The Glorious Qur'an [Paperback]

Muhammad M. Pickthall (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2001

The first English translation of the Qur'an by an Englishman who is a Muslim, the aim of The Glorious Qur'an is to present to English readers what Muslims the world over hold to be the meaning of the words of the Qur'an. Concisely and in worthy language, with a view to the requirements of English Muslims, the Book is rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language. Fully indexed, the original Arabic accompanies the English translation and commentaries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 495 pages
• Publisher: Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an; 1ST edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879402513
• ISBN-13: 978-1879402515
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Quran
  • #2 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Quran
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably the most accurate translation available, January 17, 2003

By 

G. BARTO (Los Gatos, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Glorious Qur'an (Paperback)

Pickthall's translation is clear and easy to read, eschewing the flowery language common to translations of the Koran. Furthermore, it's fairly accurate, following the Koran line by line and balancing the need to make things make sense in English with the need to hold to the actual text. Reading other translations (Arberry comes to mind), I've had the impression that the author had decided to rewrite what many consider a holy book. As a practicing Muslim, Pickthall knew better and so produced the only translation I would recommend.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars In English, but not much help to non-Arabic speakers, November 5, 2006

By 

Mamazabakaka "Tome Raider" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Glorious Qur'an (Paperback)

If you're looking for a translation that will help you understand the Qur'an, this is not the one for you. It's cheap and widely available, but can leave you with false impressions of what is basically a very difficult text for people who have not read the original Arabic. When I bought the Pickthall translation, I had no idea that which translation you got made any difference. It was my first introduction to Islam and I was surprised and disappointed by it. It was a perplexing book without much explanation and I couldn't see what the big deal was all about. Since then, I have spent years reading different translations, (including Arberry, which at least came closer than Pickthall to preserving the poetry of the Qur'an) until I finally found the Muhammad Asad translation and got the guidance I needed to understand this valuable treasure. If you're sincerely after an understanding of the Qur'an, either learn Arabic and read it (translations are not technically "The Qur'an"), or buy "The Message of the Qur'an, translated and explained by Muhammad Asad". I still have the Pickthall translation, mainly because I don't want to confuse anyone by giving it to them. But having gained a much deeper understanding of the Qur'an through the light of the Asad translation, I have to say that Pickthall's is miles from helpful for anyone who hasn't already developed an understanding of his subject. If you're going take the time to read a translation of the Qur'an, take care to get the best one.

5.0 out of 5 stars Packaging, March 28, 2010

By 

Charles J. Smyth (Orange, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Glorious Qur'an (Paperback)

The book arrived new as advertised, however, it arrived with the top front corners bent back. People stuffing the books into the envelopes should take care to insert them spine edge first.