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The Qur'an (text only) Reissue edition by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback] M. A. S. Abdel Haleem (Translator)
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Published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2025
Definitely my favourite plain-English translation that I've read so far. It's always interesting for me to see what theme different translators zero in on; for Abdel-Haleem, I think it is tawhid (monotheism). You can tell he's a more philosophically-minded translator and his rendering of the sections about the Islamic concept of God and the monotheist "argument" are very clear and easy to follow.
This is a well-researched translation that is clearly informed by other popular translations. It borrowed several concepts from the Muhammad Asad translation, my personal favourite, which obviously I was pleased to see. I thought it did an interesting job in dialoguing with those texts to provide an accessible and clear translation. The language is sometimes very beautiful as well, although Abdel-Haleem prioritized clarity over lyricism.
My biggest criticism of this translation is that it comes across as somewhat sexist. The passages about women were, in my opinion, very bluntly interpreted without providing much context. It had me raising my eyebrows in ways that other translations I've read didn't.
With that caveat, this is a translation I would recommend.
This is a well-researched translation that is clearly informed by other popular translations. It borrowed several concepts from the Muhammad Asad translation, my personal favourite, which obviously I was pleased to see. I thought it did an interesting job in dialoguing with those texts to provide an accessible and clear translation. The language is sometimes very beautiful as well, although Abdel-Haleem prioritized clarity over lyricism.
My biggest criticism of this translation is that it comes across as somewhat sexist. The passages about women were, in my opinion, very bluntly interpreted without providing much context. It had me raising my eyebrows in ways that other translations I've read didn't.
With that caveat, this is a translation I would recommend.
July 19, 2025
Reading Abdel Haleem’s translation of the Qur’an has been an eye-opening experience for me. It offers a clarity and flow that feels both respectful of the original text and deeply accessible to modern readers. What I appreciate most is how it brings fresh perspective to verses I thought I already knew. The language feels natural yet elegant, making it easier to reflect on the meaning rather than getting lost in complex phrasing. Through this translation, I’ve been able to engage with the Qur’an on a deeper level, noticing subtleties and themes that hadn’t stood out to me before.
Overall, it’s not just a translation, but an invitation to truly understand and think critically about the message of the Qur’an. I’ve learned so much and feel grateful for the new insights this translation has opened up for me. Highly recommended for anyone looking to read the Qur’an in English. Whether you’re revisiting familiar passages or exploring them for the first time.
Overall, it’s not just a translation, but an invitation to truly understand and think critically about the message of the Qur’an. I’ve learned so much and feel grateful for the new insights this translation has opened up for me. Highly recommended for anyone looking to read the Qur’an in English. Whether you’re revisiting familiar passages or exploring them for the first time.
May 7, 2026
First of all, I wonder how many believers in this book have actually read it in full. I don’t think many have, as I don’t see the reflection of many of its messages in the behavior of Muslims today. Maybe time has passed and the messages are no longer applied in the same way, or maybe new interpretations have reshaped how the text is understood. In any case, like with many religions, most people seem to identify with a book or a tradition more through identity than through direct engagement with the text itself, because actually reading and working through it requires sustained effort.
Anyways, I am glad that I finally read the Quran. This translation was also interesting. While reading, I was also following the Arabic version online. In Arabic, the book has a different texture and rhythm compared to English. English translations don’t fully capture the linguistic force of the original. Even though the Arabic is difficult to read for much of the book because of archaic vocabulary no longer used in everyday speech, the final portion becomes much more rhythmic and poetic, and in Arabic that section is especially striking and enjoyable to read.
That being said, the content is dense enough that I ended up with extensive notes—around 21 pages in total.
Reading the Quran from beginning to end felt like a progression of shifting tones, emotions, and rhetorical styles. The translator also included introductions to each sura, but I eventually stopped relying on them, because they often felt like external framing rather than something grounded in the text itself. I kept wondering how much of that context is actually certain. The book itself provides very little historical or geographical grounding. There are almost no clear city names, tribal structures, or detailed situational descriptions. I may have missed it, but I do not recall a single explicit mention of Mecca itself. There is reference to a sacred mosque, but without clear specification of which one or where it is. Because of this, the external commentary felt less like clarification and more like interpretation layered onto a text that remains internally sparse in context.
Before reading the Quran, I often wondered why scholars like Bukhari, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and others collected reports, sayings, and contextual traditions around the Prophet. After reading the Quran itself, that becomes much more understandable. The text alone contains very limited narrative context and relatively few extended stories. If one wants to understand the background, circumstances, or lived reality behind the revelations, the Quran alone does not provide it in a detailed way. That gap makes the later tradition almost necessary for historical grounding.
