Disturbed By All the Different Quran Translations

[ShahnazZ]

:salam2: I hope you're all in the best state of health and iman and enjoying this very last day of our beloved Ramadan .

This one may ruffle a few feathers so please ascertain that I'm coming from a place of genuine concern and not sheer criticism.

I've been extremely disturbed over something that I've obviously taken for granted my entire life and have only realized the error until now.

My Quran translation.

See, I've only recently begun thinking about the different translations that exist out there and wallahi, there truly seem to be translations for everyone! Those that want to be extreme, those that want to be liberal, those that want to be apologetic, those that want to be "modern", purple, green, blue, the list goes on and on!

For example, the translation by Muhammad Asad was recommended to me. Looking up the reviews on this translation, Asad was praised for his amazing commentary, especially by those who found faults in other translations.

However, I learned that his volume is banned in Saudi Arabia as they say it contains faults. What faults these are, Allahu Alim. They're not mentioned and I wish they were. Yet, looking at reviews of other translations, there was something to be said about all of them!

For example, the translation that I currently use (Muhammad Mohsin Khan) is being considered "supremacist Muslim, anti-Semitic, anti-Christian and preaching a Saudi line". I myself admit there are times when I question certain parts of the translation. Others include the following commentaries on the following translators (the notes on each translator are based on the research article I read and not of my own opinions):

Taken from the following article:
http://www.meforum.org/717/assessing-english-translations-of-the-quran

Muhammad Ali - an Ahmadi scholar whose works have been adopted by the Nation of Islam (automatic rejection right there)

Marmaduke Pickthall - heavily influenced by Muhammad Ali, even so much to say that al-Miraj was the Prophet's vision and not an actual journey, as ascertained by most Muslim theologians.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali - "Anti-Semitic" again (I put the term in quotes because frankly I have no idea whose point of view this is coming from. If it's based on the true words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, I don't care whose feelings are hurt and whose offended.)

Ahmed Ali - "downplays Christian and Jewish parallels in the Quran"

Thomas B. Irving - contains linguistic errors and more of a Biblical text

You've got early translations, 20th century classics, Saudi-endorsed translations, anti Saudi-endorsed translations, sectarian translations and those that just straight up fall short.

Basically, it is suggested that every translation seems to be somewhat tainted by certain surrounding contexts. There are some translations that were written when anti-Zionism was on the rise, others that were written when the divide between India and Pakistan was taking effect. These external issues should in no way, shape or form touch the Words of Allah in His Book. So now, which translation can I trust without having to worry about whose being influenced by Saudi politics, Pakistani culture, Western values, etc.?

We take these things for granted thinking that having a Quran translation itself is enough. We ignore what discrepancies we may find in those translations thinking that it's our flawed ability to understand. And it may be so. I'm not denying that at all. At least that's what I always believed. That the problem was in my capability to understand and not the actual translation. I am a flawed human being after all. But what if I'm wrong about thinking it's all ME?

This also really scares me because we pride ourselves on being different from the Jews and Christians in the sense that our beloved Book has not been corrupted like there's have. But as most of us do not speak the dialect of the Quran, the translations are really all we have to go by. And if there are translations for everyone, then are we on the road to corruption as well?

:astag: I know.

In the end, for me it's not about pleasing anyone but Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. I don't care about appeasing non-Muslims of any other background who find offense in His Words. To me, they're His Words, and thus end-game.

Is it too much to ask for a perfect translation, free of personal bias? And if not, isn't this a problem considering the Quran itself is perfect?

I just want Allah's Words. That's it. No one else's. But now it seems like that's too much to ask for unless you lived in the time of the Prophet .
Is there a single authentic translation? Based on whose opinion? Should we read many translations to get a broader idea?

Now I see why it takes so many scholars years and years to study the Quran.

 

[alf2]

I have 2 Qur'ans, one by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and one by Ahmed Ali. I actually have them for 2 different reasons. The one by Abdullah Yusuf Ali has complete transliateration as well as Tajweed rules. The one by Ahmed Ali was the first Qur'an, very simple and has both English & Arabic.

