Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)
the beast of cattle that He hath bestowed upon them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor unfortunate.
29. Then let them make an end of their unkemptness and pay their vows and go around the ancient House.
30. That (is the command). And whoso magnifieth the sacred things of Allah, it will be well for him in the sight of his Lord. The cattle are lawful unto you save that which hath been told you. So shun the filth of idols, and shun lying speech,
31. Turning unto Allah (only), not ascribing partners unto Him; for whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky and the birds had snatched him or the wind had blown him to a far-off place.
32. That (is the command). And whoso magnifieth the offerings consecrated to Allah, it surely is from devotion of the hearts.
33. Therein are benefits for you for an appointed term; and afterward they are brought for sacrifice 1 unto the ancient House.
34. And for every nation have We appointed a ritual, that they may mention the name of Allah over the beast of cattle that He hath given them for food;2 and your God is One God, therefor surrender unto Him. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the humble,
35. Whose hearts fear when Allah is mentioned, and the patient of whatever may befall them, and those who establish worship and who spend of that We have bestowed on them.
1 The slaughter of animals for food for the poor which is one of the ceremonies of the Muslim pilgrimage is not a propitiatory sacrifice, but is in commemoration of the sacrifice of Abraham which marked the end of human sacrifices for the Semitic race, and which made it clear that the only sacrifice which God requires of man is the Surrender of his will and purpose — i.e. Al-Islâm.
2 In order that they may realise the awfulness of taking life, and the solemn nature of the trust which Allah has imposed on them in the permission to eat animal food.
