I am looking for the best English translation of the Quran.

Like I said, I am looking for the best English translation of the Quran. I have read it once but it was a very old translation, the arrangment of the chapters was out of order and it lacked the poetic grace that I have always heard was a vital aspect of this spiritual masterpiece. I am sure there must be at least one translation out there that is better, you know, something clear and accessible that conveys the structure, the poetry and the meaning of the original.

I know it is best read in Arabic and I really wish that I could do so, but I am almost completely ignorant of the language - I know only "La Ilaha Illa Allah" and that's all - otherwise I am sure it would be easy to find an untranslated copy.

If one of you can shed some light on my search, I would think of you with all kindness and respect when I read it.

Thank you.

 

I would recommend The Noble Quran Version 3.0 which can be downloaded here: http://www.islamasoft.co.uk/downloads.html
This is a famous translation of the meaning of the quran in english by Dr. Muhammed Muhsin Khan, its in a modern and comprehensive english. And you are most certainly correct, its not nearly the same as in arabic.

I hope that helped
P.S: You can change mode from arabic/english to only english through one of the round buttons at the top.

 

Dear Cabdirazzaq,

Thank you for your thoughtful kindness. I just now ordered a copy (in print) of Dr. Khan's translation. I look forward to its arrival in three or four days. If ever I am able, please, just ask, and I will happily return the favor.

Peace and Love

 

Hi Varuna,
Id differ slightly and say that the Abd'Ullah Yusuf Ali translation is best, in that if u get a good printed edition, there is often a small quantity of tafseer (Quranic explaination) in it. But brother, if i may advise u at all, when u read the Quran in english, remember that it can only be read with its full meaning intact in Arabic, and that if u want to understand it you will have to go to an Alim (Scholar) to explain its meaning to you directly from the Arabic. For it says in the Quran that whilst the Quran guides many, there will be some who will misinterpretate it, and will receive misguidance and falsehoods from their own thoughts, so just be careful bro.
cool, anyway hope all goes well for you when u read from it.
Salam (Peace)

 

"...For it says in the Quran that whilst the Quran guides many, there will be some who will misinterpretate it, and will receive misguidance and falsehoods from their own thoughts..."

This type of warning has been issued since time out of mind as a preamble to all sacred scripture including, we can be sure, such arcane sacred scripture as the Pyramid Texts and the secret writs of the Jedi and the Holy Book of the Gremlins.

A good source for sacred scripture from the diverse religions around the world past and present is the following link:

http://www.sacred-texts.com/index.htm

Enjoy.

BTW, interestingly, someone in these forums once alleged that the Koran could not be translated due to its intrinsic truths being understandable exclusively in its original language of revelation and yet...

 

lagidae...lol...i find it funny how you managed to spin my words so nicely, and take just the part that seemed agressive and omenous.You should see about working for the government...i hear that they are looking to recruit people into the department of spin!!!

 

Dear Irish Hippy,

Thanks for the recommendation. I have looked over both Abd'Ullah Yusuf Ali and Dr. Muhammed Muhsin Khan's translations.

I have to say, with all due respect to Dr. Khan, his interpretation has some questionable commentary that expresses contempt for Jews and Christians. I find it very difficult to reconcile this attitude with my understanding of the almighty. I am aware that I may be mistaken, but I am willing to argue that Allah does not want anyone to hate their fellow human beings, regardless of the motive.

I have found a really good translation by Abd'Ullah Yusuf Ali which has three parallel texts - the original Arabic, the same Arabic written phonetically in the English Alphabet (It will be nice to hear the sound of the original language), and a reverent, well-balanced English translation. One really nice feature is that it is very affordable (I sense someone has performed an act of charity by making this so inexpensively available), only eight dollars at Bodhi Tree Books, right here in Los Angeles.

I also have a 1935 edition of The Meaning Of The Glorious Koran translated by Marmaduke Pickthall.

I thank you for your concern about the potential for "misguidance and falsehoods." Through your words, I am well advised. I hope I can assure you, however, that I am fairly well experienced and well aware of the limitations of translation and scriptural interpretation. I realize my ignorance of Arabic is something of a veil which hides much of the Quran's inspired poetic splendor, but that is even more reason to humbly appreciate Allah's masterpiece for its inherent brilliance of meaning.

Peace and Love,