The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an by Abdullah Yusuf Ali

by Anonymous

This is a new 11th edition of the best-seller translation of the Meaning of The Holy Qur'an by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, published by Amana Publications.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology, History

Paperback

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Paul Pinkosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most Westerners do not understand Islam as well as they should. I find the more I know the less I fear.

If you want to read the Holy Book that was conveyed from God to the Angel Gabriel to Muhammad (pbuh) to us, and you do not read Koranic Arabic, this is the English translation to read. Dr. Yusuf Ali was a brilliant scholar of English and English literature as well as being a devout Muslim. His translation is excellent English, and he provides notes whenever a word he has chosen is not quite perfectly synonymous with the Arabic word; trhus he explains the concepts perfectly. In addition, a lot of his notes are explanatory, giving the background events that are often referred to in the text.

If you want to understand, this is the one to read, and reading it is a pleasure, as it is not only a careful translation, but quite well written.

A pleasure.

[Roza Howton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this particular publication cover to cover several times. Mr Abdullah Yusuf Ali's discourses are interesting to read, and his translations are pretty close (mind you my arabic is out of practice).

Would I have all Muslims in the world not only just read the Quran in full, including the translations, discourses, historical context and arguments as opposed to just blindly memorising in Arabic, without understanding, or worse, quote and requoting the bigoted dross much spewed by many a tunnel visioned imams...

My estimation is 80% of the Quran is on honouring your "social contract" by "keeping to prayers, bringing social justice to those who are less fortunate (e.g. feeding of orphans and those who lost their means), forgiveness on erroneous behaviour, upholding the rights of women as wives, mothers and partners (take into context that prior to Muhammad's teachings, females are treated only slightly better than herd animals, and female infanticide were rampant).

The more "war-like" and "bloodthirsty" verses were in context to the time when tribal wars amongst the (bloodthirsty, I must say) Arabs escalated, and Muhammad had to protect his flock by declaring war (on transgressors, i.e. those who attacked). Unfortunately these are always misquoted by "certain factions" as divine permission to incite violence on "people" of other faiths.

Muhammad himself had non-muslim wives (a Coptic Christian, and a Jew), whom he did not force to embrace his faith, and him the Prophet. Why are "modern fundamentalists" declaring wars on other faiths, then, when the top guy himself preached religious tolerance?

Not in my name, ISIS. You are frauds with political ulterior motives.

[Khairul Hezry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, Abdullah Yusuf Ali's English translation of the Quran is the best English translation ever. It is littered with footnotes further explaining the verses and the detailed index makes it very easy for the reader to search for the particular verse or chapter.

[Amani A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book to read for guidance and understanding of Islam. I've been reading it for many yrs but every yr I read the Holy Quran and every yr I learn something new.

[Seema]

What's nice about it is that it is a lot of theology without sifting through a lot of stories from old times. I think it is different than most religious texts in that way... then again, I'm biased. ;) But in this day and age, this is something to read if you're curious about the faith and don't want to get all your information from FoxNews.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

By turns poetic and rant, The Holy Quran is much like The Holy Bible. Why God or Allah would create people and create them to be evil, then blame them for being evil, and condemn them to Hell is not what a loving Supreme Being does. The fundamental nature of the Supreme Being, as I see it, is Love. Look elsewhere for a loving Supreme Being.

Having said all this, I think that The Holy Quran is best read in Arabic. This version seems to be an excellent translation with copious notes and interpretation.

[Gordon Houtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the standard US English translation for the Holy Qur'an, holy book to the world's (big number) of Muslims.

The English is reminiscent of the King James Version of the Holy Bible. For me, I would prefer a plain English translation, but I haven't found a better translation than this one. This is the book I am reading to my daughter.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great translation! Includes arabic. Everyone should read this text just as everyone should read The
Holy Bible and the Bhagavad-Gita, etc.
As with any "classic" Scripture get a variety of translations and see which one fits YOU.

[The Contented · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reading was mostly in Arabic - and it’s difficult to describe, but I do feel a special kind of sadness that this month is drawing to a close.

This month is a gift, and this book is the most beautiful gift of all.

[Qb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful translation.

[Umut Yavuz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yazar eski Orta Doğu dinlerinin mitolojik hikayelerini şiirsel bir dille özetleyerek yeniden kaleme almış. Fakat kitabın bütününde bir üslup karmaşası yaşanıyor. Yer yer şiirselleşen dil kimi yerlerde ise didaktik ve sıkıcı bir üsluba bürünüyor. İşlediği konular bakımından genelde eski Peygamber kıssaları,
ölüm sonrası yaşam ve ilahi yargılama ile ilgili tasvirler, günlük yaşamla ilgili kurallar (miras, evlilik, boşanma vb. kuralları), ahlak ilkeleri, iman ve inkar kıyasları, cennet ve cehennemin detaylı tasvirleri, inanmayanlara şiddetli tehdit içeren kısımlar, inananlara müjdeleyici niteliğindeki kısımlar, yazarın kişisel yaşamına dönük kısımlar ve lirik betimlemelerden oluşuyor. Fakat konu bütünlüğü bir türlü sağlanamamış. Yazar genelde konudan konuya birdenbire atlıyor. Bu kitabın çok uzun yıllarda, peyderpey yazılmış olmasından ve dahası kitabın kısımlarının bir araya getirilişi sırasındaki düzensizlik ve dikkatsizlikten kaynaklanıyor. Tam da bu sebeple yazar kitapta ciddi anlamda tekrarlara ve çelişkilere düşüyor. Yazarın tek eseri olan bu kitap bir nevi bütün düşüncelerinin yer aldığı bir külliyat olarak değerlendirilebilir. Arap edebiyatında eşsiz bir yeri olan kitap milyonlarca hatta milyarlarca insanın hayatını etkilemiş ve etkilemeye de devam etmektedir. Dünyada hakkında en çok kitap yazılan ve tartışılan kitaplardan biri olması da bütün eksiklerine rağmen bu kitabın bir başyapıt olduğunu ve daha çok tartışılacağını ortaya koymaktadır.

