Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer?

Serene · **Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

Asslamu Alikum,

I am not sure iif this is the right place to be writing in, but I want to tell you about my MA thesis in the translation of the Holy Qur'an and see if you could help me with that.

I am trying to prepare an MA thesis on the translation of the meanings og Qur'an. I just want to make sure that my research effort won't be wasted. In other words, I want to receive your feedback, your thoughts, your ideas about what issues that needd to be handled.

I know it is a bit hard, but I want to tell you that whatever you may say here can be very useful. Try to share your opnions about the best version of translations. What is it that you find difficult to grasp in different translations. What do you prefer most in different styles of translation: modern ones, literal or communicative...? Anything that you could think of will be of great help inshaa Allah. MAy Allah help us all to know better and help those who do not know

**Khaldun** · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

well first of all to say the least the incredible rythm of the Quran is totally lost and with it its accuracy. Take the example of the plural form "Hum" which is often translated into "they" but arabic also has "Huma" which indicatees two persons, but english doesnt have this distinction you are recruied to say "the two of them". This is minor point, there are others which include words such as Daalika Tilka and Kilta which sometimes can be translated unfairly. On a whole the Quran is losing out its richness by any translation, however sometimes translations are needed, and one of the good ones i refer to is Dr. Muhsin Khan's.

Danish · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

i prefer Packhtal's

bro_faz · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

Pickthall is good for tafseer i recommend Tafsir ibn kathir

Serene · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

Jazakum Allhau Khayran for replying to my inquiry. Still I need to hear from as many of you on your opinions about different translations, certain verses that defy understanding in certain ways of trnslation, or some obscurity added by the trnslator. Your participations are most welcome and truly appreciated. Who knows, maybe this very thread could help lead to something useful to muslims all over the world

**Abu Sayyad** · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khaldun

well first of all to say the least the incredible rythm of the Quran is totally lost and with it its accuracy. Take the example of the plural form "Hum" which is often translated into "they" but arabic also has "Huma" which indicatees two persons, but english doesnt have this distinction you are recruied to say "the two of them". This is minor point, there are others which include words such as Daalika Tilka and Kilta which sometimes can be translated unfairly. On a whole the Quran is losing out its richness by any translation, however sometimes translations are needed, and one of the good ones i refer to is Dr. Muhsin Khan's.

very very true about the Quran losing its richness in any translation, especially english.

**Ansar Al-'Adl** · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-12-2005

I strongly recommend that you read Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi's review of the various translations found in his book An Introdcution to the Sciences of the Qur'aan.

From an Aqeedah (creed/beliefs) perspective, the Khan/Hilali translation is the most accurate. It can be read here:
http://www.al-sunnah.com/call_to_islam/quran/index.html

Yusuf Ali is very smooth from an english perspective, however there are errors in the commentary and minor inaccuracies in the translation. Muhammad F. Malik is another smooth translation.

Abdul Majid Daryabadi's trnalstion has some interesting commentary which provides a comparative religion perspective. It is also a fairly good translation.

The best translation is probably The Qur'aan: Arabic text with corresponding english meanings. Released by Saheeh International.

http://www.al-basheer.com/cgi-bin/ca....cgi?item=5291
http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/produc...roducts_id=170
http://www.bysiness.co.uk/quran/sahe...ernational.htm
An ad is found in this:
http://www.faruq.co.uk/portfolio/web.../pdf/quran.pdf

Rafay · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

The one i have is this one: http://store.yahoo.com/islamicbookstore-com/b4999.html
i didnt buy it from here, my brotehr give to me as a gift, he bought it from an online islamic bookstore, i dont know the website, but this is the one.
Its very good alhumdulilah, i find the translation to be very understandable and effective at the same time, also, its a summarized versoin of at-tabari, al-qurtubi and ibn kathir, with comments from Sahih Al-Bukhari, so it has like hadtihs corresponding with the ayats under the pages, its very nice. Its by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-Ud-Din Al Hilali, Ph. D. (Berlin)

Ibn Syed · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

I seem to use Yusuf Ali more.

jawanazam · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

:s: i prefer ibn kathir for in deeper understanding however I more than often use Dr Hilali and Dr Khan for its conveniance

Ibn Syed · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

I have an Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips book that gives understanding on surahs.

