive, claiming 'reverence'. Does this mean that all negatively slanted words that Allah uses about himself must be turned into a positive, even if that means completely redefining the word in question? Isn't this a case of ''Special pleading''? <ref name="special">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_pleading Special pleading (logical fallacy)] - Wikipedia</ref>
1. How many words have different meanings when referring to Allah? We've already seen that Dr. Bardawi has taken a word with a negative meaning and turned it into a positive, claiming 'reverence'. Does this mean that all negatively slanted words that Allah uses about himself must be turned into a positive, even if that means completely redefining the word in question? Isn't this a case of ''Special pleading''?<ref name="special">Special pleading is a form of spurious argumentation where a position in a dispute introduces favorable details or excludes unfavorable details by alleging a need to apply additional considerations without proper criticism of these considerations themselves. Essentially, this involves someone attempting to cite something as an exemption to a generally accepted rule, principle, etc. without justifying the exemption. For more information about this logical fallacy, see the associated articles on [http://www.fallacyfiles.org/specplea.html The Fallacy Files], [http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/special-pleading.html The Nizkor Project] and the [https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Special_pleading.html Princeton University] websites.</ref>


2. Who decides what words have a different meaning when referring to Allah? Scholars like you? Don't you think this is just a way to hide and excuse the negative attributes of Allah by way of misdirecting those who are not as knowledgeable about Islam, the Qur'an and the Arabic language?
2. Who decides what words have a different meaning when referring to Allah? This is just a way to hide and excuse the negative attributes of Allah by way of misdirecting those who are not as knowledgeable about Islam, the Qur'an and the Arabic language.


3. The Qur'an tells us: {{Quote|{{Quran|16|103}}| And certainly We know that they say: Only a mortal teaches him. The tongue of him whom they reproach is barbarous, '''and this is clear Arabic tongue.''' }}
3. The Qur'an tells us: {{Quote|{{Quran|16|103}}| And certainly We know that they say: Only a mortal teaches him. The tongue of him whom they reproach is barbarous, '''and this is clear Arabic tongue.''' }}
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Since the Qur'an says it is in clear Arabic, then this implies that the meaning of its words are as we understand them, and should not be applied in a different way to Allah. If ''makir'' has a different meaning when Allah uses it to refer to himself, then Qur'an 16:103 is obviously wrong. Is the Qur'an wrong here?
Since the Qur'an says it is in clear Arabic, then this implies that the meaning of its words are as we understand them, and should not be applied in a different way to Allah. If ''makir'' has a different meaning when Allah uses it to refer to himself, then Qur'an 16:103 is obviously wrong. Is the Qur'an wrong here?


4. You have claimed that makir has a different meaning when referring to Allah - that the common Arabic meaning is not correct. However the Qur'an states: {{Quote|{{Quran|3|7}}| He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding. }}
4. Dr. Badawi claimed that makir has a different meaning when referring to Allah and that the common Arabic meaning is not correct. However the Qur'an states: {{Quote|{{Quran|3|7}}| He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding. }}


The Qur'an says that some people seek to mislead by giving their own interpretation to portions. Are you doing this? If the "true" [when referring to Allah] meaning is unknown to most, what evidence do we have that you are being truthful in this matter?
The Qur'an says that some people seek to mislead by giving their own interpretation to portions. If the "true" [when referring to Allah] meaning is unknown to most, what evidence does Dr. Bardawi provide in support of his unorthodox "truth"?