When I first started reading, I felt a strong sense of intensity and urgency in the tone—warnings, calls to repentance, and repeated reminders of judgment. I was also surprised by how heavily the text draws on figures from the Hebrew Bible. Moses in particular is mentioned far more than I expected, appearing repeatedly throughout the text, along with Abraham, Noah, and Lot. I had not realized how central these earlier narratives would be. Jesus, referred to consistently as the son of Mary, also appears frequently, but always with a strong theological correction rejecting the idea of divine sonship.
A central tension throughout the text is the relationship between divine will and human agency. On one hand, there are strong affirmations of free will: people are warned, guided, and held accountable for their choices. On the other hand, there are passages suggesting that belief itself is ultimately dependent on divine permission. This creates a philosophical friction that is never fully resolved within the text.
Another major theme is the strong focus on law, community structure, and daily conduct. Large portions of the text are concerned with inheritance rules, marriage, divorce, fasting, prayer, testimony, and social obligations. These sections are highly specific and practical, sometimes surprisingly detailed. This gives the text a strongly legislative character, almost like a framework for building and regulating a society rather than only a spiritual guide.
Ethically and emotionally, the text is strikingly dual. There are strong emphases on justice, care for orphans, charity, honesty, and restraint in judgment. At the same time, there are passages involving warfare, punishment, and strict social boundaries that are difficult to read without context. The contrast between mercy and severity is constant and unresolved, and it raises ongoing questions about how these aspects are meant to coexist.
Certain themes are especially prominent and sometimes difficult to reconcile: slavery appears regulated rather than abolished; gender roles are clearly structured in a hierarchical way; and violence in warfare is sometimes framed as divinely sanctioned. These elements make the text historically grounded, but also morally challenging from a modern perspective.
The portrayal of God is also complex. God is described as merciful, just, forgiving, and compassionate, but also as commanding, judging, and at times intensely direct in reward and punishment. Interestingly, divine interaction with humanity is often expressed in very human terms—anger, favor, testing, and remembrance—which raises philosophical questions about how transcendence is being understood.
Overall, reading the Quran in sequence creates a sense of increasing familiarity rather than narrative progression. Core themes recur continuously: belief, obedience, warning, judgment, and reassurance. After a while, the repetition becomes so present that the reading experience shifts from following new developments to moving through variations of familiar patterns. The final portion of the text shifts noticeably in tone, becoming more condensed and poetic compared to the earlier sections, which are more legalistic and argumentative in style.
What remains most striking is that the text resists reduction to a single category. It is simultaneously legal, poetic, narrative, polemical, and devotional. It does not function like a modern book with a linear argument or unified structure, but more like a compilation shaped by different contexts and purposes, held together by recurring theological claims and rhetorical patterns.
The result is a text that is intellectually dense, structurally repetitive, occasionally powerful, and consistently challenging to interpret within a single coherent framework.
I think it is valuable to read this text, but primarily as a historical document that has had enormous cultural and political influence. After finishing it, I did not feel a personal transformation or a clear directive for my own life, nor was I convinced of a new truth claim. What stood out most was the relative lack of detailed historical narration, aside from brief references such as the Roman–Persian conflict and other scattered events. That absence of concrete historical anchoring was unexpected, and shaped the overall reading experience significantly.
Anyways, I am glad that I finally read the Quran. This translation was also interesting. While reading, I was also following the Arabic version online. In Arabic, the book has a different texture and rhythm compared to English. English translations don’t fully capture the linguistic force of the original. Even though the Arabic is difficult to read for much of the book because of archaic vocabulary no longer used in everyday speech, the final portion becomes much more rhythmic and poetic, and in Arabic that section is especially striking and enjoyable to read.
That being said, the content is dense enough that I ended up with extensive notes—around 21 pages in total.
Reading the Quran from beginning to end felt like a progression of shifting tones, emotions, and rhetorical styles. The translator also included introductions to each sura, but I eventually stopped relying on them, because they often felt like external framing rather than something grounded in the text itself. I kept wondering how much of that context is actually certain. The book itself provides very little historical or geographical grounding. There are almost no clear city names, tribal structures, or detailed situational descriptions. I may have missed it, but I do not recall a single explicit mention of Mecca itself. There is reference to a sacred mosque, but without clear specification of which one or where it is. Because of this, the external commentary felt less like clarification and more like interpretation layered onto a text that remains internally sparse in context.
Before reading the Quran, I often wondered why scholars like Bukhari, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and others collected reports, sayings, and contextual traditions around the Prophet. After reading the Quran itself, that becomes much more understandable. The text alone contains very limited narrative context and relatively few extended stories. If one wants to understand the background, circumstances, or lived reality behind the revelations, the Quran alone does not provide it in a detailed way. That gap makes the later tradition almost necessary for historical grounding.