**Jawharah** · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

Mostly Dr. Hilali / Dr Khan.

And sometimes Abdul Majid Daryabadi's transalation.

**Ansar Al-'Adl** · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

Both are good.

Serene · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-13-2005

Mashaa Allah... Jazakum Allah all khayran. I am really blessed to have your help, dear vrothers and sisters. I feel guided by Allah Almighty that I am here amongst you to receive yout most appreciated feedback.

I would like to thank you once more and to ask if you may like to take part in questionaires or to answer certain questions regarding my MA thesis. For the time being I have nothing in particular, but I will be meeting my supervisor tomorrow inshaa Allah, plz pray for me.

One more thing, what do you think of passivization in Qur'an. Do you think it is problematic? or is it easy for you to grasp? How do different trnaslators handle it as you see it? DO you think this might be a good field for study?

I will be waiting for your replies.
Salam Alikum wa Rahamtu Allah wa Barkatu

**Ansar Al-'Adl** · **Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? -** 05-15-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serene

One more thing, what do you think of passivization in Qur'an.

I'm not sure what you mean. Could you be more specific? perhaps with an example?

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	(#1 (permalink))
Serene LI Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 100 Reputation: 67 Rep Power: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Way of Life: Muslim	Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-12-2005 Asslamu Alikum, I am not sure iif this is the right place to be writing in, but I want to tell you about my MA thesis in the translation of the Holy Qur'an and see if you could help me with that. I am trying to prepare an MA thesis on the translation of the meanings og Qur'an. I just want to make sure that my research effort won't be wasted. In other words, I want to receive your feedback, your thoughts, your ideas about what issues that needd to be handled. I know it is a bit hard, but I want to tell you that whatever you may say here can be very useful. Try to share your opnions about the best version of translations. What is it that you find difficult to grasp in different translations. What do you prefer most in different styles of translation: modern ones, literal or communicative...? Anything that you could think of will be of great help inshaa Allah. MAy Allah help us all to know better and help those who do not know

	(#2 (permalink))
Khaldun Alif Lam Mim. Status: Offline Posts: 1,624 Reputation: 6241 Rep Power: 32 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Student at the Madeenah University Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-12-2005 well first of all to say the least the incredible rythm of the Quran is totally lost and with it its accuracy. Take the example of the plural form "Hum" which is often translated into "they" but arabic also has "Huma" which indicatees two persons, but english doesnt have this distinction you are recruied to say "the two of them". This is minor point, there are others which include words such as Daalika Tilka and Kilta which sometimes can be translated unfairly. On a whole the Quran is losing out its richness by any translation, however sometimes translations are needed, and one of the good ones i refer to is Dr. Muhsin Khan's. __________________ -- O how poor is man, if he fears Hell in the same degree of his fearing poverty, then he will enter Paradise .” -- *Yahya bin Mu'adh*

	(#3 (permalink))
Danish Ain-ul-Yaqeen Status: Offline Posts: 840 Reputation: 830 Rep Power: 23 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: England Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-12-2005 i prefer Packhtal's

	(#4 (permalink))
bro_faz LI Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 89 Reputation: 83 Rep Power: 21 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Manchester Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-12-2005 Pickthall is good for tafseer i recommend Tafsir ibn kathir __________________ "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself." Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 1.12

	(#5 (permalink))
Serene LI Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 100 Reputation: 67 Rep Power: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-12-2005 Jazakum Allhau Khayran for replying to my inquiry. Still I need to hear from as many of you on your opinions about different translations, certain verses that defy understanding in certain ways of trnslation, or some obscurity added by the trnslator. Your participations are most welcome and truly appreciated. Who knows, maybe this very thread could help lead to something useful to muslims all over the world

