Which Translation of Qur'an do you prefer?

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

salam Alykum all

well their is a new and a very good tafsir of the Qur'an in English, it is entitled "Tafsir Ishraq Al-Ma'ani" by Syed Iqbal Zaheer, (the Editor of Young Muslim Digest, bangalore" an indian from Bangalore, published from Iqra Welfare Trsut, bangalore, India. The tafsir is still under progress, till now almost 10 volums out, untill Surah Al-Nur. Well, i advise each and every one of u to have it. The author tried to present how the Qur'an was understood by the prophet and his Sahabah, also how the scholars of Islam have understood it in every age. It also presents useful notes, variant openions, anecdotes and legal points from commentries of the old and the new.

I referred to this tafsire a lot for my master thesis, it is a uniqe and useful english tafsir, especially for research workers. Sis, Serena, tell me if u r intrested in attaingin this Tafsir . Wassalam.

Where can one purchase this tafsir? I could only find the following link:
http://www.alhodanet.com/details.asp?i=107F6

JazakAllah khair.

 

[Ibn Syed]

Try google or Yahoo searches.

 

[Tazkiyahtulnafs]

i use yusuf ali but i think Packhtal is really good also

 

[Noora_z3]

Sister Serena and Bro Ansar, I will check out and see where u can get that tafsir in UK.

Sister Serena, my thesis was bout "story of Yusuf in the Quran and the Bible, comparative study". My degree was in comparative religion, I am not from Scince of Quran feild. May I know from where u r tryin to attain ur masters degree?! I am thinkin of some lecturer whom might be of great help to u, unfortunatly I am not in Malaysia any more, its hard to get in touch with them, but I will try to atleast get their numbers, and u can call for advise and openions. I know how hard it is to choose a topic for master's, i been throuh this myself, dont worry, we will help as much as we can, just dnt worry, Allah with u. :wilted_ro

 

[Serene]

Asslamu Alikum

Oh that was so kind of you sister Noora. May Allah Almighty bless you and always guide you to whatever HE favors and whatever that will draw you closer to His Providence. I am really so grateful to your help, and the help of all memebers...May Allah reward you all.

The subject of your thesis sounds very interesting, mashaa Allah. I am wishing you all the best in your studies and career.

My thesis will be in linguisitcs, translation in particular. My supervisor has suggested passivization, but I was hoping for something more challenging, something that others would benfit from it. I am still hoping that it would lead to sthg useful.

By the way, i would like to ask any of you if you have an online version of T.B. Irving translation of the Holy Qur'an, it is one of the best and no one has mentioned it so far. I am trying to find it, but so far no luck. I used to access at this site:

http://isgkc.org/EnglishQuran Than... then with your help and support inshaa Allah

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

Thanks for your post, Serene. I'm afraid I disagree about the Irving translation, which I have a copy of with me. It is not a good translation at all and there are numerous problems with it, beginning with the very biblical title, "A First American Version". There are no "versions" of the Qur'an.

Another example is his trnaslation in Surat Ash-Shams, I believ, where he writes, "His Lord snarled at him", such an image is not befitting of Allah at all, and not true to the translation.

Anyway, I stick with the translations I've mentioned before.

 

[bro_faz]

Salaam alaykum

According to shaikh Muhammed bin yahya an ninawy (his site www.alhaqq.net) he said the best qura'an is that which is arabic, because english and other languages cannot cater for the words, a word in the qura'an could have 15 translations in english another may have 8 e.g. the qura'an says

Ayah 88, in Surat Al-Qasas
in his Saheeh :

The literal translation of the Ayah is: "everything will perish but His Face"

However, the meaning of the Ayah according to Imam Bukhari is: (Everything
will perish but His Dominion.) Because additions like face, leg, shin, lingers,
foot....etc. is not applicable to Allah The Exalted.
In other words, the proper befitting meanings are not according to the
sensuous and physical meanings that delusions would lead to, such as
places, shapes, limbs, colors, movements, sitting, directions, smiling, running,
laughing, forgetting, or any other meanings which are not permissible to be
attributed to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala.
Furthermore, the Arabs during the first three centuries spoke the Arabic
language with a natural disposition and great eloquence. Their understanding
of its meaning was very sharp and sufficient. They understood that these
kinds of Ayahs have meanings that befit Allah, and that it is impossible
they would have sensuous and physical meanings which do not befit Allah,
The Exalted.

Taken from page 122 of

SATISFYING THE NEED WITH THE OBLIGATORY CREED OF “ELM AT-TAWHEED”


should you want a copy of this please go to www.islam4everyone.com, and go to important notices on the centre panel of the homepage and download! remembering this is not annotated from his lecture

he also recommended one goes to their local scholar for answers too! (interpretations)

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

Veryt ture. Arabic is a rich language.

I posted on the attributes here:
http://www.islamicboard.com/showpost.php?p=9367&postcount=10

 

[Serene]

Jazakum Allah khayran for your helpful insight...

As for the incomparablity of Arabic, this goes without say, for Allah Almighty made it an Arabic Qur'an. Had HE willed to make otherwise, HE would have; but Arabic maintains very unique features that no other language has.

