What is the most moving translation of the Qur'an?

Question

I have a book (i highly reccomend it!) by Neil Douglas-Klotz called Desert Wisdom that has the most beautiful extended translations of a few suras in the Qur'an (as well as other holy books and writings)

I was wondering if anyone knows of an extended translation of the Qur'an like that, something that really takes apart each sura and explores it in a more poetic in depth way than typical translations do?

I understand the idea that a translation will never be the original written in arabic... i was just talking about an extended exploration of the qur'an in english because i'm not yet fluent in arabic...

Answer 1

The Yusuf-Ali translation of the Quran is full of footnotes and goes into great detail. I think it's the best version for people who speak English. The Arabic text is also included; although the writing is pretty small in the copy I have. The foot notes and commentary are very helpful for those of us who did not grow up with Islam. Many of the more obscure references are explained.

The real poetry and "moving" nature of the Quran can only be properly expressed in the original Arabic. I'm afraid if someone tries to hard to make a beautiful translation in English they will sacrifice much of the true meaning. But if someone who speaks English honestly wants to know about the Quran, I think the Yusuf Ali version is the best.

Answer 2

My own preference is to read the Muhsin-Khan translation and use the Yusuf Ali Full Commentary translation just for the commentary sections.
In the Yusuf Ali one each surah is preceded by commentary about that surah, when it was revealed and the history of the time of that revelation. It is excellent.
I guess people wouldn't consider any of the English transliterations moving but I choose the Muhsin-Khan because it just uses easy English :) lol.
The Arabic is moving.

Answer 3

There is a site that has CDs of the Quran and it alternates each chapter from Arabic to English every few verses. And it is a good translation.

You can sample at least one of the chapters (but I think more than one is available) at the site ---http://www.QuranNow.com

I also agree with Nomadic- the official translation from KSA is lacking...not just in English but in other languages they have produced it in (of the languages I can read)---they have some translations available online...and they are NOT very good. :P

Answer 4

AsSalaamu Alaykum Sister, I really like the one called " The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an" - translated by Abdullah Yusef Ali. If you have ANY questions about it don't hesitate to ask me sister, May peace be with you and your family.

Answer 5

in case you definitely need to income approximately Islam i think of which you're able to bypass to Kuwait, or Bahrain. Saudi Arabia provides the folk wronge techniques appropriate to the religion. i be attentive to. I converted to Islam 3 years in the past by way of listening to Amro Khaled CD's. i think of you're able to get them they translate each little thing. stable good fortune =D

Answer 6

I have some in Arabic, and I'm definately going to by that book.

Thanks for the tip.


Peace.

Edit: Patric is right... most of the beauty is lost in translation, that's why I prefer reading it in Arabic first.

Answer 7

The Qur'an cannot be translated without loss and sin. It must be read as the original words of the Prophet.

Answer 8

I was told by my Muslim professor that the beauty and the fluidity of the Qur'an is lost in translation

Answer 9

I can't tell you which one is, but I can tell you which one is NOT - the official Saudi government translation, yuck!

Answer 10

i think this version is quite " moving". i'm just Quoting.

"Fight those who do not believe in Allah...And the Jews say Ezra is the son of God; and the Christians say Christ is the son of God; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; Allah's curse be on them; how they are turned away!" (Koran 9:29-30

When the sacred months have passed away, THEN SLAY THE IDOLATERS WHEREVER YOU FIND THEM, AND TAKE THEM CAPTIVES AND BESIEGE THEM AND LIE IN WAIT FOR THEM IN EVERY AMBUSH, then if they repent and keep up prayer [become believers] and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them (9:5)

I WILL CAST TERROR INTO THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE. THEREFORE STRIKE OFF THEIR HEADS AND STRIKE OFF EVERY FINGERTIP OF THEM. THIS IS BECAUSE THEY ACTED ADVERSELY TO ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGER; AND WHOEVER ACTS ADVERSELY TO ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGER(8:12-17)

Surely they who disbelieve in the communications of Allah - they shall have a severe punishment; and Allah is Mighty, the lord of retribution. (3:4)


but i offer you something even more moving:

"But I say to you, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Be merciful as your Father is merciful. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." The Bible, Jesus, SON of God.