	(#7 (permalink))
Ansar Al-'Adl Administrator Status: Offline Posts: 5,165 Reputation: 12833 Rep Power: 45 Join Date: Dec 2004 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-12-2005 I strongly recommend that you read Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi's review of the various translations found in his book An Introdcution to the Sciences of the Qur'aan. From an Aqeedah (creed/beliefs) perspective, the Khan/Hilali translation is the most accurate. It can be read here: http://www.al-sunnah.com/call_to_islam/quran/index.html Yusuf Ali is very smooth from an english perspective, however there are errors in the commentary and minor inaccuracies in the translation. Muhammad F. Malik is another smooth translation. Abdul Majid Daryabadi's trnalstion has some interesting commentary which provides a comparative religion perspective. It is also a fairly good translation. The best translation is probably The Qur'aan: Arabic text with corresponding english meanings. Released by Saheeh International. http://www.al-basheer.com/cgi-bin/ca....cgi?item=5291 http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/produc...roducts_id=170 http://www.bysiness.co.uk/quran/sahe...ernational.htm An ad is found in this: http://www.faruq.co.uk/portfolio/web.../pdf/quran.pdf __________________ The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Surely I was sent to perfect the qualities of righteous character" [Musnad Ahmad, Muwatta Mâlik] Visit Ansâr Al-'Adl's personal page HERE. Excellent resources on Islam listed HERE.

	(#8 (permalink))
Rafay Limited Member Status: Offline Posts: 32 Reputation: 25 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: May 2005 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 The one i have is this one: http://store.yahoo.com/islamicbookstore-com/b4999.html i didnt buy it from here, my brotehr give to me as a gift, he bought it from an online islamic bookstore, i dont know the website, but this is the one. Its very good alhumdulilah, i find the translation to be very understandable and effective at the same time, also, its a summarized versoin of at-tabari, al-qurtubi and ibn kathir, with comments from Sahih Al-Bukhari, so it has like hadtihs corresponding with the ayats under the pages, its very nice. Its by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-Ud-Din Al Hilali, Ph. D. (Berlin)

	(#9 (permalink))
Ibn Syed LI Oldtimer Status: Offline Posts: 871 Reputation: 501 Rep Power: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: USA Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 I seem to use Yusuf Ali more. __________________ So Glorified is He and Exalted above all that they associate with Him, and in Whose Hands is the dominion of all things, and to Him you shall be returned. (Sura Ya-Seen 36:83)

	(#10 (permalink))
jawanazam Member Status: Offline Posts: 86 Reputation: 68 Rep Power: 21 Join Date: May 2005 Location: new zealand Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 :s: i prefer ibn kathir for in deeper understanding however I more than often use Dr Hilali and Dr Khan for its conveniance

	(#11 (permalink))
Ibn Syed LI Oldtimer Status: Offline Posts: 871 Reputation: 501 Rep Power: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: USA Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 I have an Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips book that gives understanding on surahs. __________________ So Glorified is He and Exalted above all that they associate with Him, and in Whose Hands is the dominion of all things, and to Him you shall be returned. (Sura Ya-Seen 36:83)

	(#12 (permalink))
Jawharah LI's Fishter Status: Online Posts: 4,891 Reputation: 32237 Rep Power: 67 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Along the Coast Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 Mostly Dr. Hilali / Dr Khan. And sometimes Abdul Majid Daryabadi's transalation. __________________ the enemy you know, is better then the "friend" you don't » iHaram Salaah Archives « Daily Haram'ain Salaah True unity comes with following the Sunnah.

	(#13 (permalink))
Ansar Al-'Adl Administrator Status: Offline Posts: 5,165 Reputation: 12833 Rep Power: 45 Join Date: Dec 2004 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 Both are good. __________________ The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Surely I was sent to perfect the qualities of righteous character" [Musnad Ahmad, Muwatta Mâlik] Visit Ansâr Al-'Adl's personal page HERE. Excellent resources on Islam listed HERE.

	(#14 (permalink))
Serene LI Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 100 Reputation: 67 Rep Power: 22 Join Date: Apr 2005 Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer? - 05-13-2005 Mashaa Allah... Jazakum Allah all khayran. I am really blessed to have your help, dear vrothers and sisters. I feel guided by Allah Almighty that I am here amongst you to receive yout most appreciated feedback. I would like to thank you once more and to ask if you may like to take part in questionaires or to answer certain questions regarding my MA thesis. For the time being I have nothing in particular, but I will be meeting my supervisor tomorrow inshaa Allah, plz pray for me. One more thing, what do you think of passivization in Qur'an. Do you think it is problematic? or is it easy for you to grasp? How do different trnaslators handle it as you see it? DO you think this might be a good field for study? I will be waiting for your replies. Salam Alikum wa Rahamtu Allah wa Barkatu