===Islam Q&A===
===Islam Q&A===
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And Allaah knows best.}}
And Allaah knows best.}}


As with Jamal Badawi's apologetics, this is again a case of ''Special pleading'' <ref name="special"/>. This is adding meaning to the text which is not there, but comes only from a certain set of beliefs that you hold: namely:
As with Jamal Badawi's apologetics, this is again a case of ''Special pleading'' <ref name="special" />. This is adding meaning to the text which is not there, but comes only from a certain set of beliefs that Islam Q&A hold: namely:


# that Allah is God
#that Allah is God
# that Allah is perfect
#that Allah is perfect
# that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'good'
#that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'good'
# that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'truthful'
#that 'perfection' is synonymous with 'truthful'
# that Allah never lies or deceives
#that Allah never lies or deceives


However when we look at the verses in question, the same word is applied to the unbelievers and also Allah. So you must also accept that since Allah is perfect, the meaning of the word changes depending on who it's referring to. There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case. Nowhere does the Qur'an implicitly state or even imply that words mean different things when referring to Allah, nor are there any ahadith to this effect. This is a clear cut case of special pleading, invented by Muslims to excuse the fact that the exact words of their god state that he is the best deceiver.
However when we look at the verses in question, the same word is applied to the unbelievers and also Allah. So you must also accept that since Allah is perfect, the meaning of the word changes depending on who it's referring to. There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case. Nowhere does the Qur'an implicitly state or even imply that words mean different things when referring to Allah, nor are there any ahadith to this effect. This is a clear cut case of special pleading, invented by Muslims to excuse the fact that the exact words of their god state that he is the best deceiver.
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If one who claims to be perfect, displays an imperfect trait (deception, plotting etc..) then we know two things:
If one who claims to be perfect, displays an imperfect trait (deception, plotting etc..) then we know two things:


# They are a liar
#They are a liar
# They are imperfect
#They are imperfect


Allah has told us in his Qur'an that he is the best deceiver - we have his own admission that he is imperfect and a liar.
Allah has told us in the Qur'an that he is the best deceiver - we have his own admission that he is imperfect and a liar.


=== Harun Yahya ===
===Harun Yahya===


Harun Yahya includes ''Al-Makir'' in his listing of Allah's 99 names:
Harun Yahya includes ''Al-Makir'' in his listing of Allah's 99 names:


{{ quote |[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php#16 Names of Allah/ No. 16 (Al-Makir)]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php|2=2011-03-05}} --><BR>Harun Yayha| '''AL-MAKIR'''
{{quote |[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php#16 Names of Allah/ No. 16 (Al-Makir)]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/names/names04.php|2=2011-03-05}} --><BR>Harun Yayha| '''AL-MAKIR'''
'''The Planner'''
'''The Planner'''


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No doubt, Allah creates every incident with a purpose and for the ultimate good. He uses the unbelievers' plots against believers to test them. He then extends His help to those servants who can discern the good and beauties in the events He creates, and turns all of these to their benefit.}}
No doubt, Allah creates every incident with a purpose and for the ultimate good. He uses the unbelievers' plots against believers to test them. He then extends His help to those servants who can discern the good and beauties in the events He creates, and turns all of these to their benefit.}}


Like Dr. Badawi's apologetics regarding Makir, Harun Yahya attempts to spin the meaning of the word when referring to Allah. Rather disturbingly, the first verse quoted above (Qur'an 8:30) has actually been quoted incorrectly by Yahya on this portion of his website. The translation given, referring to people as plotters, but Allah as a planner, does not actualy exist. This is not an error or oversight by Yahya, because we find elsewhere on his website<ref>[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/school/school2.php The School of Yusuf - Harun Yahya]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/school/school2.php|2=2011-03-05}} --></ref><ref>[http://www.harunyahya.com/ysf03.php The Prophet Yusuf - Harun Yahya]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/ysf03.php|2=2011-03-05}} --></ref> that the verse has been quoted correctly; referring to both as 'plotters'. Again in his quote of Qur'an 13:42, Yahya has misquoted the verse - labelling the unbelievers as "plotters" but Allah as a "planner".
Like Dr. Badawi's apologetics regarding Makir, Harun Yahya attempts to spin the meaning of the word when referring to Allah. The first verse quoted above (Qur'an 8:30) has actually been quoted incorrectly by Yahya on this portion of his website. The translation given, referring to people as plotters, but Allah as a planner, does not exist. This is not an error or oversight by Yahya, because we find elsewhere on his website<ref>[http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/school/school2.php The School of Yusuf - Harun Yahya]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/school/school2.php|2=2011-03-05}} --></ref><ref>[http://www.harunyahya.com/ysf03.php The Prophet Yusuf - Harun Yahya]<!-- {{Reference archive|1=http://www.harunyahya.com/ysf03.php|2=2011-03-05}} --></ref> that the verse has been quoted correctly; referring to both as 'plotters'. Again in his quote of Qur'an 13:42, Yahya has misquoted the verse - labeling the unbelievers as "plotters" but Allah as a "planner".


