The Meaning Of The Holy Quran

Rating:
Summary: One of the books that has shaped the world
Review: "The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an" includes the Arabic text of this revered book side-by-side with an English version by 'Abdullah Yusuf 'Ali; this bilingual text is accompanied by a running commentary in the form of footnotes. This is a new edition with revised translation; the introductory material notes that the revision occurred after the death of 'Ali.

Not knowing Arabic myself, I can't comment on the accuracy of the translation. But 'Ali's version has a stately, classic quality. There are passages of real majesty and poetic grace. The translator uses archaic terms like "thou" and "verily," but I think they have a poetic effect and don't hurt this version's readability.

'Ali's footnotes are admittedly one-sided; they are written from an explicitly Muslim perspective, rather than a neutral or interfaith standpoint. Still, the footnotes are often very informative, even fascinating, as he puts passages in context and discusses theological and linguistic points.

Regarding the Qur'an itself: because it is a sacred text to over a billion people and has had such a profound impact on world history, I assert that it is essential reading for any person, regardless of religious belief, who wants to be an educated citizen of the world. The Qur'an has an epic quality. It is an intriguing mix of poetic ecstasy and down-to-earth concerns.

The Qur'an is an intensely self-conscious text; it constantly refers to itself, asserting its claim of divine origin and claiming a relationship to older divine revelation. Those familiar with Jewish and Christian scriptures will find the stories of familiar figures (Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc.) retold in the Qur'an, but often with a twist.

If you aren't a scholar of the Arabic language, I recommend you supplement your reading of 'Ali's version with other translations of the Qur'an; I would recommend A.J. Arberry's in particular. For intriguing companion texts to the Qur'an; try the Book of Mormon, the "Autobiography of Malcolm X," and the texts of the Baha'i religion.

Rating:
Summary: Translation
Review: I found this translation to be the best in content, presentation and understanding for those who are of the Islamic Faith and those who are studying Islam. Being written in English on one side and Arabic on the other side of each page, it is easy to follow the structure with clarity. It is written in clear, consise, and lovely letterings and includes a vast amount of knowledge in the footnotes etc. The book presents itself beautifully as a spiritual submission to society as a whole and exudes a certain devotion that the writer must have had when completing this labor of love.

Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Work
Review: If you are looking for a translation of the Holy Qur'an, then Abdullah Yusuf Ali's work is the right choice.

First, each translator faces a daunting task. He must convey the content of the message along with a sense of the majesty of the original language - if you will the sound and spirit. A simple word for word translation generally does not accomplish this: the translator has to put a bit of himself and his talents into the translation. Mr. Ali has grounded himself in sacred commentary on the Qur'an - both that focused on the religious content as well as that based on philological/grammatical studies. The latter is very important to pick up the nuances of meaning embedded in grammatical constructions and individual words. Mr. Ali supplements his own choice of translation in the main text through footnotes which discuss the nuances/wider meanings of words. For example, he notes that the Arabic word "sabr" which is generally translated as "patient" means as well "steadfast", "unwilling to be defeated" etc. In different verses then he will translate the same Arabic word in different ways to convey the required meaning. In other cases where there are variant readings resulting from the way a sentence may be split he provides an explanatory footnote which provides both his version, the alternative reading and his rationale for his choice.

Second, the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) over the course of years. Often in relation to specific events which took place. Some verses of the Qur'an were therefore later superceded by others. Mr. Ali provides a guide to this as well as highlighting the context in which a particular verse or verses were revealed. As well, he begins each Surah with a commentary to explain the theological key points/issues discussed within. This is extremely valuable as an aid to the reader's understanding. In this same vein, he provides religious commentary on particular verses through the deft use of footnotes. This provision of a context is what distinguishes this work from other translations which provide only a translation.

Of course, as the translator takes this additional step, it is important for the reader to understand what predispositions the translator brought with him to his work. Mr. Ali outlines his approach to the translation, his methodology and sources. By some accounts he had a strong mystic ("Sufi") strain. There are glimmers here and there in the text of such an orientation, though I believe that his commentary (which apparently has been edited) is sufficiently mainstream at least in the Sunni tradition of Islam.

The Amana edition, which is well made and the version I would recommend, also contains a detailed comprehensive index so the reader can easily browse through the Qur'an on a particular topic.

The Qur'an has much wisdom for all of us - non-Muslims and Muslims. Mr. Ali's work helps open the door to this message of mercy and peace.