Questionnaire on Qur'an Translations: Your Paricipation is Urgent

unknownuser

Your Age 20

Your Nationality Malaysia

Your Education Undergraduate student - American degree program

Languages you speak other than English Malay and a bit of mandarin

Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) during high school (memorize ayats), but they din't teach the language though.

If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
Translated by someone who doesn't try to impose his/her own ideas to the readers.
As unbiased as possible..
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
written not in a very formal way or very informal way.. The words chosen...
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
Not really. But i read different translations when i don't understand or just to make sure i get the nearest translation.
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?

Some questions to make the readers think and not just read.
Links to other sources regarding some topics (history or issue such as abortion). But i think this one is not necessary since we now have the internet.

What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Currently, Yusuf Ali and Bacaan(malay version) I tried The Message but i prefer Yusuf Ali, due to the words and style of writing.
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
Hard-copy would be convenient to bring it anywhere and read it at anytime. The computer version gives an advantage for us to search for some words. I like both. The hard-copy shouldn't be too large or hearvy. The size should be just nice to put into a average size bag.
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.
Recomendations.

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
Uhh, lousy design of the cover? ehehe. Too much 'add-in' (xyz xyz) and arabic words.. If i'm ready for arabic, i'll search for one.

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
No particular translation. At least not yet. p
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, translation is not enough. We need to use our mind and take initiative to learn the lessons from the messages/ translation. Also knowlege of other matter is important. Including the Arabic language. As we grow in knowledge, so does our understanding of the quran.

ameen

salam,

thank you v. much sr. Bubba for your help.

may Allah reward you abundantly.

Please keep the responses coming -
if you have not yet taken part - please consider it.

JazakAllahkhair,

wsalam

ameen

salam,

I have just amended the first post in this thread, so that it too shows the questions of the questionnaire - rather than asking you to download first.

Instead, please answer the questions here directly in this thread, like many kind members of this forum have done already.

wsalam

Fahad1

Salam alaikum.

Your Age 21
Your Nationality Pakistani
Your Education Obtaining Bachelors in Commerce.
Languages you speak other than English Urdu
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) Through the Quran. By reading its Arabic text alongside the translation. Arabic is similar to my mother tongue Urdu.

If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?

As literal as possible.

What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?

I prefer any translation if it also provides arabic text for verification. Like the hard copy I am using currently is by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ul-Din Al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. At times this translation can be laughable, but I am using it because it also provides the arabic text, while my other hard copy(of Marmaduke Pickthall) doesn't.

Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?

Yes. By comparing it with its Arabic text and by cross-referencing with a few other translations.

What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?

Accuracy.

What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?

I will use any translation as long as it also provides the arabic text of the Quran for verification.

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.

Literal accuracy.

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?

Inaccuracy and the influence of Hadiths and Bible.

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?

I don't like Rashad Khalifa's translation. It looks very distorted. Or he did not put any effort in translating it. Also QXP. Doesn't look like a translation to 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?

Arabic is necessary for a detailed understanding of the Quran.

ameen

salam,

JazakAllahkhair br. Fahad

wsalam

ameen

salam,

we still need more replies - so please do answer the questionnaire if you have not done so yet.

May Allah reward you all.

wsalam

ameen

non-Muslims can also participate, as long as they don't speak Arabic, but they will be asked to answer a different set of questions.

Please contact me if interested.

wsalam

Prince

Your Age 24
Your Nationality Pakistani/Other
Your Education College
Languages you speak other than English Urdu/Punjabi
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) Reading Quran but not knowing its meaning.

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?

As logical and accurate as possible within the guidelines of the Quran ITSELF!

What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?

Simplicity, logical and reasonable.

Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?

NO not really. I guess one has to verify itself and take all views before coming to a conclusion yourself.

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 think if translators are not sure on a specific word I guess they could put an appendix or something showing what word could fit in that sentence and thus leaving the reader to make his/her mind up.

What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?

Free-minds, QXP and abit of Khalifa translations. They are more logical and reasonable and more free from traditions and culture to the other translations i.e Pickthall.

Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?

Computer version.

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 buy a quran translations which has been worked by many readers and discussed and thoroughly researched and collected as a group effort. I feel having a single person or a few people translate the quran can bring tradition/ego into the translation.

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?

Choice of wording, blasphemy, additions to the text which are not in the original and illogical ideas stemmed from traditions.

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?

I stopped using Khalifa translation as it was doctrine driven and it was just one person translation which prove my point i made about tradition/ego coming into the translation. Nevertheless it is a good starter for people starting to read the Quran and their language is not arabic BUT definitely far from being accurate.

