Understanding the Qur'an: An Insightful English Translation
The Holy Qur'an (also known as The Koran) is the sacred book of Islam. For Muslims, it is the word of the one God. The Qur'an was revealed to the last prophet and messenger Muḥammad (محمد) from the year 610 until his death in 632 by the angel Gabriel (جبريل).
According to the Qur'an, God exists and is unique, and He is the author of all the sacred books of the three monotheistic religions that are Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. He thus revealed the Gospel to the penultimate prophet Jesus and the Torah to the prophet Moses. We read thus in verse 3 of sura 3: "It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind".
However, Islam considers that, with the exception of the Quran, all the holy Books have been falsified by man. Verse 75 of Sura 2 goes in this direction: "Well, do you hope [Muslims] that such people [the Jews] will share your faith with you? while a group of them; after having heard and understood the word of Allah, knowingly falsified it."
As the influence of Islam grows and spreads to the world, translating the Qur'an is of fundamental importance in order to introduce and explain Islam to anyone interested.
This present work is a translation into English of the meaning of the verses of the Quran made by Saheeh Interntional. This translation is considered to be one of the most faithful rendering available in English.
About this book:
It is one of the best available translations currently available. This is a simpler, clearer and easier to read translation than many of the popular ones which proceeded it. Saheeh International reviewed each verse in Arabic with reference to several works of Arabic tafseer and grammar, choosing contemporary wording and carefully placing them in order similar to that of the original Arabic whenever possible. 'Without going into excessive detail, a word is due here about the methodology of this abbreviated edition.
Three main objectives have served as guidelines: To present correct meanings, as far as possible, in accordance with ' aqeedah ahl as-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. To simplify and clarify the language for the benefit of all readers. To let the Qur'an speak for itself, adding footnotes only where deemed necessary for explanation of points not readily understood or when more than one meaning is acceptable.'[Taken from Editor's Preface] This acclaimed translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur'an has set new standards of readability and accuracy, for the benefit of everyone needing a resource of the Qur'an in English.
It is now available in paperback form for ease in carrying and distribution. Readers will appreciate the clear, modern English, the smooth flow of sentences, and the concise footnotes which give necessary information but allow uninterrupted reading of the main text. The scholars and translators of Saheeh International have paid careful attention to authentic sources of hadeeth and tafsir and have made comparisons with previous classic English translations. The result is a highly accessible and reliable work that can be used by anyone wanting to study the authentic meanings of the Holy Qur'an Very Clearly Laid Out + Reader Friendly + An Excellent Index.
Publisher: Maktabah Publications
Format: Paperback
Era: 2010s
Publication Year: 2019
Language: English
Pages: 818
Date of Publication: 01/09/2009
Edited by: A.B. Al-Mehri
Current Edition: 1st
Dimensions 1: 24.5 x 17.5 cm (approx); Pages colour: White
Dimensions 2: 19.5 x 13.5 cm (approx); Pages colour: Light yellow
Overview of the Qur'an
The Qur'an is the sacred text of Islam, revered by millions around the world. It serves as a guide for personal conduct and communal harmony, offering insights into faith and morality. Because it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago, the Qur'an remains relevant today, engaging readers through its profound messages. This English translation helps non-Arabic speakers grasp its essence and teachings, making the text accessible to a broader audience.
Structure and Surah Introductions
The Qur'an is organized into chapters, known as Surahs, each addressing various themes and concepts ranging from spirituality to ethics. The introductions to Surahs provide context and highlight key messages, allowing readers to better understand the circumstances of revelation. This feature enriches the reading experience, as it fosters a deeper connection to the text. Therefore, readers can appreciate the Qur'an not just as a religious document, but also as a source of wisdom and guidance.
Appendices and Additional Resources
In addition to the translation and Surah introductions, the accompanying appendices offer valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts of the time. They include resources such as commentary on key verses, linguistic analyses, and explanations of concepts unique to Islamic theology. By including this supplementary material, the translation serves as an educational tool, enabling readers to explore complex ideas more thoroughly. Thus, the Qur'an becomes not only a book of prayer but also a significant work of literature and philosophy.
