The Holy Qur'an (also known as The Koran) is the sacred book of Islam. It is the word of God whose truth was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. As it was revealed, so it was committed to memory by his companions, though written copies were also made by literate believers during the lifetime of the Prophet. The first full compilation was by Abu Bakar, the first Caliph, and it was then recompiled in the original dialect by the third Caliph Uthman, after the best reciters had fallen in battle. Muslims believe that the truths of The Holy Qur'an are fully and authentically revealed only in the original classical Arabic. However, as the influence of Islam grows and spreads to the modern world, it is recognised that translation is an important element in introducing and explaining Islam to a wider audience. This translation, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, is considered to be the most faithful rendering available in English.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST English translation of the Quran.,
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This review is from: The Holy Qur'an (Paperback)
An excellent English translation of the Quran by a reknown Muslim scholar. Other versions of this translation also contains historical commentary to make it easier to understand the history and context of much of what is written, and helps to eliminate many common misunderstandings and misconceptions. A common misconception of Islam in the west is that it teaches hatred and religious intolerance. In truth this is not the case in real Islam. The portions that would seem at first glance to deliver such a message are shown clearly through the commentary not to be doing so, but rather is more of a historical commentary in much the same way as the wars in the Old Testament of the Bible are described. All in all an excellent translation for a native English speaker wishing to understand the core concepts of true Islam, and to also eliminate the common misconceptions surrounding it. Beyond this excellent commentary, the translation itself is very good, if perhaps using a vocabulary a bit more in line with more educated readers. All in all an excellent translation, and a must read for anyone interested in Islam. If you are only going to buy one translation of the Quran - make it this one - but consider one that includes the commentary also.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Certainly worth it,
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This review is from: The Holy Qur'an (Paperback)
I would like to say that this book is certainly worth one's while to have on your shelf. I find that I tend to prefer Shakir's translation (or if you prefer, interpretation), but both do an excellent job of applying the Early Modern English of the King James Bible to the Qur'an. I mention this because Yusuf Ali made a conscious decision to be not arcane, but archaic; the King James Bible has remained as popular as it has because of its elevated style, and attempts by Qur'an translators to use the same kind of language, then as now, were attempts to pay the Qur'an the highest compliment by using the highest language available in English. In fact, I would argue that both Yusuf Ali and Shakir's translations (I've not read others in their entirety) use archaism often to greater effect than in some parts of the Bible. I mention this because the "revised" edition of Yusuf Ali's interpretation distributed by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Inc. completely removes the translator's original archaisms (i.e., the use of "thee" and "thou," etc.) in an effort to make it more accessible to modern readers (I can't stand this choice for my own reading, although I now use that edition to lend to friends who are interested in an introduction).In terms of parenthetical additions to the text (I don't know if there is a more technical term for these kinds of glosses), I could frankly do without them in either translation--although I understand this is often standard practice--I feel that both tend to make up for what at least beginners might consider the other's shortcomings. It is certainly worth buying in conjunction with Shakir's for the latter's topical index in its Tahrike Tarsile edition. One thing that beginners might also wish to consider is that to my understanding, Yusuf Ali's translation is more respected among Sunnis whereas Shakir's, among Shi'ites. (Does anyone know if there is an English translation particularly respected among Sufis?) One might wish to consider if interested in Yusuf Ali's translation is that for the most part, he does not use the Arabic, but rather the Western (Biblical) names for most of the Prophets. For instant, Isa bin Maryum becomes "Jesus, Son of Mary." I do not know whether this is a desire to simply use English names for the sake of translation, or to make his interpretation more accessible to the West or to the Western-educated, but people should keep in mind that Yusuf Ali himself was a Western-educated man in what was at the time of his interpretation's publication British India. Those who come from Western backgrounds like myself will probably find this a useful convention if seeking an introduction; I am a firm believer in cross-cultural understanding, and to that end I would ask those who would prefer the Arabic names of the Qur'an to have patience with this choice of the translator. And frankly, any little thing that could help give Westerners an easier time understanding of Islam is especially crucial in this day and age, what with the "burqa" laws of France, the Low Countries, and even (sadly) Québec; Little Mosque On The Prairie is a valuable cultural touchstone, but it can only do so much. Finally, although I am myself an atheist, I would like to mention one thing about this particular edition for the benefit of observant Muslims. Namely, that this is a Wordsworth Library Edition, and as such it contains a portrait of the English poet William Wordsworth on its spine. Now for reasons both annoy and mistify me, the publisher will often put Wordsworth's portrait on the front cover as well, although the Qur'an has fortunately been spared this embarassment. Not that what remains is particularly conspicuous either; the miniature portrait on the spine can't be more than one square half-inch, but it is there nonetheless.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Expanding my mind,
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This review is from: The Holy Qur'an (Paperback)
I haven't made it all the way through this book... but, as I continue to read I find new ways of thinking about what I believe and solidify what I have always thought... there is more that we have in common than not. I am looking forward to finishing this book... so, I can start again. I am sure I will read this many many times over many many years. I will always be Catholic... but, expanding my understanding in other religions helps me understand the world around me and have a deeper understanding of my own faith. I would highly recommend this interpretation of the Quran... it is not difficult to read (requires focus and thoughtful reading) and seems more "modern" in language than other versions I have previewed.
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sacred mosque, mighty day, most beautiful names, thy grace, practise regular charity, hath full knowledge, mountains standing firm, dwell therein for aye, beautiful loan, penalty grievous, messenger worthy, messengers before thee, evil refuge, grievous penalty, obstinate rebellion, miserable price, thy lord, hath guided, lawful unto Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Most Merciful, Most Gracious, Our Signs, Day of Judgment, People of the Book, Signs of Allah, Children of Israel, Lord of the Worlds, Clear Signs, Full of Wisdom, Straight Way, Companions of the Fire, One God, Path of Allah, Our Will, Messenger of Allah, Rejecters of Truth, Most Forbearing, Gardens of Eternity, Grace of Allah, Day of Resurrection, Our Mercy, Blazing Fire, People of Noah, Allah's Will Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
sacred mosque, mighty day, most beautiful names, thy grace, practise regular charity, hath full knowledge, mountains standing firm, dwell therein for aye, beautiful loan, penalty grievous, messenger worthy, messengers before thee, evil refuge, grievous penalty, obstinate rebellion, miserable price, thy lord, hath guided, lawful unto Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Most Merciful, Most Gracious, Our Signs, Day of Judgment, People of the Book, Signs of Allah, Children of Israel, Lord of the Worlds, Clear Signs, Full of Wisdom, Straight Way, Companions of the Fire, One God, Path of Allah, Our Will, Messenger of Allah, Rejecters of Truth, Most Forbearing, Gardens of Eternity, Grace of Allah, Day of Resurrection, Our Mercy, Blazing Fire, People of Noah, Allah's Will Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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100
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