Hello,

I'm a religious scholar by hobby, and in my reading I've come across the contentious issue of English translations of the Qur'an. I have several but I wanted to know what are the preferred translations, hopefully recommended by Muslims on here that have read an English version or two and can compare it to the original Arabic.

I know that the Qur'an is considered to be only truly accessible in the Arabic, but it is too daunting a task to learn an entire language every time I wish to read a new set of scripture, lol. So, I'd appreciate some recommendations on accurate translations, and why you like them.

Here are the versions which I have collected so far, if anyone would like to weigh in on them:

Abdullah Yusuf Ali (given to me by a Muslim friend)
N.J. Dawood (I understand this to be a contested version)
Maulana Mohammad Ali (I know this is an Ahmadiyya translation, and is considered heretical)
John Medows Rodwell
S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali
Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik

I've also been told that the translation by Muhammad Taqi-ud Din Al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan is reliable, but I haven't gotten it yet.

Thank you for your advice!

my advice is this:

http://quran.com/

I have the Yusuf Ali one, it has a lot footnotes and explinations that's why I like it. But I also use the Pickthal one as well. Also if you want to learn the recitation (and have the translations to the side) you can use the site Quran Explorer. Happy studying!

Thanks, sphyrna and Puma, those are good sites, and I enjoy listening to the Arabic singsong recitation recordings!

What about in-print Qur'an translations? I like to write on the pages and highlight passages, so I am curious if any more Muslim InterPal users have recommendations. Thanks!

you might also read The Message of the Qur'an by Muhammad Asad. it has both translation and commentary together. i didn't read it in English but the Turkish translation of it is kind of the first translation of Quran that i started to read after i became aware of the importance of understanding Qur'an, some years ago. i believe it opened up my horizon, may helps you on your study as well^^

I am the owner of the Qur'an translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and I recommend it if you are more the black and white type of person. I don't seek but I enjoy simplicity in truth...his translation I find to be professional and straight-forward moreso than other texts whom seem to be more poetic. His English translation also uses older terminology which some of the newer generations dislike preferring more to modern terminology. I find it highly enticing, I think it's the best to start off with and venture from there.