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 believe one has to learn abit of arabic but I still think you can get the meanings of the Quran in your day to day experiences. I believe you can read translations and still understand the meanings as its more to than just reading and understanding. What matters is that your doing what the Quran already says in this world and if your already doing that then knowing the meaning of the Quran isn't mandatory...its just a guide and in summary to this question i'll leave with a quranic verse 4144

PEACE

ameen

salam,

thanks alot 2Pac - Notts - your help is much appreciated.

wsalam

ameen

salam,

we still require more responses to the questionnaire - so please do participate if you have not done so.

JazakAllahkhair.

wsalam

ameen

salam,

this thread has had hundreds of views on this forum - yet has relatively few responses to the questionnaire.

Please do answer the questions, as your responses would be very helpful to the research.

wsalam

savage_carrot

Peace ameen,

I've been meaning to do this but have been too lazy, thanks for the reminder. Here goes

Your Age 28
Your Nationality Pakistani
Your Education Bachelors/DBA
Languages you speak other than English Urdu/partial punjabi
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) Learnt quran at school, currently living in the mid-east.

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Quran?

A literal, that is, a word for word translation.

What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?

Accuracy (literalness) and lack of own opinions/thoughts/interjections pushed into it. (Footnotes at the end are fine, they shouldn't expect me to read their opinions whilst I'm reading the verses themselves or on every page please!)

Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Quran to be good or not?

Comparing different translations plus various dictionaries and seeing who is more accurate and keeping to the bare bones of the original, without deciding to do their own jaunt into the realms of personal opinion. This way, I can do my own study on, say someone's article, without having to research the quran first while trying to see if the translation is actually correctly translated from the original or not.

What would you like to see in translations of the Quran, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?

You mean IF it does not already exist? Hmm. Well support on existing translations or updating their translations or patching it as in software terms is always cool to see. Using new and trendy (tasteful too!) ways to advertise their quran translations rather than pitching it to us with camels, sandals and sandstorms in the background. That stuff really is centuries old now. I would like to see modern/current packaging and advertising for a book which is for all times.

What is the Quran translation you use? Why?

Mohd. Ahmad's literal translation.

Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Quran, or computers version?

Both. They both have their advantages and are used for particular situations.

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.

If it's being advertised as the second coming of jesus christ then yeah, I'll take a look. Otherwise, word of mouth or type of hand does not really seem to move me too much. The thing that galvanised me into seeking out the translation I use is that it's mostly free of 'personalities' and concentrates more on what is actually written, which works for me.

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Quran?

Excessive flights of fancy, detracting from the original words and filling in themselves, having the translator's picture on the front or back. Heh.

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Quran? If so, why?

I don't use QXP. I think because I'm used to literal and simple translations, this is like an overload. I would only read it once or twice for his thoughts on things never for research, so I stopped using it altogether eventually.

Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Quran or does one have to learn Arabic?

In a cursory examination, a good translation and a general explanation might do. In cases where one needs to research contradictions and may be going for a deeper examination, then one needs to go to the dictionaries and learn the meanings/grammar etc.

What is the premise of your thesis?

ameen

salam savage_carrot,

thanks alot for participating.

I pray that Allah rewards you for your time and effort.

wsalam

ameen

What is the premise of your thesis?

Please take a look at the following thread on another forum

http//www.quraninstitute.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=247

wsalam

aladdin

Salaam All,

Here is my translation of the first verse of the Holy Koran

(I begin) with the name of God, the unconditional Mercy, the eternal Mercy.

Why? As God is ar-Rahman and ar-Raheem. And He is not bound with time and space. He is ar-Rahman and ar-Raheem for eternity.

The usual translation

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

This i s my small contribution for a great task you all are planning to take. Wish you all luck. My recommendation would be to keep away from the biblical translation and biblical English.

Mohamed

Insignia

Please state how long it takes you to complete this questionnaire Approx. ---- mins.

Your Age 24

Your Nationality Indian

Your Education MBBS(Undergraduate)

Languages you speak other than English Hindi,Malayalam

Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) From Sunni Mulla I was taught to read the script but was not taught to understand the meaning.

If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
To understand the real meaning of the Message Allah wants us to know..
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
Unbiased word for word translation.. which does not contain extra Words and does not contain Brackets explaining the Verses.. The explanations and other Notes can be added as notes as a Different section so as it does not interfere with the translation
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
Well Not really.. Because I don know the ABCD of Arabic.. Now started to learn slowly becuase i think it is neceassary to learn.. But doing it mostly along with understanding of verses.. Not seperate attempt to Learn Arabic.. And to know whether a translaion is good or bad what i now do is to compare and contrast different translations in http//yaqb.org
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?
Word for Word meaning.. Like this Bismi/ In the name of illahi/ Allah rrahmani/The Almighty Raheem/ The most merciful
What i mean is a literal translation..
Also and Appendix with all the word roots used in Quran with all the possible meanings of that particular Roots..
What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Mohammed Muhsin/Hilali Khan = The Noble Quran from King Fahd Complex
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
Hard Copy version because computer versions it is difficult to access.. First you have to turn on the computer etc.. strain to the eyes and a lot..
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.
My experience reading that translation and comparing and my understanding that it is a good translation.. And of coz I would rather check it whether it is a good one if someone tell me from free minds or from other Quran alone sites that this is a good one etc..

