Questionnaire on Qur'an Translations: Your Paricipation is Urgent
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Please state how long it takes you to complete this questionnaire Approx. ---- mins.
- Your Age 24
Your Nationality Dutch
Your Education Biochemistry and Theology
Languages you speak other than English Dutch, french, german, latin, arabic
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) through school
- What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
That it takes the rational approach, is not influenced by tasfeer, fiqh and hadith and foccuses on the Quran as a book for humanity and not a religious book.
- What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
That it is not approached as a religious book, but as a constitution for humanity.
- Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
If it uses cross-reference, if it is not influenced by tafseer, if it translates things in the rational way. As for example
- So We inspired to Moses ?idrib bi-asa-ka-l-bahra.? So it split into two, each side like a great mountain/walls.
Normally is ?idrib bi-asa-ka-l-bahra" translated with "hit the sea with your stick", but asa refers to unity, asa can mean stick as the fingers unite on the handle, asa also refers to people, nation, conviction and many more. Darb means to hit, beat, move, march on, to move from one place to the other, to bring forth a parable, and it has more meanings. So the most logical meaning would be
- So We inspired to Moses ?And move to the sea with your people.? So it split into two, each side like a great mountain.
- What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
Multiple translations of one word, as for example
2530 And the Messenger will say, ?O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had made this Qur'an mahjoor."
Mahjoor means in arabic; to desert, to avoid, to shun, separate oneself from, taken as nonsense, taken as of no account, immobilized it like villagers who bind a cow by tying her front foot to her horn.
So you would end up with
2530 And the Messenger will say, ?O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had made this Qur'an of no account, have deserted it, treated it as something to be avoided, have separated themselves from it, have shunned it, have taken it as nonsense and immobilized and fixed its meaning as a cow bound foot to horn."
Because all meanings fit, you can use them all. And that the words and verses are not approached in a religious way. For example, Salat's main meaning is 'following the Divine commands closely to gain the best positions as 2 horses in a race where the second horse is gaining on the first'.
- What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
I use QXP, Ahmed Ali, Muhammed Ali, Muhammed Asad, Mohammed&Samira Ahmed and Progressive Muslims translation. Because QXP and Muhammed Ali have the same approach as me where everything is approached in a rational way and avoids biblical influence, Ahmed Ali and Muhammed Asad have a real sharp insight on the metaphorical message. The others as they are close to literal translations although they also make faults in choice of words. And all of them try to avoid tafseers, fiqh and hadith explanations and try to follow the Quran's arabic, and not outside sources as the Quran is the only source of law and revelation 6114.
- Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
Both.
- What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.
The person who translated it and what his approach was.
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
They percieve Islam as a religion while it is a Deen, the perfect system for humanity, and they approach the Quran from a jewish/persian religious approach which distorts the whole message.
- Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
Because the above list i gave is enough resource for me,but i almost never use Ahmed Khan's or Yusuf's Ali.
- Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
They are a help, but i believe you need to learn arabic. As you are dependent on a persons point of view and choice of arabic. You must become independent as 1736 says to verify everything yourself. It isn't that hard to learn arabic, we are talking about our Soul here...
Peace
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Your Age 6240 days
Your Nationalitypakistani
Your Educationhigh school
Languages you speak other than Englishurdu, little bit of spanish
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) can read, was taught at school but not very well. at all.
If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
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What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
An unbiased translation. Without any "miracles." -
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
I don't get the question. -
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
Not really. But I follow what I think makes the most sense logically and according to the overall message of the quran. -
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
I would like a simple translation, without any additions to it. The translator should leave his/her biases at home (assuming that's not where he/she works on the translation) -
What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
I use the free-minds or QXP since they make the most sense to me. But I don't like how QXP get's all scientific on you sometimes. -
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
either. But hard copy is more likely to cost money (and cost more if it does). -
What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.
If I read the translation itself.
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
Using tradition to translate words, and assuming that people assume that the quran is a divine book.-
Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
Rashad Khalifa. I've heard his translations are corrupt.
Any other traditional translation. -
Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
One does not have to learn arabic, but translations alone aren't enough. We need to use our heads as well. Not literally.
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- Your Age 21
Your Nationality Lebanese/Pakistani
Your Education Currently obtaining a B.S
Languages you speak other than English A lil Arabic and a lil Urdu + some Spanish and alot of French =P
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school)
The language of my mother, and currently taking classes to master Arabic.If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
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What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
To be done properly by Linguists who specialize in the Arabic of the Qur'an. -
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
An honest translation that is as close as possible to the Arabic. -
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
I wish I could say yes. I'm working on that though. -
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
I like the work being done by the people on free-minds and other Qur'an based groups. Continueing to better translate the Qur'an even years after an official translation is always great. -
What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Right now I rely on the first copy of the Message. I like it because it only claims to be a translation of the Qur'an. -
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
Both -
What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.
