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The Meaning Of The Holy Quran

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As a non-Muslim who teaches courses in world religions and mysticism, I find this translation of the Qur'an the most helpful to those persons who want to read the holy book of Islam. 'Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali's translation is both clear and beautiful, and his near verse-by-verse commentary is nonintrusive and extremely useful to the beginner. The commentary not only explains the context of individual verses but also serves as a concordance. Moreover, each surah (chapter) is prefaced by an informative summary that helps orient the reader. Finally, the whole has an extremely comprehensive index of almost thirty pages.

I can't recommend a better edition of the Qur'an to those of us who are non-Muslims but who wish to know more about Islam.

"The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an" includes the Arabic text of this revered book side-by-side with an English version by 'Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali; this bilingual text is accompanied by a running commentary in the form of footnotes. This is a new edition with revised translation; the introductory material notes that the revision occurred after the death of 'Ali.

Not knowing Arabic myself, I can't comment on the accuracy of the translation. But 'Ali's version has a stately, classic quality. There are passages of real majesty and poetic grace. The translator uses archaic terms like "thou" and "verily," but I think they have a poetic effect and don't hurt this version's readability.

'Ali's footnotes are admittedly one-sided; they are written from an explicitly Muslim perspective, rather than a neutral or interfaith standpoint. Still, the footnotes are often very informative, even fascinating, as he puts passages in context and discusses theological and linguistic points.

Regarding the Qur'an itself: because it is a sacred text to over a billion people and has had such a profound impact on world history, I assert that it is essential reading for any person, regardless of religious belief, who wants to be an educated citizen of the world. The Qur'an has an epic quality. It is an intriguing mix of poetic ecstasy and down-to-earth concerns.

The Qur'an is an intensely self-conscious text; it constantly refers to itself, asserting its claim of divine origin and claiming a relationship to older divine revelation. Those familiar with Jewish and Christian scriptures will find the stories of familiar figures (Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc.) retold in the Qur'an, but often with a twist.

If you aren't a scholar of the Arabic language, I recommend you supplement your reading of 'Ali's version with other translations of the Qur'an; I would recommend A.J. Arberry's in particular. For intriguing companion texts to the Qur'an; try the Book of Mormon, the "Autobiography of Malcolm X," and the texts of the Baha'i religion.

This is a very well put together book. The Arabic and English print is very easy to read, and transliterated text is both easy to read and accurate to the sounds of the Arabic. (The Arabic Koran is left in the Arabic alphabet.) On each page there is a column of Arabic text and its English translation is set next to it in a column of its own. At the bottom there are Jusuf Ali's notes, which are very extensive and excellently cross-referenced. At the beginning of each Sura is commentary by Jusuf Ali which sheds light on the historical situation of the Sura as well as commentary on its meaning. The Koran, because it is smaller and subsequently less complete than the Bible, often requires the reader to endlessly sift through the voluminous literature of the Hadith and Sunna in order to properly understand its Suras. This volume does much to bring the meaning of the Koran to individuals who are not yet full-fledged scholars of Islam. I would have given this work 5 stars, but this edition is actually an alteration of Ali's work, having updated both the translation and the commentary. I feel that it is slightly dishonest to put a man's name on a work after altering it after his death. But the product itself is nearly flawless.

Don't get impressed with the publicity and advertisement of Amana version of revised Quran. I have purchased other versions of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's work by other publishers including Amana USA, IPCI UK & the original publisher Sh Muhammad Ashraf of Lahore Pakistan. I have earlier printed copies of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's Quran text translation and commentary published by the original publisher Sh Muhammad Ashraf of Lahore. One copy is published in 1937, second printed before 9/11 and I bought another one recently.

I am extremely disappointed that all recent versions published after 9/11 have many changes in the translation and commentary, all made in the name of modernization and revision. But unfortunately these changes are in such key topics e.g. women dress code and usury that do not do justice with the open mindedness of the Quranic Arabic text. Abdullah Yusuf Ali's commentary was already very modern, comprehensive and open minded and hence there was no reason for his commentaries to be revised or modernized by any publisher. There was no reason to add the cultural and Muslim native land's influence into these revised editions by the publishers after 9/11.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali had benefited from the Muslim historians and Quran commentators belonging to the 8th till 14th century CE and written an exceptionally versatile translation and commentary that tries to match the Superior Quranic Arabic text and its wider meaning. Unfortunately new publishers have revised and deleted the portions in the commentary where Abdullah Yusuf Ali had mentioned key facts of the historical background for better understanding of the context of verses. These versions misguide the new generation by brain washing them into cultural influence and neglecting the original historical background. These historical backgrounds mentioned by Abdullah Yusuf Ali are the context of the verses which were often revealed in response to a crisis or a question that had arisen in the community of Prophet Muhammad in Madina and Makkah at that time. Abdullah Yusuf Ali had laid the principle of extracting the understanding of Quran from these historical incidences. This was practiced by him and various early generation Muslim scholars.