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
Brackets.. I hate all Brackets.. Voe to those who put Brackets and distort the Meaning

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
Well.. I thought I would discard all the malayalam translations. due to lack of exact tranlsation for certain words.. I prefer English translations
Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?
Never.. I think One has to learn Arabic... If possible

Winter_White

Your Age 29

Your Nationality American

Your Education second grade lol

Languages you speak other than English pig latin & limited arabic

Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) Community & work

If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?

An unbiast approach

What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?

If a certian arabic term cannot be translated by using ONE word use more than one eg. Nur = light/brightness

Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
truley I ask Allah to guide me to the best understanding
What would you like to see in translations of the Qur?an, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?

good translations do exsis

What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?

Literal, QXP

Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?

Online because I have access to more translations

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 exsistanc of it

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?

inclusion of hadiths

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?

Muhsin Khan because he adds hadiths to his translation and although they are in parenthasis they are still confusing to the average newcomer to Islam

Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Qur?an or does one have to learn Arabic?

Its important to learn arabic but I don't believe you have to learn arabic to understand Quran. It just makes it easier

15 minutes

ameen

as-salamu'alaikum,

thank you v. much dr. shabeer and Winter_White for your participation.

May Allah reward you both for your help.

wsalam

Alen

salam,
here is the questionnaire, for those of you who wish to complete it directly on here, instead of downloading it first
Please state how long it takes you to complete this questionnaire Approx. ---- mins.

Your Age 28.
Your Nationality Slovenian.
Your Education Film Academy.
Languages you speak other than EnglishSlovenian.
Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school)
If Qur?an isn?t its translation ?
What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Qur?an?
I expect that we finally get the right translation, because we need it really, really fast.
What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?
The Truth, The Right Translation.
Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Qur?an to be good or not?
The words must match other words elsewhere in the Book, correct?
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 think it should contain the Timeline of Islam or maybe the entire human race, what do you say?
What is the Qur?an translation you use? Why?
Bosnian, because i got no other one, sure, there's Slovenian but it's not that good.
Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Qur?an, or computers? version?
It doesn't matter, as long as it is lasting and correct translation.
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.
Anything, as long as i get the right translation.

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Qur?an?
In my Bosnian translation they narrate hadith at the end and that bothers me and also in the begining there's the preword, like that is necessary.

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Qur?an? If so, why?
Well, lovenian tzranslation bothers me because instead of the word The Lord, they use mister or sir, like we use to address men.
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 think a person should learn at last a little Arabic, at least some words if nothing.

This was a good idea, congratulations.
Peace.

Peace.

unknownuser

Your Age 21

Your Nationality Iran

Your Education In College

Languages you speak other than English Farsi

Exposure to Arabic (e.g mother-tongue of parents / learning at school) Very little

If Quran isnt its translation

What do you expect from a translation of the Holy Quran?

Pure, closest to the arabic as possible, no bias in translation, no parenthesis other than articles of language like "the" "these" and etc.

What is it that you prefer most in any given translation?

Accuracy and consistancy.

Do you know how to judge a translation of the Holy Quran to be good or not?

I compare it to the other translations and to farsi. Then I try to see what the "tafseer" is to get an understanding of the position of the translator, to see if he has a point to make with his "tafseer" Not that i follow the tafseer, just to understand where the translation is coming from.

What would you like to see in translations of the Quran, as it does not already exist and is lacking in current translations?

Translated by a Moslem, not a shia or sunni. Nor a 19-er. or a christian or anyone besides a Moslem believer.

What is the Quran translation you use? Why?

khalifa, yusuf, pickthall at the same time. Khalifa easy to understand, Yusuf Ali Old Time translations, Pickthall He's the middle of Old Time translation and modern easy to understand, he's pretty much there as a control.

Do you prefer hard-copy (printed) versions of Quran, or computers version?

Both.

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.

Do not know.

8 ) What do you dislike most in any given translation of the Quran?

These and ( ) and superscripts which "explain" the verse, or the "meaning". The meaning of the Quran is what it says.

Have you ever decided not to use a particular translation of the Quran? If so, why?

Sometimes Khalifa, he was an idiot. I really dont trust them all 100%. Which is why inshaAllah I will read all 16 translations.

Do you think that translations and translated explanations are enough to understand the meanings of Quran or does one have to learn Arabic?

The meaning of the Quran is what it says, "Dont kill", simple. There is no "extra meaning" or "tafseer".

It is we who will collect it into Quran.
Once we recite it, you shall follow such a Quran.
Then it is we who will explain it.

Allah explains Quran, its made simple to follow, there is no need for extra explanation other than historical background that is in the Quran or names.