The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics Hardcovers)

Rating:
Summary: Best for comparative religion studies
Review: Anyone not raised in a muslim environment will find much Qur'anic material--whether in the ancient Arabic or any modern-language translation--that is extremely objectionable from a moral and/or theological viewpoint; nevertheless, this translation is the very best English translation available for students of comparative religions. Another translation to consider is N.J. Dawood's Penguin Classics edition.

Rating:
Summary: A new dictionary
Review: The reviewer "a reader" must have received a new dictionary and a take of oxygen. Never before have I seen (could not be bothered to read it all. was falling asleep), nor attempted to read such a bloviated post. Man my head hurt from that guy.

Rating:
Summary: great edition
Review: The translation is highly readable. The footnotes are unobtrusive and generally always helpful. The translator takes great care to place his translation in the context of other great translations of the Qu'arn. Finally, the edition is great - it's a nice, compact, sturdy hardcover, perfect for taking along to study anywhere.

Rating:
Summary: A breakthrough translation of the Qur'an
Review: This is one of the best translations of the Qur'an on the market today. Prof. Abdel Haleem has done a remarkable job of presenting the Qur'an in modern English. His translation is easy to read and has just enough footnotes and commentary to explain context without overwhelming the reader with detail. Abdel Haleem has also avoided the mistake of most translators -- "creative interpretation" of the Qur'an in order to conform its meaning to their own religious beliefs or biases.

The translation also has very useful introductory sections that help non-Muslims understand how the Qur'an is structured. It's not a linear narrative like the Bible, but intentionally jumps around in time and space, like flashes from the facets of a diamond held up to the light.

I believe that this translation will be held as the new standard in Qur'an studies for the 21st century.