These misquotes have been deliberately presented on this page because Harun Yahya is attributing the name ''Al Makir'' directly to Allah, but claiming it simply means "The planner". In order to spin makir into having a positive connotation, translating the same word differently in Qur'an 8:30 and 13:42  was necessary in order to portray Allah as being righteous, and the non believers (referred to in the verses) as devious. If they had been presented correctly - in that 'plotter' is attributed to Allah as well as the unbelievers, then it implies that Allah is also plotting the same type of activities that the unbelievers were [allegedly] plotting. This would serve to cast Allah in a bad light, as well as Muslims - since they are the ones who carry out his wishes (as relayed through Muhammad).
These misquotes have been deliberately presented on this page because Harun Yahya is attributing the name ''Al Makir'' directly to Allah, but claiming it simply means "The planner". In order to spin makir into having a positive connotation, translating the same word differently in Qur'an 8:30 and 13:42  was necessary in order to portray Allah as being righteous, and the non believers (referred to in the verses) as devious. If they had been presented correctly - in that 'plotter' is attributed to Allah as well as the unbelievers, then it implies that Allah is also plotting the same type of activities that the unbelievers were [allegedly] plotting. This would serve to cast Allah in a bad light, as well as Muslims - since they are the ones who carry out his wishes (as relayed through Muhammad).


=== Allah only deceives enemies of Islam ===
===Allah Only Deceives Enemies===


While claims from Muslims such as 'you're taking it out of context' are usually not legitimate, on the face of this apologetic claim it appears to have merit. Given the context of the verses provided in the above article, it is clear that they discuss Allah deceiving his (perceived) enemies only. However, what the verses also contain is a definitive statement from Allah - ''Allah is the best deceiver''. It does not state "Allah is better at deceiving than his enemies" Therefore, in these verses, we have the (supposedly) omniscient (all-knowing) being Allah, telling us outright that he is the best deceiver. Being all-knowing, he would be aware of anyone higher at deception than he is.  
Given the context of the verses provided in the above article, it is clear that they discuss Allah deceiving his (perceived) enemies only. However, what the verses also contain is a definitive statement from Allah - ''Allah is the best deceiver''. It does not state "Allah is better at deceiving than his enemies" Therefore, in these verses, we have the (supposedly) omniscient (all-knowing) being Allah, telling us outright that he is the best deceiver. Being all-knowing, he would be aware of anyone higher at deception than he is.  


If someone who is all-knowing tells you he is the best deceiver, and you accept this (as Muslims) how can you say that you trust him not to deceive you as well? After all, since he is the self-admitted 'best' at deception, if he chose to deceive you, it would be highly unlikely that you would be able to detect such a deception if you are using solely his words as a guide to your life. Who's to say he is being truthful about anything else in the Qur'an? Even if he says he is being truthful to you, you already know that you cannot trust him because he has already admitted to being the 'best deceiver' - it could be another deception.
If someone who is all-knowing tells you he is the best deceiver, and you accept this how can you say that you trust him not to deceive you as well? After all, since he is the self-admitted 'best' at deception, if he chose to deceive you, it would be highly unlikely that you would be able to detect such a deception if you are using solely his words as a guide to your life. Who's to say he is being truthful about anything else in the Qur'an? Even if he says he is being truthful to you, you already know that you cannot trust him because he has already admitted to being the 'best deceiver' - it could be another deception.


Furthermore, there are verses in the Qur'an that show us that Allah did not confine his deception to his enemies, as in the above quoted verses.
Furthermore, there are verses in the Qur'an that show us that Allah did not only confine his deception to his enemies, as in the above quoted verses.


