Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad
THE PARABLE of those who were graced with the burden of the Torah, and thereafter failed to bear this burden, is that of an ass that carries a load of books [but cannot benefit from them]. Calamitous is the parable of people who are bent on giving the lie to God's messages - for God does not bestow His guidance upon such evildoing folk
M. M. Pickthall
The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books. Wretched is the likeness of folk who deny the revelations of Allah. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)
The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of people who falsify the Signs of Allah: and Allah guides not people who do wrong
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab
The example of those who were entrusted with ˹observing˺ the Torah but failed to do so, is that of a donkey carrying books. How evil is the example of those who reject Allah’s signs! For Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
Safi Kaskas
The example of those who were entrusted to uphold the Torah, but then failed to uphold it, is that of a donkey carrying volumes of knowledge. Terrible is the example of the people who reject the signs of God. God does not guide the unjust People.
Wahiduddin Khan
Those who were charged with bearing the Torah, but did not do so are like an ass carrying a load of books. How unfortunate are those who belie the sign of God. God does not guide the wrongdoers
Shakir
The likeness of those who were charged with the Taurat, then they did not observe it, is as the likeness of the ass bearing books, evil is the likeness of the people who reject the communications of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar
The parable of those who were entrusted with the Torah, and, again, carries it not is as the parable of a donkey who carries writings. Miserable was the parable of a folk who denied the signs of God! And God guides not the folk, the ones who are unjust.
T.B.Irving
Those who are laden with the Old Testament, yet do not carry it out may be compared to a donkey who is carrying scriptures. It is such a dreadful way to have to compare people who reject God´s signs! God does not guide such wrongdoing folk.
Abdul Hye
The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah (to obey its commandments), but they failed it (those obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing). How bad is the example of people who deny the Verses of Allah? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoers.
The Study Quran
The parable of those [who were] made to bear the Torah, then did not bear it, is that of an ass bearing books. How evil is the likeness of the people who denied God’s signs! And God guides not wrongdoing people
Talal Itani & AI (2024)
The example of those entrusted with the Torah, yet failed to uphold it, is like that of a donkey carrying heavy books. Pitiful is the example of the people who deny God’s revelations. God does not guide wrongdoing people.
Talal Itani (2012)
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah, but then failed to uphold it, is like the donkey carrying works of literature. Miserable is the example of the people who denounce God's revelations. God does not guide the wrongdoing people
Dr. Kamal Omar
The likeness of those who were entrusted At-Taurat then they did not hold it with responsibility is the likeness of an ass who carries huge burdens of books. Bad (is the) example of the nation of those who denied Ayaatullah . And Allah does not guide the nation of transgressors
The example of those who were charged with the Torah, but failed to carry out their obligations, is that of a donkey who is carrying books and does not know what is in those books. Bad is the example of those who deny the revelations of Allah. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali
The likeness of the ones who have been made to carry the Tawrah, (The Book revealed to Muaa (Moses), of which the extant Torah is a corruption then afterwards they have not carried it, is as the likeness of an ass carrying tomes. Miserable is the likeness of the people who have cried lies to the signs of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people
Muhammad Sarwar
Those who were to carry the responsibility of the Torah but ignored, are like donkeys laden with books. How terrible is the example of the people who reject the revelations of God. God does not guide the unjust
Muhammad Taqi Usmani
The example of those who were ordered to bear (the responsibility of acting upon) the Torah, then they did not bear it, is like a donkey that carries a load of books. Evil is the example of those who have rejected Allah‘s verses. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people
Shabbir Ahmed
(The Book of Allah is to be read and understood, and not placed in high niches.) The example of those who were entrusted with Torah, and did not apply it in their daily lives, is that of the donkey that carries a load of books. Tough indeed is the example of people who deny Allah's Verses by their actions. Allah does not show the Way to people who displace the Revelation from its rightful station. ('Kizb' = Belie = Give lie = Deny in practice. 'Kufr' = Reject openly = Darkness = Denial = Ingratitude. 'Zulm' = Dislodge from the rightful place = Relegate the Truth = Give preference to other sources = Oppression = Wrongdoing = Violation of human rights)
Dr. Munir Munshey
Those who were entrusted with the burden of the Torah but failed to bear its obligations, are actually like a jackass carrying a load of books. Worse (in fact) is the example of a nation who rejects the signs of Allah; and Allah does not guide the nation of evil doers
Syed Vickar Ahamed
The similarity of those who were entrusted and charged with the (obligations of the Judaic Law) Torah, but did not carry it (the trust) out, is (like) that of a donkey which carries voluminous scriptures (without understanding it). Evil is the likeness of people who falsify the Signs of Allah: And Allah guides not the wrongdoers
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah . And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)
The example of those who were given the Torah, but then failed to uphold it, is like the donkey that is carrying a burden of books. Miserable indeed is the example of people who denied God's revelations. And God does not guide the wicked people
Abdel Haleem
Those who have been charged to obey the Torah, but do not do so, are like asses carrying books: how base such people are who disobey God’s revelations! God does not guide people who do wrong
Abdul Majid Daryabadi
The likeness of those who were laden with the Taurat and then they bare it not,is as the likeness of the ass bearing tomes. Hapless is the likeness of the people who belie the signs of Allah. And Allah guideth not a wrong doing people.