When I first started reading, I felt a strong sense of intensity and urgency in the tone—warnings, calls to repentance, and repeated reminders of judgment. I was also surprised by how heavily the text draws on figures from the Hebrew Bible. Moses in particular is mentioned far more than I expected, appearing repeatedly throughout the text, along with Abraham, Noah, and Lot. I had not realized how central these earlier narratives would be. Jesus, referred to consistently as the son of Mary, also appears frequently, but always with a strong theological correction rejecting the idea of divine sonship.
A central tension throughout the text is the relationship between divine will and human agency. On one hand, there are strong affirmations of free will: people are warned, guided, and held accountable for their choices. On the other hand, there are passages suggesting that belief itself is ultimately dependent on divine permission. This creates a philosophical friction that is never fully resolved within the text.
Another major theme is the strong focus on law, community structure, and daily conduct. Large portions of the text are concerned with inheritance rules, marriage, divorce, fasting, prayer, testimony, and social obligations. These sections are highly specific and practical, sometimes surprisingly detailed. This gives the text a strongly legislative character, almost like a framework for building and regulating a society rather than only a spiritual guide.
Ethically and emotionally, the text is strikingly dual. There are strong emphases on justice, care for orphans, charity, honesty, and restraint in judgment. At the same time, there are passages involving warfare, punishment, and strict social boundaries that are difficult to read without context. The contrast between mercy and severity is constant and unresolved, and it raises ongoing questions about how these aspects are meant to coexist.
Certain themes are especially prominent and sometimes difficult to reconcile: slavery appears regulated rather than abolished; gender roles are clearly structured in a hierarchical way; and violence in warfare is sometimes framed as divinely sanctioned. These elements make the text historically grounded, but also morally challenging from a modern perspective.
The portrayal of God is also complex. God is described as merciful, just, forgiving, and compassionate, but also as commanding, judging, and at times intensely direct in reward and punishment. Interestingly, divine interaction with humanity is often expressed in very human terms—anger, favor, testing, and remembrance—which raises philosophical questions about how transcendence is being understood.
Overall, reading the Quran in sequence creates a sense of increasing familiarity rather than narrative progression. Core themes recur continuously: belief, obedience, warning, judgment, and reassurance. After a while, the repetition becomes so present that the reading experience shifts from following new developments to moving through variations of familiar patterns. The final portion of the text shifts noticeably in tone, becoming more condensed and poetic compared to the earlier sections, which are more legalistic and argumentative in style.
What remains most striking is that the text resists reduction to a single category. It is simultaneously legal, poetic, narrative, polemical, and devotional. It does not function like a modern book with a linear argument or unified structure, but more like a compilation shaped by different contexts and purposes, held together by recurring theological claims and rhetorical patterns.
The result is a text that is intellectually dense, structurally repetitive, occasionally powerful, and consistently challenging to interpret within a single coherent framework.
I think it is valuable to read this text, but primarily as a historical document that has had enormous cultural and political influence. After finishing it, I did not feel a personal transformation or a clear directive for my own life, nor was I convinced of a new truth claim. What stood out most was the relative lack of detailed historical narration, aside from brief references such as the Roman–Persian conflict and other scattered events. That absence of concrete historical anchoring was unexpected, and shaped the overall reading experience significantly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
I started reading this translation of the Quran in Ramadan and managed to finish it about a month after. Alhamdulillah. This is by far the best translation and comprehensive one I’ve read. The linguistic used is easy to comprehend and the author provides a lot of footnotes to contextualise a lot of the verses. All in all I consider this a great reading material for any Muslim or non-Muslim who wants to read a translation of the Quran, it is very digestible and easy to read!!
May 29, 2024
i haven’t finished it but ITS LITERALLY THE QURAN so it’s OBVIOUSLY the best book to read
and it really calms u after a hectic day so that’s nice too
and it really calms u after a hectic day so that’s nice too
April 1, 2025
How to rate the Qu’ran haha, I mean it feels wrong just to write haha after the title. I’m interested in ideas and books that people live and die for, so I figured I had to read this at some point. Felt easier than I thought it would be, not only because it is very repetitive. Partly because I’ve read the bible several times and thought it would be a similar challenge.
I’d say it’s good to have read the bible first, I think Muhammad would agree. But yeah very repetitive and not as filled with metaphors and stories and interesting revelations as the bible, not to just be comparing them… and not to shorten the perfect and eternal word of God as spoken to Muhammad but basically : do good and go to heaven or do bad and go to hell.
And then some specific rules about house holding. I’m sure the book was good for many reasons when it came out and helped grow a successful movement, i would’ve joined back then, maybe not now. And maybe I’m not really welcome now either, the book suggests it’s for the Arab people, and Arabic speaking people now might even suggest that me reading the book in English discounts me as a reader of the Quran.
I’d say it’s good to have read the bible first, I think Muhammad would agree. But yeah very repetitive and not as filled with metaphors and stories and interesting revelations as the bible, not to just be comparing them… and not to shorten the perfect and eternal word of God as spoken to Muhammad but basically : do good and go to heaven or do bad and go to hell.