But now, I want the one by Majid Fakhry because its in simple English.

I dont really pay attention to whatever "bias" it has but I've heard Muslims arguing over which to read, which to not read. Ya Allah...

This is a good thread

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

Sister,

There is more to the Quran than a translation. Do not allow yourself to go crazy.

Do not allow yourself to follow the argument that only a scholar has the expertize to understand the Quran. This is the road that the Jews and the Christians took for centuries.

The Quran needs to be listened to. It stirs the heart. Each reading of the Quran gives us a new understanding.

 

[Asja]

Assalamu allaicumu wa raahmatulah wa baraktuhu dear sister

Alhadmdulillah I use translation of Quran on my native language which was approved by Saudia Arabia comission for truthfull translation.

I think dear sister that we should not even mention this because these can be waswasa of Shaytaan or some tricks by Jews, Christians or in general of non Muslims. They wish to say that Allahs Book Al Quran and the book of us Muslims in changable, Astagfirullah,and that it can be corrupt.

But we as Muslims should be more wiser and not let anyone to say such a things, because Quran is One and Sunnah of our Propht sallahu alayha wa salam is aslo one and Inshallah it will never be changed. If we do not know the meaning of some ayah we than have authenic and saheeh hadeth to find the answers Inshallah.

Inshallah you should ask a question of some knowledgable Sheikh from " Islam question and answer site" and maybe these Sheikhs can advice you for your question. And Allah knows the best.

Allah subhan wa teala sais: "It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad ) the Book (this Qur'an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments, etc.), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding." ( Surah Ali Imran, ayah 7)

May Allah gude us all to Siratul Mustaqeem and protect His deen. Ameen ya Rabby :tti_sister:

 

[ShahnazZ]

I think dear sister that we should not even mention this because these can be waswasa of Shaytaan or some tricks by Jews, Christians or in general of non Muslims. They wish to say that Allahs Book Al Quran and the book of us Muslims in changable, Astagfirullah,and that it can be corrupt.

Sister, some things are worth mentioning. I have found that whenever I question things, the responses I learn lead me to learn more about my religion and if anything make me a stronger Muslim. I would not have been a stronger Muslim if I did not question. Those who live blindly learn nothing. And Islam has all the answers.

Whether it's a trick by Jews, Christians, atheists, aliens or whatnot, it doesn't change the fact that different translations DO exist. Based on this own reasoning of yours, if one of the abovementioned wrote a Quran translation based on their own biases of Islam, are you saying not to question it because it could be waswasa?

To that I say, audhu billah, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala lead me to have the best of intentions in learning about the best way to please Him.

 

[Asja]

Sister, some things are worth mentioning. I have found that whenever I question things, the responses I learn lead me to learn more about my religion and if anything make me a stronger Muslim. I would not have been a stronger Muslim if I did not question. Those who live blindly learn nothing. And Islam has all the answers.

Whether it's a trick by Jews, Christians, atheists, aliens or whatnot, it doesn't change the fact that different translations DO exist. Based on this own reasoning of yours, if one of the abovementioned wrote a Quran translation based on their own biases of Islam, are you saying not to question it because it could be waswasa?

To that I say, audhu billah, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala lead me to have the best of intentions in learning about the best way to please Him.

Assalamu allaicum wa raahmatullah wa barakatuhu

Dear sister I did not said that we should not seek knowledge and learn Islam Astagfirullah, because as Muslims we know that it is fardh for us to learn ourselfe and as well teach others our deen Islam.

I have only said sister that we should be carefull with making some questions, like for example some Muslims do question Hadeeth which are considered as Saheeh (truthfull) and this is leading to Fintah. And in this cases it can be Waswasa of Shaytan, or tricks and plans of non Muslims agaist us.

I did not said in any particular case dear sister, neither I was refering on you, that you do wrong for making this question Astagfirullah. And my intentions sister were also for the sake of Allah.Many new Muslims or non Muslims who are still learning about Islam can get confused with these doubts, because one of the basic things that our Deen is teaching us is that Quran is the Only truthfull book of Allah subhan wa teala.