However, the need for translation is non-debateable. It is Allah's mercy that the same first impression of Qur'an through a first hand impact is mercifully maintained throughout whtsoever translation. I did not know that before. I have always wondered how non Arabic-speaking muslims tend to enjoy the rythem of sura Ar-Rahman. Thank God, that all muslims get to be filled with the same spiritual effect of that inner music.

As for the verse "everything will perish but His Face", some will surely opt for this literal translation. However, since face is considered to be the noblest part of all, it may surely symbolize dominion. Allah Almight has always chose earthly examples to draw similarity and make it easier for the human mind to relate to whtever being described. Still, there is nothing whatsoever that holds similarity to HIM.

One final point before I go, I believe that there is no translation that is void of mistakes. Irving sure has his own accomplishment, but of course he is still human and no body is perfect. Many may object to his choice of vocabulary, I do actually. However, I think he tried to bring about a trnslation that muslim American children could relate to and understand as their religious holy book. I believe this is a wonderful goal that would sure lead to some setbacks but still something worthwhile. Irving also maintained a certain pargraphing scheme to go with the arrangement of verses in accordance with the recitation rules of Qur'an. So do not you think that this is another accomplishment? Still, I would not argue with your objections regarding no versions of Qur'an, and his word choice.

PS. do you know an online source for T.B. Irving translation. I still need it for the thesis, and may Allah reward you all in abundance.

Salam Alikum

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

The link you mentioned before is the only one for Irving on the net, and it's not working recently.
All Qur'an translations can be accessed here:
http://www.quran.org.uk/?Page=links&CatID=3

 

[bro_faz]

Allah Almight has always chose earthly examples to draw similarity and make it easier for the human mind to relate to whtever being described. Still, there is nothing whatsoever that holds similarity to HIM.

I totally agree, but wouldn't you see it as an opportunity for humans to use their intellectuality too

 

[Serene]

Asslamu Alikum,

May Allah reward you greatly for your response. Thanks a million for the site you have sent, it is incredible. Unforunately, Irving still could not be accessed. It is the will of Allah. Iwill keep on trying. So has any one here read Asad's translation?

 

[Noora_z3]

salam Alykum...sorry for the late reply, first thanks a lot..and Jazak Allah sister for all the nice things u said, may Allah make every step in thesis writin process easier and may Allah reward u for each and every moment u spend in researching and writing ur thesis.

By the way, wen chossin a topic, make sure u have a genuine intrest in the topic, regarding the thing that u dont find ur topic challengin enoug, let me tell u sis, no matter wat topic u choose for ur thesis, at a certain point, wen u really get deep into it, touch the lill details, u will find ur topic challenging...coz u will have to sort out lots of probalems and come up with logical conclusions, trust me, after certain amount of research u will find urself fascinated by the topic.....

well, regarding the English Tafsir I mentioned, i came to know that it is not being published in UK so far, best way to get it is to get in touch with the publishin house in bangalore, india. Well to make a long story short, I thought I will send u and Bro Ansar couple of copies of the Tafsir, after u have a look at it and all, decide whether u want the whole collection or not. Alright?!...if u agree, send me ur postal address, u too Bro Ansar, I would love u to have this tafsir, due to my great respect for u...

 

[Serene]

Asslamu Alikum

Dear Sister Noora,

Jazaky Allah khayran. That is extremely kind of you. I am really touched by your kindness. I am speechless towards your generosity. This would be too much of you to send me a copy of tafsir. I am so grateful for your care. Allah knows how much I respect you too, and all members who found the time to write in with information and help

I am also very enlightened by your advice. Your words give me great encouragement

I am very much indebted to you all. May Allah reward you all for your efforts and help

 

[Noora_z3]

salam sister...ohhh u really embaressed me by sayin all these things, its nothing my dear sis, its my duty and pleasure. I really want to help u as much as I can, our Ummah needs highly educated women, especially those who put their time and effort in studyin the Qur'an. If i cant give u lill help then i am not a good muslim after all.... Insha Allah i will try my best to get some valued openions regardin ur topic, I know of one great scholar over here whome I think will be of great help. Khair insha Allah.......dont forget to give me ur postal address as soon as possibale.....

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

May Allah swt bless reward you for your generosity, Sister Noora. You don't need to mail it to me though, I'll pick ip from the local islamic bookstore. But indeed Allah swt rewards every good intention.

 

[Serene]

Asslamu Alikkum everyone,

Thanks a million sister Noora, and may Allah grant you more knowledge. I do appreciate your efforts. I appreciate all you try to offer here. May Allah bless you all

 

[Noora_z3]

May Allah swt bless reward you for your generosity, Sister Noora. You don't need to mail it to me though, I'll pick ip from the local islamic bookstore. But indeed Allah swt rewards every good intention.

salam

But i dont think u will get it there, I doubt that, Well check it out, if not, then I will post it to u, naa i am not being generouse or anything like that, I cant get it for free all i have to do is post it with few bucks..

 

[Serene]

Asslamu Alikum,

I'd like to repeat my gratitude for all your efforst and replies. I am grateful for your cooperation and help. May Allah bless you all.

