Correspondence with Maulana Jalil Ahsan Nadwi

In other words, what do you consider the meaning of reciting verses, teaching the Book, and teaching wisdom? Is purification a separate task, or is it the outcome of the first three tasks? If one were to regard these as the purpose of the Prophet’s mission, would you object to this interpretation? If so, how would you present a correct interpretation? Another question—some translators render li-takunu shuhada’ ala an-nas as “so that you may be witnesses over the people” or “so that you may bear witness for the people.” My confusion is about what it means to be a “witness over the people.” Either one is a witness for the people or a witness against the people. In the first case, Arabic uses li- (for) and, in the second case, ala (against), and here it is ala. If this is correct, then the translation should be “so that you may be witnesses against the people, and the Messenger may be a witness against you.” This meaning is perplexing—could you clarify this translation? Peace, Jalil Ahsan Rampur–September 11, 1962 Respected Maulana Jalil Ahsan Sahib, Peace and Blessings I received your letter dated September 6. I would like