Rating: Summary: Bottom Line: This work is NOT a TRUE translation Review: I read the translation with great care. It did not appeal me the least. First of all I am fanatically against any interpolation inside the text, no matter how sincere the objective may be. All translators used footnotes or parenthesis wherever they thought further elucidation was warranted. Here the translator have put far too many words inside the actual text suggesting these are equivalent of "revealed text". The purpose may be honest, but this is exactly how all previous Scriptures were disfigured by over zealous followers. The author provided a glossary of Arabic words at the end to justify use of multiple words to convey a meaning. It is not the shortcoming of English or any other language if Arabic words cannot be rendered in that language. Rather it is the shortcoming of the translator. The authors and their coterie will keep defending their approach to translation by putting more rave reviews. I am just warning the readers to guard themselves when they read this utterly presumptuous 'translation'. The book did use lots of parenthesis to elucidate the meaning, so the authors do understand how to use them. However, elsewhere they got carried away. So I must say, don't rely on this work for "accuracy". For casual reading it is ok. I am giving one star rating because above all I am looking for a 'translation' and this work is by no means a 'true' translation. It does not take lot of scholarship to find that out. Every page is replete with numbers of interpolations.
Rating: Summary: Answers, or more questions? Review: I read this in order to clarify some of the more controversial principles of Islam: slavery, treatment of women and captives, use of warfare, meaning of "paradise," and, yes, beheading and punishment in general. This translation was done before the modern wahabists who, I assumed, interpreted Jihad to be a licence for aggressive war. The Nooruddins translation has, to me, the "ring" of truth. I would like to think that violent interpretations were constructed to justify conquest and disregard of other faiths. This translation affirms the value of all sincere faiths (albeit somewhat hard on the Jews) and forbids opportunistic killing and destruction in the name of Islam. Most important, to me, was the concept, set forth in the beginning chapters, that the Qu'ran is meant to be CLEAR and UNDERSTANDABLE, implying, to me, that the multitude of interpretations and revisions are as likely as not to lead to error. "Allah knows what is in your hearts." Well worth reading.
Rating: Summary: Extremely helpful Review: I really enjoyed this translation. The Book is easy to read and to follow. I especially enjoyed the brief articles about current issues and how they relate to Islam and especially the world's misconception about the TRUE Islamic views and not cultural or feudalistic Arab views. As a Lebanese Muslim, I have been exposed to 17 other religious confessions in Lebanon, 11 Christian sects alone. This book reinstates the TRUE message of Islam; peace and love. I highly reccommend this translation to all Muslims and people who would like to learn more about Islam.
Rating: Summary: More an Interpretation than translation Review: I think it is fairer to refer to the English text here as an interpretation of the Qur'an rather than a direct translation. To their credit, the editors make an effort to bring across the subtle meanings of Arabic words by often using a broader range of English idioms to express an idea. However, they are clearly presenting a specific interpretation of the text which other Muslims may disagree with. Many examples abound. For example, at the beginning of Surah Baqara, the editors add to the mystical letters "Alif Lam Mim" the words "I am Allah the All-Knowing". Commentators have argued over the meanings of the mystical letters for 14 centuries, but it is all purely hypothetical. The editors here have clearly chosen to interpolate their own interpretation of these letters into the translation. Perhaps they are right, perhaps they are wrong, but they should identify such material as their own interpretation, easily done by including the words in brackets next to the actual translation. The editors also often take on interpretations that are often a minority viewpoint amongst Muslim commentators. For example, in translating verses regarding the miracles God worked through Jesus, they choose to interpret the miracle of raising the dead to mean raising the "spiritually or almost" dead. Most Muslims have absolutely no problem believing that a God with infinite power can bring dead people back to life, not just at the Day of Judgment, but today, or back in the time of Jesus. While it is certainly possible that the the story of Jesus raising the dead is allegorical, as the editors see it, it is an act of interpretation rather than translation to present such a view. The Arabic text simply speaks of resurrecting the dead, leaving it to the reader to decide its meaning. The editors have translated a neutral text and then inserted their own interpretation. This is, in my view, unfortunate, as the power of the Qur'an lies in the ability of every indiviudal to find meaning in the text based on their own life experiences. That is in essence the magic of the Qur'an -- the Book itself states that some of the stories are allegorical and others are literal, but it leaves the interpretation to the community. The wonderful thing about other translations such as Yusuf Ali's seminal work is that, like the early commentators, these translators admitted that there were a variety of interpretations to the text. They did not present a blanket interpretation, which often happens in this edition. This edition is less appropriate for beginners than for advanced students of the Qur'an. More advancd students who have read several English translations or are fluent in Arabic will probably have the background necessary to differentiate the editor's interpretation with alternative ways of understadning the text. Beginners should probably stick with Marmaduke Pickthall's translation, which presents an translation that is less slanted by a specific interpretation. Yusuf Ali is also great, if you can handle the extensive footnotes and commentary, which are often overwhelming for a beginners.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Quality, Great Value Review: I'm a non-Muslim interesting in learning about Islam from the source. I'm very impressed with this Q'uaran from several points: The translation is easy to follow while also presenting the original Arabic text on the same page. The use of parenthesis to help in the translation is an innovative way to avoid footnotes and preserve continuity. There's a very thorough introduction which has the purpose of explaining not only the Holy Q'uaran's history and language, but several well chosen points that dispel many of our popular (western) misconceptions about Islam. (ie - womens rights, respect of Christianity and other religions, mis-use of the term "Jihad" etc. ) The book itself is leatherbound and very attractive with gilded edges and cloth ribbon bookmark. The paper is very high quality. I would normally expect a book of this quality to sell for twice what it is sold for here. I should also mention that the producers of this book are a non-profit established by the translator and carried on today by his family. I've had the opportunity to compare this translation with several others, and I believe it to be true and unbiased. I've also corresponded with the publishers who clearly take very great pride in the production of this book and describe their work in the project as a labor of love.
