Product Description

The first English translation of the Qur'an by an Englishman who is a Muslim, the aim of The Glorious Qur'an is to present to English readers what Muslims the world over hold to be the meaning of the words of the Qur'an. Concisely and in worthy language, with a view to the requirements of English Muslims, the Book is rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language. Fully indexed, the original Arabic accompanies the English translation and commentaries.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1079117 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 768 pages

Customer Reviews

Probably the most accurate translation available
Pickthall's translation is clear and easy to read, eschewing the flowery language common to translations of the Koran. Furthermore, it's fairly accurate, following the Koran line by line and balancing the need to make things make sense in English with the need to hold to the actual text. Reading other translations (Arberry comes to mind), I've had the impression that the author had decided to rewrite what many consider a holy book. As a practicing Muslim, Pickthall knew better and so produced the only translation I would recommend.

The most "recommended" English translation
The Pickthall translation comes highly regarded by most Arab speakers. The English used is a bit archaic; what the King James version is to the bible I would say is what the Pickthall version is to the Qur'an. But it also reads quite beautifully at times and apparently is quites close to the original Arabic.

The version I bought was relatively inexpensive but the drawback is that there is little in the way of notes or commentary for the Western reader.

In English, but not much help to non-Arabic speakers
If you're looking for a translation that will help you understand the Qur'an, this is not the one for you. It's cheap and widely available, but can leave you with false impressions of what is basically a very difficult text for people who have not read the original Arabic. When I bought the Pickthall translation, I had no idea that which translation you got made any difference. It was my first introduction to Islam and I was surprised and disappointed by it. It was a perplexing book without much explanation and I couldn't see what the big deal was all about. Since then, I have spent years reading different translations, (including Arberry, which at least came closer than Pickthall to preserving the poetry of the Qur'an) until I finally found the Muhammad Asad translation and got the guidance I needed to understand this valuable treasure. If you're sincerely after an understanding of the Qur'an, either learn Arabic and read it (translations are not technically "The Qur'an"), or buy "The Message of the Qur'an, translated and explained by Muhammad Asad". I still have the Pickthall translation, mainly because I don't want to confuse anyone by giving it to them. But having gained a much deeper understanding of the Qur'an through the light of the Asad translation, I have to say that Pickthall's is miles from helpful for anyone who hasn't already developed an understanding of his subject. If you're going take the time to read a translation of the Qur'an, take care to get the best one.