These revisions are pure dishonesty with the work of this great scholar who has translated Arabic Quran into English keeping the universal nature of message in mind regarding people of different nations, cultures and faiths. The biographer of Abdullah Yusuf Ali has also mentioned this problem with revised editions. Check Wikipedia to confirm.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali died in 1952. Until his death, none of the publisher changed anything in his manuscript. I can confirm this since I have another copy of his work published by Hafner Publishing Company New York USA, just before his death. After a long search for a new published copy of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's original work, I found that there is only one original version available now published by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an. This version is the best available and minimally adulterated version of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's work in the market. As far as I can check from the 3rd edition published in 1937 (which I have one copy), only one phrase is missing in the commentary of Chapter 33 verse 59 in note 3764 where the following phrase is missed out "The times were those of insecurity (See next verse No. 60)". Fortunately rest of the Quranic translation and commentary is free of such adulterations and I congratulate that company for keeping the originality of the work. The above mentioned omission has been reported to the company. The Tahrike Tarsile Version is available on Amazon.com,here is the link The Holy Qur'an: Text, Translation and Commentary

It does not take much to look at the publishers note in the Amana version of this translation to read that the publishers admit that they have altered the translation and commentary deliberately with intentions to suit the current Muslim scholars opinions.
The alterations are identified by the symbol R at the end of the alteration. It does not take much to count the number of times R appear at each page. Just for example I would like to tell you that R appears nearly 41 times only in the commentary of 2nd chapter of Quran called Sura Al Baqra. On the average it appears on every other page throughout the Quran commentary which is so unfortunate and a shame that now this current version published by Amana does not contain Abdullah Yusuf Ali's work any more and rather reflects the opinion of scholars on his commentary. Therefore Amana should stop calling it Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation and commentary. It has become their own work now after so much adulteration.
And just to satisfy you here are the examples.

In the commentary note of Ch 33 Called Sura Al-Azab verse 59, note number 3764 Abdullah Yusuf Ali in his original work i.e. before his death wrote "This is for all Muslim women, those of the Prophet's household, as well as the others. The times were those of insecurity (See next verse) and they were asked to cover themselves with outer garment when walking abroad. It was never contemplated that they should be confined to their houses like prisoners."
However Amana version states in this note 3764 "This is for all Muslim women, those of the Prophet's household, as well as the others. They were asked to cover themselves with outer garments when walking around. (R)"

The pointer towards the historical background for the revelation of this verse (See next verse and time were of insecurity) explains and highlights that the outer garment was instructed in special harassed situations which Muslim women were facing in Madina at that time. This fact is historically proven by ahadeeth in Sahih Bukhari and by the historical account of Ibn Saad (a Muslim historian of 8th century CE). But by omitting these pointers, the whole argument which was initially revealed for special circumstances (which one can still read through verse 58-61) becomes a general statement and a dress rule for women in all general situation. This is not only complete injustice to the Quranic translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali but is dishonesty done purposefully to satisfy the Muslim scholars opinion.

In the commentary note of Ch 33 called Sura Al-Ahzab verse 59, note number 3767 Abdullah Yusuf Ali writes that "This rule was not absolute; if for any reason it could not be observed, "God is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful".
While in the Amana version you find this note as "That is if a Muslim women sincerely tries to observe this rule but owning to human weakness falls short of the ideal, then "Allah is often forgiving, Most Merciful" (cf. 24; 30-31) (R)

This reference of Ch 24 is not quoted by Abdullah Yusuf Ali as this is not the argument being discussed through out these verses starting from verse 58-61. Also they have added "Falls short of ideal" this ideal is their self created ideal dress (The head scarf and the veil). Also they have not mentioned that Abdullah Yusuf Ali consider it as not an absolute rule, rather the Amana version actually makes it sound like this rule as absolute since they consider it as ideal.

for more examples go to this link [...] Also read this article [...]
Or just count the number of times R appear in the commentary of each chapter.
It is not difficult to find this information on the web for anyone. You just need an intention to find it.

The link for the original version published by Tahrike Tarsile is mentioned. If one is interested, one can buy a copy and compare it oneself.

This is one of the most well written and comprehensive translation of the Holy Quran. Anyone interested in reading the Quran and understand its meaning, should buy this book. This Book is a MUST-HAVE.

I found this translation to be the best in content, presentation and understanding for those who are of the Islamic Faith and those who are studying Islam. Being written in English on one side and Arabic on the other side of each page, it is easy to follow the structure with clarity. It is written in clear, consise, and lovely letterings and includes a vast amount of knowledge in the footnotes etc. The book presents itself beautifully as a spiritual submission to society as a whole and exudes a certain devotion that the writer must have had when completing this labor of love.