==== Allah never deceives  Muslims ====
====Allah Deceives Muslims====


{{quote | {{cite quran|8|43|end=44|style=ref}} | When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many you would certainly have become weak-hearted and you would have disputed about the matter, but Allah saved (you); surely He is the Knower of what is in the breasts.
{{quote | {{cite quran|8|43|end=44|style=ref}} | When Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many you would certainly have become weak-hearted and you would have disputed about the matter, but Allah saved (you); surely He is the Knower of what is in the breasts.
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[وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ]
[وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ]


(And (remember) when you met. He showed them to you...), He encouraged each of the two groups against the other, according to `Ikrimah, as recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim. }}
Kathir claims it was 'compassion' on the part of Allah to show a 'few' to Muhammad when there were many more than that, but this does not negate the fact that Allah deceived the Muslims in this matter - it was deception plain and simple. If we say to you that you get 3 years in jail in return for your sworn testimony, but we know (and conceal) the fact that you will actually get 6 years, this is not compassion, it is deception. In the same way we can say that Allah has deliberately deceived the Muslims in these verses in order to get them to do what he wants (ie. [[The Meaning of Qatal|fight]]). This example alone negates the claim that "Allah only deceives his enemies" as we can see that Allah deceived Muhammad - uswa hasana - so it is not unlikely that Allah will (and has) deceived other Muslims before and after this event.


 
====Allah Created Christianity Through Deception====
==== Allah created Christianity by his deception ====


According to Islam, [[Jesus]] is not [[God]], and he was ''not'' crucified, yet an entire religion sprung from Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. This is the central focus of Christianity. Allah however, makes it clear in the Qur'an that Jesus was not crucified (died) and he is not God's son, meaning that Christian's are in error to follow these beliefs. But why do Christians think he was crucified? Because Allah admits that he made it appear so:
According to Islam, [[Jesus]] is not [[God]], and he was ''not'' crucified, yet an entire religion sprung from Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. This is the central focus of Christianity. Allah however, makes it clear in the Qur'an that Jesus was not crucified (died) and he is not God's son, meaning that Christian's are in error to follow these beliefs. But why do Christians think he was crucified? Because Allah admits that he made it appear so:
 
{{quote | {{cite quran|4|157|end=158|style=ref}}| And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the messenger of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, '''but it appeared to them so (like Isa)''' and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure.


Nay! Allah took him up to Himself; and Allah is Mighty, Wise. }}
Nay! Allah took him up to Himself; and Allah is Mighty, Wise. }}
Line 649: Line 697:
Let's look at it from another point of view; Allah sent Jesus to 'fix' the errors that had crept into Judaism, but then undoes any corrections that were made from the intervention (and Jesus' message) by making it appear (in the end) that Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead. This negates the entire purpose of sending Jesus. This leaves the people with not only one alternative to Allah's 'true' religion, but two; Judaism or Christianity which entails (among other things) following the message of Jesus, which Allah himself had corrupted by making it appear that he had risen from the dead. So for 600 years, Allah's pure religion was not to be found on this Earth and now (thanks to Allah's deception) had two competing faiths to deceive the people and tempt them away from the 'straight path'. This makes no sense.
Let's look at it from another point of view; Allah sent Jesus to 'fix' the errors that had crept into Judaism, but then undoes any corrections that were made from the intervention (and Jesus' message) by making it appear (in the end) that Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead. This negates the entire purpose of sending Jesus. This leaves the people with not only one alternative to Allah's 'true' religion, but two; Judaism or Christianity which entails (among other things) following the message of Jesus, which Allah himself had corrupted by making it appear that he had risen from the dead. So for 600 years, Allah's pure religion was not to be found on this Earth and now (thanks to Allah's deception) had two competing faiths to deceive the people and tempt them away from the 'straight path'. This makes no sense.