Now we can discuss any issues that you deem wrong or inaccurate in a certain translation like the ones brother Ansar Al-'Adl has refered to, such as Irving's choice of vocabulary. By the same token, we could also discuss verses that were well translated. How about that to resume our discussion in here? I will be waiting for your reply

salam for now

N.B. Thank you sister Noora for your concern and care, may Allah bless you

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

salam

But i dont think u will get it there, I doubt that, Well check it out, if not, then I will post it to u, naa i am not being generouse or anything like that, I cant get it for free all i have to do is post it with few bucks..

A friend of mine has it. I had a look at it, and mash'Allah it is very detailed.

Now we can discuss any issues that you deem wrong or inaccurate in a certain translation like the ones brother Ansar Al-'Adl has refered to, such as Irving's choice of vocabulary. By the same token, we could also discuss verses that were well translated. How about that to resume our discussion in here? I will be waiting for your reply

I can give you some more points on the various translations from by book by Yasir Qadhi, but I'll start out with posting IslamOnline's comments on translations:

Only some of the meanings of Qur’an are captured by any translation. Because of this, several translations don’t even claim to translate the Qur’an but rather “the meanings of the Qur’an”. But as long as you appreciate that to really understand the full subtleties and ranges of meanings of the Qur’an you need really to go into the Arabic text, then you will treat translations with appropriate caution. As a matter of fact, in dealing with translations, we are inevitably dealing with interpreting the Qur’an.

Being what it is, there have been many great efforts to interpret the Qur’an. These have employed other additional sources to justify their interpretations. For example, in the explanation of the Qur’an (tafsir) by Tabari, many sayings attributed to the prophet (pbuh) are employed as well as quotes from the Bible. Some translations try to take these sources into account too, however in my opinion the translations which do this tend to distort the meanings of the words of the Qur’an by using other material which is less authentic. This is very dangerous in translation because it sets other material as equal to the Qur’an. That other material can even be easily misunderstood as being part of the Qur’an when, in fact, it is not.

There are two examples of this process that I am aware of. Firstly, The translation “The Noble Qur’an” (A Summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir with comments from Sahih Al-Bukhari By Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali, Ph.D. Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan ) This one doesn’t actually change the translation as such but it adds large sections in brackets within the translation within which are meanings derived from classical commentaries. This confuses the text of the Qur’an with text from other sources. Usually, text in brackets within a translation is used to give some implied word which is missing, but the meaning of which is clearly in the Qur’an. This is the way it is used in pretty much all translations. Commentaries should be clearly separated from the translated text and should instead be added in footnotes.

I recently became aware of a translation that goes one more step and removed the brackets (Behbudi and Turner’s The Qur’an: A new Interpretation). This means that the meanings of the verses of the Qur’an are now fully mixed in with the meanings of many derived sources of interpretation. In some cases this dramatically changes the obvious meanings of the Qur’anic verses! I would seriously recommend that you do NOT read this translation.

Other translations have other problems. The standard one published by Penguin books by Dawud is a translation not liked by many because of his choice of words. It tends to capture some strange and sometimes negative meanings when others would be preferable. Some Muslims point to the possible reason for this being that Dawud was not a Muslim (but a Jew) and did not pick the most accurate meanings. Arberry is a quite old translation, not widely available any more. It lacks a set of footnotes and comments and similarly sometimes the choice of words is odd and misleading.

There are a few translations that I would recommend. The one I find most useful is written by Yusuf Ali. This has gone through a number of editions and revisions of the commentary. The version produced by Amana Publications is probably the best. This translation is done with an audience in mind, familiar with what was - at the time (1930’s) - the standard King James Bible. It therefore is in a rather antiquated English and uses words like “ye”, “thou”, “thee” etc. But if you can get past these archaisms it is still a very good translation with a thorough commentary suitable for a Western reader and a good index. Of course it is never going to capture all the meanings of the original but it captures a good subset.

Another translation I like is by Muhammad Asad. This translation is very well tuned to the western mind. It contains many good insights into the meanings of the Qur’an. However, sometimes his comments are perhaps too much his opinion and not really justified by the text. So, this is a translation to read along with other translations that expose you to other meanings in the verses. As far as I know there is no edition of this translation with an index but it does have extensive footnotes and comments.

Another translation that is quite popular is by Marmaduke Pickthall. This is quite a direct translation of the Arabic but I have never seen it published with comments and footnotes. This can leave a first-time reader with many unanswered questions.

There are many new translations being published these days, each with a variation in how to approach the Qur’an. I recommend that whichever translation you go with, read others as well to ensure that you appreciate the different possible meanings that the Qur’anic text has.

Finally, I would like to stress again that learning Arabic in some way will help a great deal in your understanding of the Qur’an. Even a fairly basic grasp of the language will help you in many ways. For example, with only a simple ability to recognize words and sentences, you can easily spot where the “translation” is adding a whole phrase to the actual text and this will prevent you from thinking something was part of the Qur’an when it is not. I was quite shocked to see how blatantly this was done in some cases!

http://www.islamonline.net/askaboutislam/display.asp?hquestionID=3571