Questionnaire on Qur'an Translations: Your Paricipation is Urgent
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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.
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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 Qur?an? For example, you hear of a new translation, a friend told you about his favourite translation ?etc.
JazakAllahkhair.
wsalam
I have adjusted my first posting. I accidently copied Adley's answer, because I thought it was part of the question. D
peace
Latifah
- 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.
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- 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 ?
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
- Your Age 21
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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
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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?
