Interpretations of the Qur'an

[RealWarz]

As I am on a quest to seriously study Islam (and can't read the Arabic text) I am looking for an interpretation of the Qur'anic Text in the English language. I know that there are many, however I am assuming that there some that are good and some that are bad. Could anyone give me some insight into what version would be best to start reading?

[dreamdeferred]

Peace,

There are many translations of the Quran available in the English language, two of the most popular throughout the world are available on this site...by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Pickthall

Picktchall's uses older terser (and in my view more "regal") English than Yusuf Ali but is shorter on commentary. Some of the commentary in Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation is somewhat unreliable but overall it's a solid introduction.

The thing to remember about translations is that they are at best an approximation of the richness and vastness of the original Arabic. As a language...the complexity and depth of meaning inherent in this ancient semitic language is difficult to capture when translated....something to keep in mind as you study.

My personal favorite English translation so far is by Muhammad Asad .....while the translation is fantastic and the commentary is rich with references to tafsirs (explanations) by early scholars many of his views stray from orthodoxy as he was a modernist/rationalist....if you take some of his aversion to miracles etc with a grain of salt it might be a worthwhile read for you.

There are many newer translations which use contemporary English and may be more to your liking....I can't comment on them as I haven't had a chance to read them but I'm sure some other Islamicans can chime in with suggestions.

Good luck,

[Ayooshi]

Asalamu Alaikum,

I like the translation done by Dr. Muhammad Taqi Ud Din Al Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. It comes along with a summarized version of commentaries by At-Tabari, Al Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir. Its also complemented with comments from Hadith (Events, sayings etc. from the life and time of the Prophet Muhammad) from Sahih Buhkhari.

Fi AmanAllah

[rahma]

I actually recommend anything BUT the Hilali/Khan translation, specficially for the tafsir (commentary) reason. I like a good commentary as much as the next gal, but they way they present it is waaay too confusing.

If you're going to comment on the Qur'an, make sure that it's easily distinguished from the translation of the actual words of the Qur'an. They put the commentary in ( ), and I've lost count of the number of newbies who actually thing what's in the ( ) is actually in the Qur'an. There are women who believe the Qur'an specifically, literally says women should cover everything except one eye to see the way.

Hilali/Khan Translation said

24:31. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful[].

I second dreamdeferred's Muhammad Asad translation. I actually read this along with the Saheeh International and/or Thomas Cleary translations. The former has excellent footnotes, while the latter 2 have very clear and understandable modern english.
This style of translation/interpretation takes away the beauty inherent in the texts. You can't get all the beauty of the original into english, but this seems devoid of it completely.

[ahmetsecer]

RealWarz said

As I am on a quest to seriously study Islam (and can't read the Arabic text) I am looking for an interpretation of the Qur'anic Text in the English language. I know that there are many, however I am assuming that there some that are good and some that are bad. Could anyone give me some insight into what version would be best to start reading?

I think this link also helpfull, there is many excellent free books about Quran from Harun Yahya.

Harun Yahya - An Invitation to The Truth

[Ayooshi]

rahma said

I actually recommend anything BUT the Hilali/Khan translation, specficially for the tafsir (commentary) reason. I like a good commentary as much as the next gal, but they way they present it is waaay too confusing.

If you're going to comment on the Qur'an, make sure that it's easily distinguished from the translation of the actual words of the Qur'an. They put the commentary in ( ), and I've lost count of the number of newbies who actually thing what's in the ( ) is actually in the Qur'an. There are women who believe the Qur'an specifically, literally says women should cover everything except one eye to see the way.

Asalamu Alaikum,

Hmm interesting, Never heard of anyone getting confused by it, but than again never asked a newbie of their opinion of it.

In any case, if it seems confusing than you should avoid it until you get more familiar with Islam, although personally I find it really good all around.

Fi AmanAllah

[Abu_Hind]

IslamBasics

IslamBasics

Tafheem - Quran English Translation

Way to The Quran

I hope these links help.