I think that our Islamic Ulama who has enough Ilm of Quran should declare and warn which translation of Quran are not trustworthy and that therefor they can not be read or used. And Allah knows the best.

May Allah forgive me if I said anything wrong, it was never my intention.

Allah knows the best.

Wa Allaicumu saalam wa raahmatullah wa barakatuh

 

[strive-may-i]

....

:salam2:

I would not dare to call the translated copy of Quran as The Quran
A translation of Quran is a human effort. Its bound to have errors. So, when one takes up a translation, its with an awareness that its a translation, that it can have errors and that its the second option in understanding The Quran . So how with passing time, did this opinion change, and the Translated pages become a substitute for original? .... I feel this should be your train of thought.

Understanding Almightys wise words, needs great humility wisdom, and aand it would not be complete even if one were granted many many lifetimes....... even Almighty Allah says that in Holy Quran. Right?!

Being fair to the sincere translators:
Translation a simple sentence from one language to another, with same simplicity needs language proficiency. Now a kids story book which is a hit in one language, if it has to become a hit in another language needs not just language but something more too. Quran translation needs nothing less than an Intellect of Genius[1]. Am sure you are being fair to them. And thank Almighty for their effort.


Now of the translations, there can also be translations that are written with a sinister intent, yes one needs to be wary of them. With passing time, the internet will proliferate with such material.


[1]..oh by the way I happened to read an article where Prophet was termed as a human Economic, Political Genius too ahead of his times by a staunch critique!!

 

[ShahnazZ]

I would not dare to call the translated copy of Quran as The Quran

Uh I didn't. I kept saying TRANSLATION.

A translation of Quran is a human effort. Its bound to have errors. So, when one takes up a translation, its with an awareness that its a translation, that it can have errors and that its the second option in understanding The Quran .

Yes, as translators are human they are bound to make errors. This entire thread is about their errors. However, when striving to understand the Quran, I would like a translation with as FEW errors as possible.

Is that so wrong to ask?

So how with passing time, did this opinion change, and the Translated pages become a substitute for original? .... I feel this should be your train of thought.

Akhi, I think you're lacking some clarity as to what I was saying. Nothing can substitute the original. However, I am not a native Arabic speaker. If I could understand the words in the Mushaf without a translation, I wouldn't have created this thread.

Please be kind enough so as to enlighten me as to how I can understand the original Quran without a translation in my language. I really would love to know.

Being fair to the sincere translators:
Translation a simple sentence from one language to another, with same simplicity needs language proficiency. Now a kids story book which is a hit in one language, if it has to become a hit in another language needs not just language but something more too. Quran translation needs nothing less than an Intellect of Genius[1]. Am sure you are being fair to them. And thank Almighty for their effort.

I'm a bit lost on what you're trying to say here. I get that you're saying that all languages are different and one needs to be proficient in a respective language in order to make the necessary impact that the statement would incur. However, you lost me about the intellect of genius.

Now of the translations, there can also be translations that are written with a sinister intent, yes one needs to be wary of them. With passing time, the internet will proliferate with such material.

The internet can also be an enabling tool for those very sinister people you're speaking of. It's not the most reliable source. One needs to verify and authenticate a source before taking it as reliable.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

:salam2:

Dear sister translations are just translations.The rreal Qur'an is in Arabic,uncorrupted,Alhamdulillah!That is why I am planning on learning arabic anguage soon,so that I could understand it,feel it and live it inshaAllah.I have read many things about Qur'an in arabic,related to it's eloquency ,beautiful speech and the effect it has on hearts and its aesthetic aspects.I want to feel it,the way it was revealed.
BTW there's one more translation,dont know if it's authentic but it's called a "
"Sahih International".It's on this website http://www.quran.com
May Allah give us the taweeq to understand Qur'an and act on it.Ameen.

 

[ShahnazZ]

:salam2:

Dear sister translations are just translations.The rreal Qur'an is in Arabic,uncorrupted,Alhamdulillah!That is why I am planning on learning arabic anguage soon,so that I could understand it,feel it and live it inshaAllah.I have read many things about Qur'an in arabic,related to it's eloquency ,beautiful speech and the effect it has on hearts and its aesthetic aspects.I want to feel it,the way it was revealed.