Rating: Summary: Most authentic and wholesome interpretation of the Qur'aan.. Review: Maulana Noorduddin, Abdul Wahab Oamr and Abdul Mannan Omar are among the present age elite scholars of the true Islam - not Mullahism. Cannot be a better team to merge top notch command of Qur'aanic Arabic with top notch command of English language. This work is a great contribution to creating better understanding between religions of the world.
Rating: Summary: It's the Quran Review: Reading the Quran is quite a shocker sometimes. Especially if you come to it with basic assumptions of peace and the equality of mankind. There are, non the less, some great stories and lessons in the Quran, I will not deny it, although most of them are also in the Torah and the Bible first (which are themselves shockers to first time readers sometimes! though, I'd say less so) And as the Muslims claim, there are some amazing things in there that are seemingly 'before their time' though the educated person knows that much of the sciences and maths like Algebra an Chemistry have their origins with the Arabs who were quite scientific in older days around the time of the compiling of the Quran from its various sources. I do encourage curious people to read it, for we should not be totally ingnorant. Though just alittle bit more reading and you'll find it (the Quran) is not so Holy as the Muslims would have you believe.
Rating: Summary: It's the Quran Review: Reading the Quran is quite a shocker sometimes. Especially if you come to it with basic assumptions of peace and the equality of mankind. There are, non the less, some great stories and lessons in the Quran, I will not deny it, although most of them are also in the Torah and the Bible first (which are themselves shockers to first time readers sometimes! though, I'd say less so) And as the Muslims claim, there are some amazing things in there that are seemingly 'before their time' though the educated person knows that much of the sciences and maths like Algebra an Chemistry have their origins with the Arabs who were quite scientific in older days around the time of the compiling of the Quran from its various sources. I do encourage curious people to read it, for we should not be totally ingnorant. Though just alittle bit more reading and you'll find it (the Quran) is not so Holy as the Muslims would have you believe.
Rating: Summary: Best Translation Of The Holy Qur'an I have read! Review: Salam Aleikom,I must say that anybody that reads this copy of The Holy Qur'an gets the true essense of The Holy Qur'an and The Religion Of Islam. It proves wrong all those those who seek to make Islam into a dogmatic tool for oppressors. Islam is for all people of all times. It is not only for people but for all that exists! Humans, Animals, Jinn, Aliens, etc. It is the Religion of the Universe. I would compare it to "The Force" in Star Wars. Allah and "The Force" have alot in common. The Jedi Knights are just like the Sufis/Mystics of Islam who follow paths/tariqas/orders. Obviously many people only find what they are looking for be it good or evil depending on thier own predisposition. Some find or do evil in this Universe and attribute it to God, but alas! They are the ones who are responsible. Like in Star Wars there is a "Light" and "Dark" Side to the Force. You may serve the good or the evil but it is your freewill to do so. It is as if Allah has laid 5 roads in front of you (which is predetermined) however which road you choose is your free will (not predetermined, however Allah has knowledge of the past, present, and what will be.). Waasallam,
Rating: Summary: I AM INSPIRED AND IMPRESSED by this ELOQUENT TRANSLATION Review: The eloquent but simple way is adopted by the translators to express the meaning of the Arabic Revealed text into English. I am impressed with this new translation which is a team work. I have no hesitation in recommending this to any English speaking individual and especially younger generation who are looking for easy to grasp/understand ways to the message given by God through this revealed Last Holy Scripture. Dictionary meanings of selected Quranic words are explained in depth and are very informative and authentic in references. Introduction to many topics currently under discussion in regards to Jihad, Wars, Women, etc... are eloquently presented, authentically referenced and beautifully written for modern mind who seeks answers logically and not emotionally. In short, this is the best translation so far available in market and every scholar should consult, every individual should read and every student/new muslims/younger generation should try to find the answers to their questions with reference to this translation.
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