==== Conclusion ====
====Conclusion====


In conclusion we can see that this objection (of context) is irrelevant because the statement in the verses is definitive (not dependent on context) and from the Qur'an itself we see that Allah has no problem deceiving:
In conclusion we can see that this objection (of context) is irrelevant because the statement in the verses is definitive (not dependent on context) and from the Qur'an itself we see that Allah has no problem deceiving:
* "Enemies of Islam"
* Muslims
* Innocent people - who lived in the 600 years that it took Allah to send the Qur'an


{{Core POTB}}
*"Enemies of Islam"
== See Also ==
*Muslims
*Innocent people - who lived in the 600 years that it took Allah to send the Qur'an
 
==Responses to Apologetics==
 
#'''''"According to the Quranic Arabic Corpus website, 'Makr' means 'Planner'"'''''<br>The Quranic Arabic Corpus website also claimed at one time that ''Idriboohunna'' in Qur'an 4:34 meant  "[[Wife Beating in the Qur'an|separate from them]]" (i.e. the husbands from their wives) rather than to "beat them" for the fear of disobedience. However, ''Idriboohunna'' (أضربوهن) means "beat them" (for female plural). ''Adriboo Anhunna'' (اضربوا عنهن) is the phrase that means abandon or leave them. They are completely different phrases with completely different meanings, and the attempts to mix up the two is only a modern development used by a few western Muslim apologists. To their credit, the website has acknowledged this error by now having corrected this blatant mistranslation, but they have also shown themselves to be an unreliable source concerning the Arabic language.<BR><BR>In any case, Edward William Lane's ''Arabic-English Lexicon'' (the most revered and scholarly dictionary of the Arabic language), ''Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic'', and the ''Arabic Lexicon'' all disagree with the Quranic Arabic Corpus website's rendering of the word. And every single one of these sources are more reliable than that website. In addition to these reliable sources, there are Dr. Jamal Badawi and Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid who are both native Arabic speakers and respected individuals (in relation to issues concerning Islam). Although they may make excuses for the use of that particular word, they do both actually admit that makr means deceiver.
 
==See Also==
 
{{Hub4|Allah|Allah}}
 
{{Hub4|Mistranslations of Islamic Scripture (English)|Mistranslated Verses}}
 
{{Translation-links-english|[[Allah le meilleur trompeur|French]]}}
 
==External Links==
 
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/allah_best_deceiver.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Allah the greatest deceiver of them all]
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/cornelius/makr.html|2=2011-11-24}} Allah: Truthful or Deceiver?]
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Wood/deceptive_god.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Deceptive God, Incompetent Messiah]


* [[Lying]]'' - A hub page that leads to other articles related to lying''
'''Resources'''
* [[Allah]]'' - A hub page that leads to other articles related to Allah''
* [[Mistranslated Verses]] ''- A hub page that leads to other articles related to Mistranslated Verses''


== External Links ==
*[http://www.ghazali.org/books/wehr-cowan-76.pdf Hans-Wehr Dictionary - mkr (page 917)] ''(40MB PDF file)''
* [http://www.ghazali.org/books/wehr-cowan-76.pdf Hans-Wehr Dictionary - mkr (page 917)] ''(40MB PDF file)''
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon - mkr - Volume 7, Page 256]
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000256.pdf|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon - mkr - Volume 7, Page 256]
*[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.co.uk/14_MIIM.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon online summary - Mim-Kaf-Ra]
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.studyquran.co.uk/14_MIIM.htm|2=2011-11-24}} Lane's Lexicon online summary - Mim-Kaf-Ra]
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/allah_best|2=2011-11-24}} Allah the greatest deceiver of them all]
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/cornelius/mkr.html|2=2011-11-24}} Allah: Truthful or Deceiver?]
* [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.answering-islam.org/2=2011-11-24}} Deceptive God, Incompetent Messiah]


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


[[Category:Qur'an]]
[[Category:Qur'an]]
[[Category:Sani]]
[[Category:Allah]]
[[Category:Tafsir]]
[[Category:Criticism of Islam]]
[[Category:Apologetics]]
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