Simply learning Arabic won't help you understand the Quran on it's own. I myself have studies fussHa Arabic and despite being able to understand a few sentences here and there, there's no way I can manage without the English translation.

What might help is if you live in a country where the dialect is spoken. That way, you'll gain a better understanding of the language. I know that Muhammad Asad (a Quran translator) lived with a beduoin tribe for YEARS before undertaking the responsibility of translating the Quran which took him 17 years to do.

Is it really that difficult to comprehend why a translation is so important? So many people keep mentioning that the Quran is uncorrupted and that's a GIVEN but an accurate translation is extremely significant. I really don't know how else to say it.

 

[abdul-aziz]

Simply learning Arabic won't help you understand the Quran on it's own. I myself have studies fussHa Arabic and despite being able to understand a few sentences here and there, there's no way I can manage without the English translation.

What might help is if you live in a country where the dialect is spoken. That way, you'll gain a better understanding of the language. I know that Muhammad Asad (a Quran translator) lived with a beduoin tribe for YEARS before undertaking the responsibility of translating the Quran which took him 17 years to do.

Is it really that difficult to comprehend why a translation is so important? So many people keep mentioning that the Quran is uncorrupted and that's a GIVEN but an accurate translation is extremely significant. I really don't know how else to say it.

:salam2:

well lets take an ayah for example:

وَتَرَى الْمَلَائِكَةَ حَافِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ الْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْحَقِّ وَقِيلَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ [٣٩:٧٥]

[Saheeh_International] And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne, exalting [Allah] with praise of their Lord. And it will be judged between them in truth, and it will be said, "[All] praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds." [39:75]

Now this ayah was translated by one translator to say the angles will be barefooted. IstaghfirAllah

Don't you feel that is odd that someone who translates would say such weird things.

These are the translations I found to assist me when I need it:

Hilali-Khan - excellent as it includes a lot of hadith merged in to get the sense of the meaning.

Sahih International - Well approached with just the translation not so much hadith narrations included.

Pickthal - I admire his translation pure and simple

Then there is one that brother Nouman Khan mentioned however I never read it. It is Oxford Press translation by Abdul-Haleem. but brother Nouman mentions there is some discrepancies.

Arabic language structure is very hard to go to English because English doesn't support the syntax. Also it requires a lot of education in order to attain comprehensive understanding of both languages.

I would suggest finding tafsir in English and going through a little at a time. It would help reflect in a person's mind the meaning while it is recited.


wa Allah ya'lam

Eid Mubarak!

 

[complex_man]

Even the native arab speakers cant understand Quran fully. i have met many arabs from many countries and when it comes to understanding Quran , they say it is difficult and for us also it is not easy to understand as we use everyday arabic that is totally different from Quranic Arabic. sister i understand your problem. just read and use your logic and rationalism as to which translator is correct at what place. i fully agree with you that we should ask questions when it comes to religion. we can ask whatever comes into our minds as islam doesn't forbid some one to ask questions. it is trick of so called religious leaders who say dont ask this , dont ask that. you will be out of islam and this question is fitna.

i would suggest , read which one you think is good for you. i read the translation od amroti sb . it is the best i have found and whenever i have problem , i compare 4 to 5 translations together and then i can learn which one is correct. learning arabic is not easy and it is not fard. we can do a lot of more useful thing than learning arabic.

 

[sohail1981]

Dear Sister,
Aslam Walequm
I am Sohail from India and I converted 2 years back.. Yes, your concern is indeed justified ..I have read translations in Hindi and English but still I would advise you to concerntrate more onn sunnah of Prophet Mohammd (PBUH) and way of life as told by Allah...that automatically will lead us to deal with other things inshallah...Allah Knows..better we don't hav wrong intentions...

 

[Tabassum07]

:salam2:

I completely understand what you're saying, sis Shahnazz. I have the translation and commentary of Abdullah Yusuf Ali, and sometimes, there are some parts in the commentary that give me a strange sufi vibe. I can't explain it, but its there. I've been meaning to get different translations of the Quran and read through them.