Ahmed Ali
The likeness of those who were charged with (the law of) the Torah which they did not observe, is that of a donkey who carries a load of books (oblivious of what they contain). How wretched the semblance of the people who deny the words of God! God does not show an unjust people the way
Aisha Bewley
The metaphor of those who were charged with the Torah but then have not upheld it, is that of a donkey loaded with weighty tomes. How evil is the metaphor of those who deny Allah´s Signs! Allah does not guide wrongdoing people.
Ali Ünal
The parable of those entrusted to carry the Torah, who subsequently do not carry it out in practice, is that of a donkey carrying a load of books (it transports what it does not understand). How evil is the example of those who (ignore what their Book teaches and) deny God’s Revelations (sent down for them and containing news of the Last Messenger)! God does not guide the wrongdoing people
Ali Quli Qara'i
The example of those who were charged with the Torah, then failed to carry it, is that of an ass carrying books. Evil is the example of the people who deny Allah’s signs, and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing lot
Hamid S. Aziz
The similitude of those who were charged with the Law of Moses, then they did not observe it, is as the similitude of the ass bearing books. Evil is the likeness of the people who reject the revelations of Allah; and Allah does not guide wrongdoing peopl
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad
Example of those who were charged with (upholding) the Torah and they did not carry it out is like the example of the donkey carrying books. The example of the people who denied God's signs is miserable. And God does not guide wrongdoing people.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)
The similitude of those who were charged with the obligations of the Mosaic Law, but who failed in those obligations, is that of a donkey that carries huge tomes. Unenviable is the similitude of people who falsify the signs of God, and God does not guide people who do wrong
Musharraf Hussain
Look at the example of the people who were burdened with the Torah but didn’t practise its teachings; they are like a donkey carrying books. Shameful is the example of the people who deny Allah’s revelations. Allah doesn’t guide the wrongdoers.
Maududi
The parable of those who were charged with the Torah and then they failed to live up to it is that of a donkey laden with books. Even more evil is the parable of the people who gave the lie to the Signs of Allah. Allah does not direct such wrong-doers to the Right Way
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)
The example of those who were given the Torah, but then failed to uphold it, is like the donkey that is carrying a cargo of books. Miserable indeed is the example of the people who denied the revelations of God. And God does not guide the wicked people.
Mohammad Shafi
Those who were given the responsibility of bearing [following the instructions in] the Torah, but did not do so are like an ass carrying a load of books. Terrible is the example of those who deny Allah's signs/Verses! And Allah does not guide the wicked people
Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)
The example of those who were put up with Tourat, then they did not follow its mandate is like an ass carrying books on back. What an evil example is of those who belied the signs of Allah. And Allah Guides not the people unjust.
