Ahmaddiya Translation? Noble Qur'an from KSA? Khalifa?
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Peace to all!
Every "traditional" website I've come across says not to use Maulana Muhammad Ali's translation of al-Qur'aan, but personally, I find it very helpful, even if he is Qadiani. I like the footnotes, I guess. However, I also have a copy or two of the "Noble Qur'an" by Al-Hilaalii and Khan, from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an. Now that translation may also be slanted, for it contains ahadith that supports the relgious laws upheld in the KSA. I've also checked out Yusuf Ali's translation, but didn't like it much, and also Pickthall's, but it had NO notes whatsoever and the language was a bit archaic.
I've also owned Khalifa's translation, but didn't care for it because a lot of what he centered on was the mathemetical miracle, which at the time I didn't make much ado about, although I have since revised my interest on the subject. Besides that, I gave that translation away, so I can no longer refer to it.
Then of course, when you go to bookstores, there are always paperback translations that may or may not have the Arabic side-by-side. Now, the only Arabic word I can read is "Allaah", so that doesn't do me much good, but it seems to me that the translations with the Arabic are better.
Oh, I've also seen a Ahl al-Bayt translation with the Arabic and lots of footnotes, but I'm assuming the footnotes are also slanted to reflect the Shi'ite sectarian teachings and view.
So, since I don't read Arabic, is the best translation the one I'm going to read? I LOVE Maulana's translation, as he includes lots of stuff about the Jewish and Christians. Is it "reader beware!" ? Any suggestions for a Lost Muslimah?
Love,
Lost Muslimah -
Peace sister
I suggest that you don't always refer to one translation, i found there is no perfect one, it is also a good idea to check for meanings with native arabic speaker "if you know any" it will be of a great help "trust me"
peace
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Peace,
I like several translations with explanation on why I like them...
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Ahmed Ali - has a very balanced view of things and translates salat as commitment/obligation when necessary and uses language that is unique. Has good flow and setting out of text in the original printing.
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Muhammad Asad - understanding is reasoned, and difficult concepts like jinn, and other symbolic things are handled in intellectually reasonable ways.
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Pickthall - most literal translation though it is dated (thou, thy); and has some traditionist understanding on difficult topics.
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Khalifa - good English usage, but has some problems due to bias on several issues, but especially in relation to salat. Sometimes paraphrases too much losing original intent.
The perfect translation is not out yet in my opinion. There are several projects out there which may eventually come up with a translation that is as close to perfect as possible - but what is perfect for me may not be for someone else.
Use more than one translation, especially when an issue is controversial. Refer back to the original and attempt to learn enough to sort through the controversies. You can always ask here and will receive alot of help with any difficulties.
Regards.
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Peace LostMuslimah,
Whatever translation(s) you choose to use, be it with dictionaries or Lexicons or otherwise, choose what you're comfortable with, but most importantly don't forget one thing... look to God for guidance. Linguistics will only get you so far. You could have been born an arab in Arabia learning classical arabic, and still go off the path. idea
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Also, never, EVER put too much trust in footnotes. What really matters is the original text. Personally, I can find no better way to understand than to read the actual Arabic text. I guess the Indonesian Muslim tradition that taught children to read Arabic has been very helpful.
That led me to ask everyone here, with all your different cultural backgrounds, which cultures have the tradition of teaching Arabic letters (except the native Arabic speakers of course) and which doesn't?
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Also, never, EVER put too much trust in footnotes. What really matters is the original text. Personally, I can find no better way to understand than to read the actual Arabic text. I guess the Indonesian Muslim tradition that taught children to read Arabic has been very helpful.
That led me to ask everyone here, with all your different cultural backgrounds, which cultures have the tradition of teaching Arabic letters (except the native Arabic speakers of course) and which doesn't?
good to know bro, it is goos to know that non arabs who were taught arabic since childhood will have no problem understanding te Arabic Quran, simply Arabic now is sort of native tongue to you since you picked it up at very early age
peace
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Peace to all!
Yes, read more than one translation--of course! That's the best way to do it, and right...don't lean too heavily on the footnotes. Yes, ask God for guidance when reading the Qur'aan. All these things I may have known in my heart, but needed them articulated for me.
Thank you!
Lost Muslimah
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peace
i was born in pakistan, We were taught to READ arabic. And that's all, no meanings, etc....