Since these are all translations, I've always taken it for granted that I'll never fully and completely understand all the undercurrents and nuances of the Quran - but we can just try and read and reflect and pray that Allah SWT gives us the means to understand His Words.

I've heard a lot of people saying "The Noble Quran" is the best. But who is the translator? I saw it in a bookshop once, and there were two authors - one was Dr Mohsin Khan, and I don't remember the second name. Can anyone let me know if this is that same translation many TTI members were saying was very good?

 

[sachin4islam]

Assalamu Alaikum: Sister Shahnaz.

During my Pre-Islamic days when I bought my first ever translation of Quran,I could not grasp anything from word of Allah. This particular translation was from late Maulana Abdul Karim Pareekh. So I offered a Muslim lady this translation of Quran. To my astonishment she at once rejected this translation of Quran and said we can't keep this translation of Quran at our homes.

Few months back I was sitting midnight with my Ustad (teacher) while he was discussing some issues of a particular translation with Imam from a sect. This translation by Ahmed Raza Khan is widely read in India. The footnotes or otherwise short commentary of various Ayahs were included in this translation. My ustad had two different editions of the translation,one printed in upper 90's and other being the latest edition. It was quite striking that interpretation of various Ayahs changed with time such that of seeking intercession and about martyr. How can a translation of word of Allah vary with time in context of interpretations?.

It is best to learn Arabic to fully understand word of Allah.

Regards.

 

[ShahnazZ]

I've heard a lot of people saying "The Noble Quran" is the best. But who is the translator? I saw it in a bookshop once, and there were two authors - one was Dr Mohsin Khan, and I don't remember the second name. Can anyone let me know if this is that same translation many TTI members were saying was very good?

Yeah that's the one I'm currently using. It's by Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali and Muhsin Khan. Suffice to say if I found it to be perfect, I wouldn't have created this thread lol. I mentioned in my original post what the reviewer's remarks about it were. And yes there are times where it's raised my eyebrows as well. But that could just be me and my flawed understanding.

Feel free to judge for yourself. It's pretty good, otherwise and provides many authentic ahadith in the commentary to give the backdrop of a particular ayah.

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

What about the Quran that is distributed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? And what do the scholars say? What does the council of fiqh say?

 

[ShahnazZ]

It is best to learn Arabic to fully understand word of Allah.

:salam2:,

Akhi, as I stated in my response to Brother Kashif, I've studied Arabic and you need more than that to understand the Quran. Without the translation that is.

 

[sachin4islam]

Assalaam walaikum,

What about the Quran that is distributed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? And what do the scholars say? What does the council of fiqh say?

Assalamu Alaikum: Aapa.

I think (my personal opinion) the translation disseminated by Saudi Kingdom is best of all translations available in English. The important feature along with accuracy being that melody of Quran is not distorted.

Regards.

 

[abdul-aziz]

:salam2:


I would suggest finding tafsir in English and going through a little at a time. It would help reflect in a person's mind the meaning while it is recited.

:salam2:

allow me to clarify and suggest what I meant by the above ^.

I found it very valuable to go through audio walk through lectures such as the ones that Sheik AbdulNasir Jangda and Nouman Khan has been doing. The essence is invaluable to help understand different interactions that took place at the time of the message. Out of what I understand they have studied many tafasir of the Quran.

I have had the opportunity to listen to their explanations and subhanAllah they do an excellent job in explaining.

The best approach is a limited approach where you do a little at a time. I think that helps reflection and allows the person to encompass the information in a retaining way.

IMHO, this is the best way.

lastly, let me relay to you an extraction of a hadith I heard but didn't remember so it will be put from my recollection of it the best that I can. So do please forgive me for my ignorance.

One time, the prophet, PBUH was reciting during prayers and he arrived at a touchy part where emotions took place; crying. Then a sahabi after the prayer turned to the guy next to him, which they knew he didn't understand Arabic. He said; why are you crying when you heard that part and you don't understand Arabic. He replied: because I know it is from Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.

that was all I remembered from the hadith.