And then some specific rules about house holding. I’m sure the book was good for many reasons when it came out and helped grow a successful movement, i would’ve joined back then, maybe not now. And maybe I’m not really welcome now either, the book suggests it’s for the Arab people, and Arabic speaking people now might even suggest that me reading the book in English discounts me as a reader of the Quran.
March 29, 2026
The Qur’an - A New Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
By far, the simplest, easiest and most digestible translation so far. I’ve read over 5 by now so that’s saying something.
The most aesthetically pleasing design and such a simple, stripped back look into the glory of this Holy Book.
Even the introduction and information before the main format of the Qur’an was fascinating to read and hear.
What I specifically loved about reading it on the kindle was that you could just tap the footnote letter for the extra context; its a huge bonus rather than having to flick to the end of the chapter or book to see what it was. Another reason why I need to use my kindle more often because it’s very demure, very mindful 🧘🏽♂️
There came a point where I was just highlighting whole pages for my quote notes, until I just had to stop before I got too ahead. This translation is by far, the best I’ve read so far; clear, concise and impactful all the way down to the footnotes and intros to the surahs (chapters basically for non Muslim readers).
Booking Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written for ig: @brownfont 🤎
By far, the simplest, easiest and most digestible translation so far. I’ve read over 5 by now so that’s saying something.
The most aesthetically pleasing design and such a simple, stripped back look into the glory of this Holy Book.
Even the introduction and information before the main format of the Qur’an was fascinating to read and hear.
What I specifically loved about reading it on the kindle was that you could just tap the footnote letter for the extra context; its a huge bonus rather than having to flick to the end of the chapter or book to see what it was. Another reason why I need to use my kindle more often because it’s very demure, very mindful 🧘🏽♂️
There came a point where I was just highlighting whole pages for my quote notes, until I just had to stop before I got too ahead. This translation is by far, the best I’ve read so far; clear, concise and impactful all the way down to the footnotes and intros to the surahs (chapters basically for non Muslim readers).
Booking Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written for ig: @brownfont 🤎
August 17, 2025
The translation is good and clear, but why does he have to be so apologetic in all his notes. I'd suggest reading a version with notes of a secular perspective instead of this one. He tries too hard at times, also uses as source theological material which has no historical merit.
Those familiar with the Bible would recognize inconsistencies, but Abdel Haleem deliberately tries to cover up those issues by either not commenting or miscommenting on them.
He tries to convince the reader (or sometimes takes for granted that the reader agrees) that the literature at hand is the word of God.
I would appreciate some academic honesty, but it is hard to find when dealing with Islamic literature.
Still, it is worth a read if you are already familiar with Abrahamic religions, and have a critical eye.
Those familiar with the Bible would recognize inconsistencies, but Abdel Haleem deliberately tries to cover up those issues by either not commenting or miscommenting on them.
He tries to convince the reader (or sometimes takes for granted that the reader agrees) that the literature at hand is the word of God.
I would appreciate some academic honesty, but it is hard to find when dealing with Islamic literature.
Still, it is worth a read if you are already familiar with Abrahamic religions, and have a critical eye.
March 17, 2026
This was the first translation of the Quran that I read (ten years ago), and I revisited it by reading it again in full this Ramadan. Highly recommend this version Written in clear, literary language, full of useful historical and linguistic notes, and the introductory/contextual chapters at the beginning are concise and illuminating. Great for spiritual and academic purposes. I first read this volume on the Kindle, but this time I read the bilingual hardcover edition. What a companion!
July 15, 2025
One should read this to know what the scripture says. Having familiarity with the Old Testament is helpful, as together the books paint a picture of the most common religions on the planet. Beyond that, one should read this to find what speaks to the reader.
November 20, 2025
One of the best interpretation of the Qur'an in the English language. Only downfall, if any, is this interpretation uses the word 'God' instead of the 'Allah', other than this, a translation definately to be read by all people.
November 26, 2024
Read for Honors class.
March 8, 2025
Great English translation! Easy to read.
March 29, 2025
This was my first time completing the whole Qur’an in English. It’s an easily digestible translation, although it would have been nice to get a few more interpretations and context to some verses
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April 24, 2025Fun to read and learn more about one of the most influential religions on the planet
November 5, 2025
A great english translation, that includes selected footnotes, adding a little more background to some of the verses.
February 22, 2026
was my first translation I ever read fully. Good for someone new
March 12, 2026
An accessible translation that still maintains some sense of "literariness" to imitate the Quranic/classical Arabic.
March 15, 2026
“From the earth We created you, into it We shall return
you”
“the life of this world is no more than the enjoyment of delusion”
you”
“the life of this world is no more than the enjoyment of delusion”
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