Customer Reviews

An English Interpretation of the Holy Quran With Full Arabic Text

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What I mean is, this is not a study-Qur'an, with lots of useful but often distracting footnotes. I've read much more of this Qur'an, and read it more deeply, than the Tahrike Tarsile edition by the same translator, Yusuf Ali. I'll turn to that edition when I need something explained or clarified, but for pure reading and inspiration, I will read this volume.

A few comments on the physical book itself. It was printed and bound in Pakistan, the pages are thicker than the Tahrike Tarsile edition, which makes for easier reading, and the cover, while thin, is nicely embossed, and the pages are edged in a handsome blue-green-gold marblized design. There is no index in this edition, which might have helped when I wanted to look something up, but that's why I will turn to the Tahrike Tarsile edition.

Reading this English interpretation of the Qur'an along with the book Approaching the Qur'an gives me a new respect for this holy text, and now I know why you can't ever really translate it from Arabic to another language: the SOUND of the words themselves provides much meaning.

After the events of September 11th, 2001, I became very interested as a seminary student in learning as much as I could about Islam, since there seemed to be so many untrue rumours about it floating around after these tragic events. First on the list of items that I wanted to purchase was a Qu'ran, to go right to the primary source. I looked at many different traslations to see which would be the most helpful for me as I started to read this important work, and of all the ones I looked at, this one by A. Ali Yusuf was the best.

I cannot comment on the quality of the tranlsation per se because I do not speak Arabic, but I will say that the way this translation is laid out, with the English and Arabic right next to each other, makes for very relaxed and focused reading; just the visual asthetics of Arabic is breathtaking, and the English is organized and simple to work through. A reading plan at the beginning of the text explains the way in which the Qu'ran is usually read over time: a pronunciation guide is also available in front of the book.

Peace be upon you.

I would like to share with you my understanding that out of all the translations of the Qur'an into English, Yusuf Ali's is considered the best by not only muslims at large but also those who have very carefully studied the Qur'an (in Arabic of course), and have taught it for years and years. It is taught of being the most straight forward and clear one so far.

I've also read Asad's translation. He is a smart man, no doubt and in fact initially I was very impressed by his translation due to its intellectual approach. However, later I found that he makes certain mistakes regarding the aqida (the basic belief system) e.g., denying the existence of the jinn, and at times he seems to fit the translation of the words of God to the only way he understands them.

In any case, we should keep in mind that an unveiled access to the words of God is only possible by reading the Qur'an, and not its translation (i.e, by reading it in its original Arabic).

Peace be upon you.

There are many translations of the Glorious Quran, but Abdullah Yusuf Ali's English version is regarded by Muslim scholars and the community in general as the best and truest available. This scholar devoted his entire life to studying Islam and the Quran in order to produce the closest possible translation from Arabic to English. I strongly urge every reader to select this version, rather than to fall into the trap of reading the many sadly ... and distorted versions floating around today. For example, one of the hottest item in bookstores is N. J. Dawood's translation of the "Koran," but the consensus among Muslim scholars is that N. J. Dawood's version is a distortion of the message. For example, NJ Dawood translates one passage in the Qur'an as: "When you encounter the infidels, strike off their heads till ye have made a great slaughter among them, and of the rest made fast the fetters. And afterwards let there either be free dismissals or ransomings, till the war hath laid down its burdens." (47.4-5) But, Abdullah Yusuf Ali translates the same passage as "Therefore, when ye meet the unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks. At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom, until the war lays down its burdens." As an American-Muslim I am excited to know that the country is seeking to understand Islam by going to original source--the Quran. The caveat is that the only "original" source is the Arabic version of the Quran. A translation is influenced by the background and knowledge base of the translator. It is imperative to realize that subtle nuances in wording of a translation can transform a passage entirely. This only serves to prove that the misinterpreted Quran can be used to justify hatred and violence--either by Muslims or against Muslims. Therefore, I again urge all readers to either select this translation to be sure they are reading a truer version.

As a non-Muslim, I have read or at least sampled several English translations. All of them have attempted to convey the power of this revelation, while warning the reader that its true essence can only be grasped in its original Arabic form. That said, this translation is by far the best I have encountered. The translator states in the introduction that completion of this volume (in the 1930s)was his life's ambition, and his dedication shows. The included commentary provides historical, cultural and theological background which makes even obscure passages (to this American reader) meaningful. I think the fact that the translator lived in a multi-cultural milleu (pre-partition India) somehow gives breadth and accessibility to his commentary. In sum, this translation makes it possible for a reader to appreciate the Holy Quran as a guide to everyday life, and wonder how its words might impact a listener in its original tongue.

The previous reviewer was rather unfair, pulling quotes out of context in order to prove his point.

I am a Christian and I know of several disturbing passages in the Bible that could be taken out of context and twisted to prove that Judaism and Christianity is a violent and bloodthirsty religion, too.

Take for example, the instructions of God to Saul regarding a city he is about to invade (1 Samuel 15:3) "Do not spare them: put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys."

A person could pick up the Bible, read that one verse and proclaim, "Look! Jews and Christians believe their God gave them permission to slaughter babies!"

One Bible verse does not define the entire Bible, neither does one verse define the Koran. As a thinking people, we must not judge another religion without having at least undergone extensive study and prayer, and then we should temper our remarks, remembering that as Jews, Christians and Muslims, we are all "people of the Book" and as such, we should respect each others' beliefs.

A good book on this subject is "Islam in Focus" by Hammudah Abd Al-Ati.

This is the most recognized translation of the Holy Quran, from arabic to english. The translation has been done as best humanly possible without distorting the content.

Yusuf Ali's translation of the holy Quran is well received andaccepted by all mainstream Muslims.

In 1997 Amana published a newversion of "The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an" by AbdullahYusuf Ali...

The new edition features Arabic Madinah script facingEnglish text in a newly compiled comprehensive index with revisedcommentary. It is easy to use and I strongly recommend it for allreaders, students, laymen, and scholars.

For non Arabic speaking people who are interesting is knowing what our creator requires of us, I suggest this particular translation. It is easier to read than others.

I would just like to say to the reviwer "Marky" that his blasphemy upon islam would be a death sentence in a Islamic country under Sharia Law. I hope he takes his big mouth to my native land...he would get a very warm reception. His mouth would be shut permanantly.
As far as my review of this translation of the koran...I would recommend this Ali translation. While you should learn Arabic to read this Holy book...an english version would be a good start.