What Is The Best English Translation of Quran? 

An Insightful Guide to Selecting the Ideal Quranic Translation for You

As the sacred text of Islam, the Quran is a guide for Muslims around the world. It is originally written in Arabic, a language known for its depth and eloquence. For non-Arabic speakers, translations are essential to understand and appreciate the message of the Quran.

With countless translations available, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will explore some of the main English translations of the Quran, detailing each one and their positives, to help you select the one that resonates with your heart and mind.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of English translations of the Quran, examining some of the most popular translations available. As the Arabic language is both rich and intricate, finding the best Quran translation that truly captures the essence of the original text can be challenging. Nevertheless, numerous English translations have gained widespread recognition for their accuracy, eloquence, and attention to detail. Furthermore, many of these translations include the Roman script alongside the English text, allowing readers to follow the original Arabic as they read. Join us as we explore these popular translations and discuss their merits, ultimately guiding you towards the most suitable English translation for your personal understanding and connection with the Quran.

The Meaning of the Glorious Quran by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall (1930)

Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall was an English convert to Islam and a renowned Islamic scholar. His translation, “The Meaning of the Glorious Quran,” is one of the earliest English translations and is highly regarded for its accuracy and faithfulness to the Arabic text.

Positives:

• Written in early 20th-century English, it gives a sense of the time and style of that era
• Maintains the dignity and grandeur of the original Arabic text
• Suitable for those who appreciate a classic, literary style

The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934)

Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation is one of the most popular and widely-read English translations of the Quran. Yusuf Ali was a British-Indian scholar who devoted much of his life to translating and interpreting the Quran.

This translation features extensive footnotes and commentary that provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the Quranic verses, making it easier for readers to understand and appreciate the text.

Positives:

• Comprehensive footnotes and commentary provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the Quranic verses
• Easy-to-understand language that is accessible to a wide range of readers
• Uses a balanced, poetic style that captures the beauty of the original Arabic text

The Noble Quran by Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali (1996)

This translation is a collaborative effort between Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, an Indian Islamic scholar, and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali, a Moroccan Islamic scholar. It is a popular translation among English-speaking Muslims.

This collaboration between Dr. Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Al-Hilali offers a meticulously researched translation that has become a valuable resource for English-speaking Muslims seeking a deeper understanding of the Quran and its teachings.

This translation offers parenthetical explanations within the translated text and incorporates authentic Hadith and Tafsir (interpretations) to provide additional clarity and guidance.

Positives:

• Offers parenthetical explanations within the translated text, making it easier for readers to understand complex concepts
• Incorporates authentic Hadith and Tafsir (interpretations) to provide additional clarity and guidance
• Ideal for readers seeking a translation with an emphasis on orthodox Islamic teachings

The Qur’an: A New Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem (2004)

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem is an Egyptian-born Islamic scholar and professor of Islamic Studies at the University of London. His translation is known for its clarity, flow, and modern English style.

Positives:

• Accessible and easy-to-read language, making it suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds
• Maintains the rhythm and beauty of the original Arabic text
• Excellent choice for those new to Islam or those looking for a more contemporary translation

The Clear Quran by Dr. Mustafa Khattab (2016)

Dr. Mustafa Khattab is an Egyptian-Canadian Islamic scholar and author. His translation, “The Clear Quran,” aims to provide a clear, easy-to-understand English translation that remains faithful to the meaning of the original Arabic text, conveyed in contemporary English with the intention of being more easily understandable than previous translations of the Quran.

Positives:

• Uses simple, modern language that is easy to comprehend for a wide range of readers
• Designed to be accessible for native English speakers who may not be familiar with Islamic terminology
• Perfect for those seeking a straightforward, concise translation

The Message of the Qur’an by Muhammad Asad (1980)

Muhammad Asad, born Leopold Weiss in Austria, was a renowned journalist, traveler, and Islamic scholar. His translation, “The Message of the Qur’an,” is praised for its intellectual depth and modern language.

Muhammad Asad’s translation includes intellectual and in-depth commentary and footnotes, offering clarity and context for complex concepts, making it suitable for readers who appreciate a scholarly and analytical approach to the Quran.

Positives:

• Intellectual and in-depth translation that provides a fresh perspective on the Quranic text
• Extensive commentary and footnotes, offering clarity and context for complex concepts
• Suitable for readers who appreciate a scholarly and analytical approach to the Quran

The Quran: A Translation by A.J. Arberry (1955)

Arthur John Arberry, a British Orientalist and Islamic scholar, is the author of “The Quran: A Translation.” His translation is celebrated for its poetic beauty and faithful rendering of the original Arabic text.

Positives:

• Captures the poetic and rhythmic essence of the Quran, providing an engaging reading experience
• Faithful to the original Arabic text, offering a direct and uncompromised interpretation
• Recommended for those who value the literary and artistic aspects of the Quran

The Quran: The First American Version by T.B. Irving (1985)

Thomas Ballantyne Irving, an American Islamic scholar and professor, is known for his translation, “The Quran: The First American Version.” He sought to create an English translation that would resonate with American readers.

Positives:

• Written in modern American English, making it accessible and relatable to audiences from North America
• Clear and straightforward language, focusing on the core message of the Quran
• Ideal for those seeking a translation that caters specifically to an American readership

The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary by Allamah Nooruddin (1917)

Allamah Nooruddin, an esteemed Islamic scholar from India, authored “The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary.” This translation, completed in 1917, is one of the earlier English translations and has been cherished by generations of English-speaking Muslims.

Allamah Nooruddin’s translation provides comprehensive commentary that offers valuable insights into the historical, social, and spiritual context of the Quranic verses, making it ideal for readers seeking a translation steeped in classical Islamic scholarship and understanding.

Positives:

• Comprehensive commentary offers valuable insights into the historical, social, and spiritual context of the Quranic verses
• Balances the beauty of the original Arabic text with clarity in the English translation
• Ideal for readers seeking a translation steeped in classical Islamic scholarship and understanding

Several English translations of the Quran provide explanatory notes and informative footnotes to help readers better understand the context and meaning of the verses. These are just a few examples and it is a great idea to explore various translations and find the one that best suits your needs and preferences in terms of language and commentary style.

Ultimately, the best English translation of the Quran is a matter of personal preference, as each translation offers unique strengths and qualities. It’s important to consider your own background, linguistic preferences, and level of familiarity with Islamic teachings when choosing a translation.

You may even find that reading multiple translations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Quran’s message.

To further deepen your connection with the Quran, consider pairing your chosen translation with additional resources such as Tafsir (exegesis) and Hadith collections. Engaging with the Quran through various translations and supplementary materials will allow you to experience its timeless wisdom and guidance in a way that is personally meaningful and transformative.

If you are studying the Arabic language, referring back to multiple Quran translations to double check on difficult words can be a useful way to better understand the meaning of Quran, compare the sentence structure, and pick up the nuance portrayed across the various English meanings in the different translations. This is a useful way to study Qur’anic material and strive to understand better, if you are able.

We hope this guide has been helpful in providing an overview of some of the main English translations of the Quran found across the muslim work and helping you decide on the best translation for you, to enable understanding of the Quran in English language.

May your journey towards understanding and appreciating the divine message of the Quran be a source of enlightenment, spiritual growth, and lasting peace.