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Thread: Where can I get a VERY basic English Translation of the Quran?
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QuranStudy

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Salaam,

Can anyone refer me to a very simple translation of the Quran? You can recommend me an author, book, or website.

I have read several surahs in English, but the English is quite complex (reminds me of Shakespeare )

Please help. I am very eager to continue my study. Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Keep in mind no translation is the Qur'an. I think what you may need is a valid explanation of the Qur'an, not a simple translation. None of the words in the Qur'an translate accuratly into English. All translations are awkward and tedious. None come close to the true beauty or the true meanings as expressed in the original. I would suggest looking at several explanations of the Qur'an. I say several as an explanation is a person's opinion and you will see differences of opinion. But, it can be a starting point to learning.

There are several web sites you can print an explanation from. At the moment, I can not think of which would be the best. A good explanation is written by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. But, there are possible errors in it. If you choose to look at that explanation, keep an open mind to reading explanations by others also.
 
I forgot to ask in my above post. What translations have you currently read. Perhaps some of us could find a good explanation to go with it.
 
QuranStudy said:
T.B. Irving
Click to expand...

I have never come across any of his Translations. He is a new one to me.

Perhaps you may want to try a translation and commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. I find Ali's translation easy, but his commentaries I question. Marmaduke Pickthrall also put out an excellent translation. I don't like his translation as well as Ali's but his commentaries seem to be more accurate. Try either of those as a translation. But, at the moment seek the aid of a knowldgeable Muslim for explanations of what you do not understand. Use the commentaries of Ali and/or Pickthrall simply as rough guides.
 
So, which is better in understanding Islam: Translation or Commentary.

My intention is to understand what the Surah is saying.

Thanks.
 
If you have acess to a life scholar, I would suggest using a translation and then asking the scholar to explain what you do not understand. Using a good translation, much of it will be self explanatory.

If you do not have access to a scholar I would suggest using the commentaries of at least 2 people. My personal favorites being Ali and Pickthrall. Compare both of them. Do not try to understand all at once. The Qur'an is actually very understandable and clear. We humans just have a way of confusing things.

Your desire to learn is admirable. Do not let it become an obstacle tho. Allah(swt) Has given you guides and you will never be expected to know what you are incapable of knowing. There is nothing hidden or not understandable in the Qur'an. We reverts sometimes have difficulty in grasping the simplicity.
 
:sl:

IMO, Saheeh International is one of the best translations. It's easy to understand and widely used by many scholars.

http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/

Click on any surah. Then check the saheeh international box at the top, and click on 'Submit'.
 
Muhammad Zafrulla Khan's new translation with arabic text on the side is great. You should check it out.
 
Saheeh International is the best one according to many scholars, all of them have mistakes but Saheeh International supposedly has the least...