[Asha F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my life.

[Basem Tawfik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not wait for someone to tell you what is Islam. You can read Quran yourself with the help of this translation.
My advice is to try to understand each verse in its own and unique context within a chapter.

This translation is not literal and as an Arabic and a Muslim Persons,in some versus, sometimes i feel that the meaning can be improved; However, in my opinion i think it's one of the best translations for the meanings of the Quran.

[Whiteraven191]

Giving this a star rating like it's a random novel or something feels disrespectful. I'll just talk about it here instead. This is a fantastic translation. It has copious footnotes on each page explaining the translator's word choices, cultural references non-Muslims might not get, historical context, and all sorts of good information. If you're curious about Islam, this seems like an excellent translation to start with.

[Ming · Rating 4 out of 5]

When islam speaks of submission they really mean it. The words are beautiful, but they are also full of wrath--very interesting to someone not religious in the institutionalized sense, and very open to interpretation like all great religious texts. Not enough to make me convert. Sorry islamic friends!

[Nermeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

the author did a good job in translation , but it is still the English meaning more watered than the real word in Arabic, which is some times far away from the real meaning, he used this way to attract the western reader to the Quran and Islam by manipulating the meaning.

[Lisa Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have about 5 of these, and have read it maybe 60 times!

[Basmah · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good translation. . .generally the most accepted. The footnotes are especially helpful and put the various surahs (chapters) into context

[Syed Nabeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best translations ever . Read it everyday .

[YHWHANGELGABRIEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Meaning of the Holy Quran Abdullah Yusuf Ali

free quran Abdullah Yusuf Ali



free quran

The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The Meaning of the Holy Quran Abdullah Yusuf Ali

[Jus]

“The Meaning of The Holy Qur’ān” by Abdullah Yūsuf-Ali. New edition with Qur’anic text (Arabic), revised translation, commentary and newly compiled comprehensive index. Amanda publications. Tenth edition 1420AH / 1999 AC.

I’ve been reading several translated versions of the Quran. The original holy book was written in Arabic so every translation version will not be the exact wording.

Read this book with an open mind.

However I liked how it had the transliteration of Arabic words and names and what the abbreviations used meant.

[Fred Dameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful read. Must be read slowly, apply the lessons in it, meditate on the words of the Prophet, and apply those lessons and thoughts to your life.

[neem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best translation out there. Detailed w footnotes

[Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no God but God

Truly a Heartfelt read much to understand. Patience, Faith, This was necessary.Thank God for the enlightened Trust the Process. PEACE

[Ethen Winright · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite book of all time

[Andre Smiljic]

None

[Dothan Houston County Library System]

There is no need to explain the text itself, given the current state of the world. Why should you read it? Because The Qu’ran lays behind so many of the forces that shape today. Middle East politics. Intercultural trade and tolerance. The waging of war and the weapons used therein. Modern medicine. Modern music. Modern libraries and universities. The globalization of economies and the establishment of world trade routes. The diversification of communities where religions, politics, and cultures mix and evolve. Romanticism and the expression of love and affection in poetry, prose, and so in film and music. History and the study of ancient Greece, Rome, and Asia. To be brief: without knowledge of The Qu’ran, a full understanding of the world is impossible. - JMM

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I learned from this book: how to understand the thoughts and behaviors of some Muslims....

before i read this book, i had it approved by a very devout Islamic friend of mine.

he said that normally one must not read a translation without the original text alongside the translation. this particular translation, however has been approved to be read by those who only read English, as a tool to understand the Qur'an.

although i was in disagreement with some chapters, it is a very interesting read and i suggest it to everyone.

one interesting note though is that i have never been possessed to read the Christian Bible cover to cover.....hhmmmmmmmmmmm..........

[slaveofone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arabic, the most beautiful script in the world! And you get plenty of it here. The "actual" Qur'an is presented along with a translation that flows beautifully for easy reading. Lengthy notes on every page offer commentary. Overall a very good resource. The translation, however, leaves something to be desired in terms of faithfulness to the text. It is a very liberalized translation and the notes explain the Surahs anachronistically from a 21st Century Modernist perspective as if Muhammad could have ever meant some of the "meanings" The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an gives it. Not recommended for hardcore, in-depth study.

[Imraan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuelling up for Ramadhan.

A translation can never replicate the beauty of the Arabic Quran, but it is the closest means of understanding it for non-Arabic speakers. Improving one's understanding of Quran and employing it into their lives is act of obligation and must be done to the best of one's knowledge and thinking capacity.

I have added to my list of favourite verses through which I never fail to receive inspiration. SubhanAllah, wa-Alhamdullillah, wa la illaha illallah, wa-Allahu Akbar!

The next step is to learn Classical Arabic so that I may be able to appreciate the meaning of the Quran in its absolute entirety, inshaAllah!