The example of those who were given the Torah, then failed to uphold it, is like the donkey carrying great works of literature. Miserable indeed is the example of people who rejected GOD's revelations. GOD does not guide the wicked people.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah
The likeness of those who were loaded with the Torah, but did not carry it, is like that of a donkey carrying books. Evil is the example of the people who have belied the verses of Allah. Allah does not guide the evildoers
Maulana Muhammad Ali
The likeness of those who were charged with the Torah, then they observed it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books. Evil is the likeness of the people who reject the messages of Allah. And Allah guides not the iniquitous people
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira
(The) example/proverb (of) those who were made to carry/endure the Torah then they did not carry/endue it (are) as/like (the) example/proverb (of) the donkey, (it) carries/endures portions of the Torah , how bad (is the) example/proverb (of) the nation those who denied/falsified with God's verses/evidences? And God does not guide the nation the unjust/oppressive
Bijan Moeinian
The Jews [who treated their book like a piece of museum without making it the center of their lives] are not different from a donkey that carries tons of books without knowing what it is loaded with; what a bad example for those who reject My revelations. God indeed will not guide those who are unjust
Faridul Haque
The example of those who were entrusted with the Taurat, and did not carry out its commands, is like the donkey carrying books; what a wretched example is of the people who denied the signs of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust
Sher Ali
The likeness of those who were charged with the Law of Torah, but did not carry out its commandments, is as the likeness of an ass carrying a load of books. Evil is the likeness of the people who reject the Signs of ALLAH. And ALLAH guides not the wrongdoing people
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri
The case of those who were burdened with (the commandments and teachings of) the Torah (but) then did not bear it (i.e., this Messenger was mentioned in it, but they disbelieved in him) is like that of a donkey loaded with heavy books on its back. How evil is the example of those who have rejected Allah’s Revelations! And Allah does not guide the wrongdoers
Amatul Rahman Omar
The case of those who were charged to observe (the law of) Torah but did not carry out (its commandments in its true spirit), is like the case of a donkey that carries (a load of) volumes (of Books; he neither understands them nor gathers any advantage from them). Wretched is the case of the people who cry lies to the Message of Allah. And Allah guides no unjust people to success
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali
The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimoon (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers, etc.)
New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame
The likeness of those who were charged to uphold the Torah, but then they did not uphold it, is as the likeness of the donkey carrying books. How woeful is the likeness of the people who belie Allah’s signs and Allah does not guide the people who do wrong to their own souls.
Munir Mezyed
The likeness of those who were charged with the Torah and then they did not observe it is as the likeness of a donkey carrying big load of books. Evil is the parable of the people who persistently refuse to yield to what Allâh has revealed. Lo! Allâh holds back the Light of His inspiration form those who have voluntarily and consciously abandoned the Full Knowledge of the Truth in favour of their own whims.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not act on it is like the donkey who carries scrolls, bad is the likeness of people who deny the signs of Allah, and Allah does not guide wrongdoing people.
Linda “iLHam” Barto
Here is a simile of those responsible for keeping the Torah but who have failed to uphold it: They are like a donkey carrying books [but unable to read them and apply their teachings]. Evil is the simile of people who falsify the verses of Allah [by professing Judaism (or any other religion) but failing to apply its true teachings]. Allah does not guide people in the wrong.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation
The likeness of those who were made to carry (the responsibility of) the Torah but then failed to carry it is as the likeness of the donkey carrying tomes. How miserable is the example of the people who rejected Allah’s signs, for Allah does not guide the unjust people.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab
Those who are laden with the Old Testament, yet do not carry it out may be compared to a donkey who is carrying scriptures. It is such a dreadful way to have to compare people who reject Allah (God)'s signs! Allah (God) does not guide such wrongdoing folk.
Samy Mahdy
The example of those who carried the Torah and then did not carry it on, is like an example of the donkey who carries scrolls. Wretched is the example of the kinfolk who falsified Allah's verses. And Allah does not guide the oppressor kinfolk.
Ahmed Hulusi
The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah, yet who failed to uphold it, is like the example of a donkey carrying big books! Wretched is the state of those who deny the signs of Allah! Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
Mir Aneesuddin
The likeness of those who were (entrusted) with the burden (of implementing) the Torah then they did not bear this burden, is like the likeness of a donkey which bears the burden of books. Evil is the likeness of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the unjust people.
The simile of those who were given AL-Tawrah to carry in their hearts and in their thoughts and it did not reach their innermost being, nor did they absorb it In their minds or profit by it, speaks of a donkey carrying a load of books full of knowledge and learning but the donkey does not understand it nor does it Profit by it. Evil is the simile of a people who have refused to admit the truth of Allah's revelations and signs, and Allah does not impress piety on the hearts of the perverse who are wrongful of actions
The Wise Quran
The similitude of those who were made to bear the Torah then bore it not is like the similitude of the ass bearing books. Evil is the similitude of the people, those who say the signs of God are lies. And God does not guide the wrongdoing people.