I honestly rely on the judgement of certain individuals on this forum at the moment.
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
Translation of words without referencing them to the Qur'an itself. Such as the word DaRaBa.-
Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
I prefer not to use any Qur'an with a heavy Wahabi/Salafi influence. -
Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
I personally believe that learning the Arabic of the Qur'an is the best way to fully understand it. Learning something in its original language is always the best course for anything.
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Please state how long it takes you to complete this questionnaire Approx. 7 mins.
- Your Age 41
Your Nationality German
Your Education University degree in law
Languages you speak other than English French, German, lil arabic (spanish and italian understood)
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school)
Lived in arab countries (egypt /morocco for about 15 years), only about six month of learning the classic, rest rather spoken arabicIf Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
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What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
Not too much as i know that the understanding of the arabic text is often flowed -
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
Usually the beauty of it (chouraqui french translation) -
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
I judge by comparing to other translations if sens of a vers is not clear to me -
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
no sunna or hadith influence in decoding the arab original, thourough reasearch as to who is adressed -
What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Jaques Berques, andr? chouraqui and an official saudi one in French, Max Henning in German, Khalifa and FM in English -
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
hard copy for pleasure, computer easier for research -
What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.
I bought chouraqui when i heard it was forbiddden in morocco
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
the biaissed explanations given in footnotes-
Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
no -
Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
a basis of arabic in order to be able to research roots and meanings of these roots help find possible meanings that one will never know through translations - or even just reading the arabic version with a closed mind
but an non arab speaker could, if god wills, come to a more accurate understanding than a native or learned arab speaker - it all depends
it all depends on so many things
peace all,lk
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Salaam,
Your Age 24
Your Nationality Indonesian
Your Education Bachelor of Information Systems
Languages you speak other than English Indonesian
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school)
I haven't got the skills, but currently doing a self-study, because I so want to read the qur'an without translations.If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
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What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
As literal as possible by adhering to the concept of 3918. -
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
No parantheses, no footnotes, no hadiths or the so-called sunna.
A little bit introduction explaining how the translation was done, using what method, etc. so I can more or less expect what kind of translation I'll be reading. -
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
Kind of. I'll be using a lot of cross-reference for this one though. -
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
Perhaps multiple meaning translations. I know this kind of contradictory to what I wrote above. But if there is a translation such as this, it'll be good for anyone who is not a quranic virgin. -
What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Free-Minds, QXP, Indonesian-rendered version of "Bacaan" (by Othman Ali), official Indonesian translation. -
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
Soft copy. I spend at least half of my days in front of computers anyway. Let's make it more efficient ;D -
What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an?
For example, Usually a "banned" one D
Or a translation that is a "fresher" effort in making the quran translation.
Oh, I'll buy literal Indonesian translation anytime; don't need the Department of Religion's approval for that.
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
Hadith-filtered meaning of word. Just take a look at 1187 where "salaatuka" can transform into anything but "salat" (except in some translations of course) D-
Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
Not really. Perhaps if Faith-Freedom decided to make one, then I may decide not to use it. -
Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
To understand its essence, no Arabic is necessary. How hard is it to understand 6151-153 anyway?
However, to get the "real juice" then Classical Arabic is very important. And my goal in 5 years is to be able to read the quran without translations. First hand experience is something that you can't just replace.
=adley=
Edit Time to accomplish was about 5 minutes
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Your Age 24
Your Nationality Dutch/Moroccan
Your Education social worker (unfinished education) and currently obtaining Bussiness Administration
Languages you speak other than English Dutch, Darija (Moroccan-Arabic) and Berber
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school)
From my parents, learned some of it also as a kid at the mosque and now currently busy with a selfstudy.If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
- What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
A clear and objective translation.
- What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
Footnotes with objective (historical) facts.
- Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
Yes, I try to use Arabic dictionaries and other translations to compare it with.
- What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
I have to second the answer of Arnold on this one. There indeed have to be multiple translations of words, so that people can see for theirselves what the translations of some words are and therefore can get a clear picture of the whole context of a verse.
- What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Fred Leemhuis (a Dutch professor in Arabic), Ahmed Ali, Muhammad Ali, Shabbir, Khalifa, QXP and FM. (Because of different reasons.)
- Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
Hard-copies and computers' version. Although I'd rather prefer hard-copies because they're easily readable for me.
- What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an?
Most of the time I try to read logical and objective translations of translators (especially if they're God aloners).
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
The (illogical) influences of hadith and the Bible. It kills the objective view! That's a real turn-off.
- Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
Yes, because of the influences of the hadith and the "islamic" religion of today.
- Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
It would be easier to learn Arabic for yourself to understand the Quran and verify the translations a translator gives to some (classical) Arabic words. It will provide you with the knowledge of the Arabic language and therefore you can't easily get influenced by the translators of the Quran. But it isn't really necessary if someone finds it hard to learn Arabic, aslong as they use dictionaries to verify words for theirselves.
peace
Latifah
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salam,
sr. Latifah, can you please answer question 7 again, because I think you accidently quoted part of brother adley's answer when copy and pasting.
This is the actual question
- What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Quran? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation etc.
JazakAllahkhair.
wsalam
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Your Age 25
Your Nationality British/Pakistani
Your Education university degree
Languages you speak other than English partial punjabi
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) learning to recite it as a child, not understand it. gradually learning to understand it now however.- What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
logical, clear, literal, accurate and verifiable (e.g. references).
- What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
literal accuracy.
- Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
I cross reference it big time (occurrences, grammar, meanings, other translations etc).
- What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
A fully in-built verification system allowing the reader to scrutinise the author's translation.
- What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Most Free-minds, Shakir, M. Asad, Muhammad Ahmed and daughter Samira. Use others too but less so QXP, Khalifa, Yusuf Ali, Pickthal. I have used many others also.
The one I recommend to others is M.Asad's or Muhammad Abdel Haleem's.
- Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
I use both, but mostly on computer as it allows faster verification.
- What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an?
if i had heard good things about it or if i had read a few pages and it fulfilled my criteria to answer (1)
8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
inaccuracy. illogical. hadith/tradition based.
- Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
No. I am open to all, even the most traditional one as I like getting an alternative view as it helps me refine mine.
- Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
To understand the basics, one does not need to know Arabic. If one wants to get into a detailed understanding, then learning Arabic will become very helpful but I would still not say essential. I would recommend learning Arabic to any student of the scripture however.
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Peace ameen
This is my entry.
Please state how long it takes you to complete this questionnaire Approx. 10 mins.
- Your Age
25 (as of 10 September 2006)
Your Nationality
IndonesianYour Education
Biology (postgraduate level)Languages you speak other than English
IndonesianExposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school)
Part of Qur?an learning in childhood; able to read Arabic letters but not fluent in Arabic conversation or translation. I'm familiar as the process of translation because of my work experience.If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
- What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
Accuracy of translation and smallest amount of subjective interpretation possible.
- What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
Faithfulness to the original, as to not omitting/adding words.
- Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
As long as the translation is accompanied by the original Arabic text, it can always be compared by the original. Translations that try to sound ?poetic? are not my preference, as they distract attention from efforts to understand the meanings and hence, harder to judge.
- What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
Translations that are not locked in some medieval understanding and incorporating new knowledge/concepts. Also Qur?an editions should have the Arabic text and transliteration along with translations, for ease of verification.
- What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Mostly various Indonesian translations , as they are most accessible to me. Of the English translations, I tend to synthesize existing translations and try to build my own translation. Among the English I like the 'Literal' because it gives mutliple possible meanings of words.
- Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
No preference, but I prefer any version which has the original text and transliteration.
- What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.
Nothing in particular. Gimmicks such as 'banned' or 'controversial' or 'revolutionary' does not appeal to me.
What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
Added/forced interpretations, flowery language (I prefer the straightforward ones), inconsistency in translating words, Biblical influence
- Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
No, never.
On a secont thought, maybe Arberry's English translation. Too poetic for me.
- Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
One needs to learn Arabic, because translations can never be accurate, and God does not guarantee the accuracy of translations.
- Your Age
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Salaams Ameen,
sorry rather then sending the info i thought it better to post it to free- minds.
Please state how long it takes you to complete this questionnaire Approx. 15 mins.
- Your Age 46 yr?s
Your Nationality British/ Pakistani.
Your Education Masters.
Languages you speak other than English Urdu, punjabi, little arabic .
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) self study and the teachings of a madrassa.
If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
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What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an? A way to success and fullmilments.
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What is it that you prefer most in any given translation? A positive path to achievements.
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Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not? Simply If it confirms with reality according to my understandings .
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What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?The reality is missing partially and idolatory is rife.
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What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why? I use any translation but with a reservation of the translation being somewhat fualty ? as I think I know most of the faults and where they lie.
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Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version? Both.
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What would make you seek to buy or find a specific translation of the Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.I would only buy it for research. As Allah is with us all the time and aiding us as well , so the quran is there but only a very old version of it and the most up to date quran is presently being practiced throughout the world Accept by some peoples ?like those who use the label of muslim.
What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an? The untruths.
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Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?They are all the same.
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Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic? No, one doesn?t need to learn Arabic but only if you have a correctly translated quran-which you don?t.
Salaams.