A fairly comprehensive and highly accurate translation of the Quran. This one has both the original Arabic text as well as its translation in English. It also has very informative footnotes which helps the reader understand each verse better. This version of the Quran is accepted by the majority of the muslims throughout the world. Overall, I would highly recommend this translation of the Quran to anyone interested in the religion of Islam.

asSalaamu3laykum (Peace be on you),

A little over seven years ago, after reading so much about Islam and asking different people about Islam I decided to read The Qur'an myself. As someone who was Catholic and read much of the bible (usually KJV) and went to Catholic school I knew reading a holy book was quite an undertaking- especially if you care to actually understand it. I'd read and heard fairly good things about Islaam when it was presented in a factual manner... eventually I'd decided that I would read The Qur'an. Sure, you could say "It's not 'reading' The Qur'an unless it's in arabic..." but that's why I hunted down a translation that was explained and annotated/footnoted enough for me to understand it in more or less the same degree as it was meant to be understood... Being bilingual and knowing the shortcomings of explanation from one language to another I knew, more or less, what I was looking for in this department as well.

I came across Yusuf Ali's rendition and, after spending about six and a half months of not turning a page until I felt I'd understood it, I'd finished Yusuf Ali's "Meaning of The Holy Qur'an."

I see why people whom are prejudiced would not want people reading this book (The Qur'an, in general)- The Qur'an's originator- its claim to fame- is God Himself... His proof is The Qur'an itself (as claimed by The Qur'an). To me, it not only clarified many of the things I *highly* disagreed with about my religion of birth but left me convinced it was from God Himself. Say whatever you wish of me- but I've read this book end to end four times by three translators and still agree with it. Before judging me... have you read it, end to end, even once?

Experiencing this book- reading and contemplating it- gave this ethereal feeling that its author knew me- knew my nuances and the very nature of all states of mankind (mentally and physically). This book makes Muslims out of people. It stands as an edifice that God is not the author of confusion... which is how the bible and priests who'd constantly tell me I had to accept Jesus (peace be upon him) as my savior since he paid for my sins- but this, I knew, went against the monotheistic law which he seemed to uphold in the bible (later changed by Paul). Jesus upheld the oneness of God... the "trinity" is not even mentioned in the bible- Paul made Him three and I *never* agreed with this.

Two weeks after finishing this book, a little over seven years ago, I'd made my 'Shahadah'- proclamation of faith. I became what I believe to be a "better Christian"... I became Muslim.

Think it might be worth a read? Well, as they'd say on Reading Rainbow (c), "...don't just take *my* word for it..." read it yourself.

When I decided to read the Qur'an I perused a few translations that were, in my opinion, below par for someone who is both unfamiliar with the arabic language, history, culture and the faith of Islam. Some were straight translations, some, only attempted to prove the Qur'an's perfection via mathematics and multiplications... I found this verion to be well translated and very well explained. I have read this twice and read one different translation (sans explanations) and still find this one to be the best.

In The Name Of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali - An Unsung Hero of the Muslim World

One of the most unsung heroes of the Muslim world is surely one of the most visible. The translation of the Holy Qur'an by Ustad Abdullah Yusuf Ali has, over the years emerged as the most authoritative and popular translations ever undertaken; so much that the Saudi Arabian government has endorsed it.

Yet not many people know much about Abdullah Yusuf Ali. To begin with, here is his photograph. The internet also throws up more information on him. For instance, not many who admired his comprehensive and so traditional translation of the Qur'an know that he was a SHIA MUSLIM.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali was the son of Yusuf Ali Allabaksh, also known as Khan Bahadur. This was an Indian Dawoodi Bohra family. Allabaksh had a civil service post in the Surat Municipality and in his obituary, the name "Shaikh Yusuf Ali Shujauddin" was used, a title which MAY have come from the Dawat. However, the father, who apparently spoke and taught Arabic, sent Abdullah Yusuf Ali to Anjuman-e-Islam, a modernist Islamic seminary.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali, 1872-1953

The most comprehensive information about Abdullah Yusuf Ali is from a 1994 biography written by M.A. Sherif, Searching For Solace: A Biography Of Abdullah Yusuf Ali - Interpreter Of The Qur'an (Islamic book Trust, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 1994. pp. 314). The saddest aspect of his life was that he died a nonentity in a miserable situation. Monetarily, he was not in a bad position. He was a British pension holder and had other sources of income. But during the last days of his life, he became mentally sick and, at times was found roaming about in tattered clothes in the streets of London with no fixed abode. In the words of his biographer, M.A. Sherif,

"it was in a harsh winter of Britain on December 9, 1953, that a confused Abdullah Yusuf Ali was found out of doors, sitting in the steps of a house in Westminster. The police took him to Westminster Hospital. He was discharged the following day and a London County Council home for the elderly in Dovehouse Street, Chelsea, took him in. He suffered a heart attack on December 10 and was rushed to St Stephen's Hospital in Fulham. Three hours after admission he died.

Thus ends on a sad note the story of an unsung hero of the Muslim world.

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