Similarities between the translations of Edip Yuksel and Free Mind.
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Hello.
I'm currently studying the Quran. Since I can not read Arabic, I have to rely on the available translations of the Quran. I settled with the one offered by the Monotheist Group (one can find the translation at www.free-minds.org), since I liked what one can find in the preface of their translation. In it, they specify how important it is that one reads this scripture alone, using only your own mind. They also say that they do not agree with how other translations have footnotes and (notes) in most of the verses.
However, as I have been reading (I'm taking my time and I have reached sura four), I discovered how similar this translation is to the one of Edip Yuksel (you can find it at ww.quranix.net). These two translations use mostly exact the same word for most of the verses. In fact, some verses are exact duplicates of one another.
Could someone step forward and explain this? I can't say that this is because of both the authors using modern English.
Thank you.
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Peace,
The Message is the actual base text for this translation. Where the translation of a certain word or concept was not agreed, it was then modified to move the project along. The key feature of this translation is the footnotes/commentary (mainly Edip) which accompanies nearly all chapters.
The Message is a simple translation that attempts to leave the reader to find his/her own understanding. Reformist Translation is more of a translation + interpretation.
The text of 127 & 128 have been left in the translation, however, it has been added in the commentary section regarding the 2 verses controversy.
P.S. Layth worked together with Edip Yuksel and Martha Schulte-Nafeh on "The Reformist Translation" and was the main translator of "The Message
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Hello.
So to confirm what you are saying the translation that you are referring to as "the Message" is the one you can find at www.free-minds.org, and this translation was the basis for the "Reformist Translation". Am I correct?
If I'm not reading your quote wrong, then there has been some arguments over the project as they were writing "a Reformist Translation". Your quote says
"Where the translation of a certain word or concept was not agreed, it was then modified to move the project along."
Thank you.
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Layth's translation is used as base and in many ways it is kept the same. But there are places where I made some revisions. Currently, I do not have a list of substantial changes, but a close study will reveal dozens of improvements or modifications.
The reformist translation has extensive footnotes or endnotes that discusses the reason for translating the verse differently than the sectarian ones. Furthermore, it contains extensive comparison with the Bible...
Peace,
Edip -
Hello.
I thank you both. That will be enough.