The Qur'an: A New Translation by Thomas Cleary

by Thomas Cleary

This is a new and complete translation of the Qur'an-the Muslim scripture-by one of the premier translators of religious texts in the world. The meanings of this sacred text are rendered into the English language with subtle touches of poetry, allowing for the opportunity to fully understand the spirit and soul of the Qur'an. This direct and timely rendition is an essential source for the modern seeker.

Genres: Islam, Religion

917 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. Thomas Francis Cleary, Ph.D. (East Asian Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; J.D., Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley), was a prolific translator of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Muslim classics, with a particular emphasis on popular translations of Mahāyāna works relevant to the Chan, Zen, and Soen systems.

Reviews

[Megan Reif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful translation but recommend reading others with annotations as well.

[Larry Bassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since I listened to the Quran as my initial exposure to this book, I probably should have selected the edition that I listen to more carefully. I don’t know anything about the apparent translator of this particular version and I don’t know anything about its purpose or intent or the reason a new translation might be necessary from the point of view of some people. So I don’t know if what I listen to here reflects the actual Quran.

From all of the negative publicity I have been exposed to by the US media about Muslim terrorists and sharia law, I expected some thing in the Quran to be blatantly distasteful to me. However, I did not find it any more distasteful then I found the Bible which I also just listened to for the first time in my 75 year old life. The Quran has references and inclusion of some of the stories that are also in the Bible. The main difference that I can identify is that apparently the Quran does not believe in the three part God of the Christian religion. It recognizes Jesus as one of a number of messengers from God. But he is not the son of God.

Like the Bible the Quran has a lot of repetition of phrases and material. It has an Almighty God who is not particularly excepting of people who choose not to believe in him. Are use the word him carefully but I do believe that both the Bible and the Quran have God as a definitively male figure. And females are definitely lesser beings. And hell is a very real place where people will go forever if they don’t meet the requirements of God. Although he is a confusing combination of forgiving and punishing. Seems to be the same guy in both the Bible and the Quran.

So I ended my listening to this book with some confusion as to whether it is a special version of the Quran or it is the same version that terrorists read as they go about their life of bombings and abusive behavior. The assurances I have received that Muslims are as good people as anybody in the world remain unclear from my listening to this particular version of this particular book.

[Eldin Talundzic · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful translation

It is by far one of the better English translations of the holy Quran. For anyone seeking to learn about Islam I would recommend the “Essential Quran” and this book. Make the intention to read it from beginning to end. It has an answer for all life situations and the scientific accuracy about embryology, astronomy, physics is astounding given this was revealed over 1,400 years ago. I find peace in reading it regularly.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally do not want to incur the wrath of Allah or his Messenger by rating this less than a 5...but this wasn't a fun read.
Parts are certainly poetic.
This version was accessible and understandable.
There was an endless amount of repetition about Hell for the Scoffers, Atheists, Idolators, Polytheists. Descriptions of the Afterlife with punishment for Scoffers and reward for Believers were on every page.
There is a great deal about taking care of people less fortunate than you are, which I liked, the emphasis on charity, forgiveness, mercy, kindness.
But the emphasis on punishment, torment, agony was painful to contemplate and read about over and over.
Glad I read the Qur'an. I wouldn't say it is "better" or "not as good" as the Bible--the Qur'an is much like the second half of the Old Testatment, a series of warnings, sermons, prayers.
The Qur'an is like a Third Testament.

Mohammad comes across as a guy who was intelligent, passionate, and without a sense of humor.
He definiely deserves the title of Prophet.

Definitely Islam respects Jesus Christ--they do not consider him to be the "Son" of God or equal to God. They believe Jesus is/was a Holy messenger who spoke to and was connected with God. Which I don't have any probem with.

I wanted to understand Islam better and this helped.
Highly recommend for anyone seeking to be considered a scholar, well-educated, and to bridge the gaps in prejudice.
I do not see than Islam is any better or worse than any other major Religion.

It is humbling and awe-inspiring to read that the conception of Heaven in the year 600 is basically a vacation at Club Med or any beautiful place with running water, greenery, good food, soft clothing, relaxing, servants.

I read carefully looking for 72 Virgins for the 9/11 Terrorists thing--the Qur'an definitely mentions in the afterlife that there will be lovely large-eyed chaste/untouched women who serve the Believers in Heaven. But there is no mention of a specific number or that if you martyr yourself you will get more. There is a part where it suggests that God has Favorites but all Believers go the Heaven and get to lie on chaise longues in lush gardens and be served Piña Coladas that will never give them a headache.

While the Qur'an discusses prayer a great deal, giving alms, and fighting "for God", it doesn't advocate killing random people of other religions---at least, anyone who gets that out of The Recital is reaching. The Qur'an describes people of other religions as misguided--unless they knowingly reject or scoff at the Messenger (Mohammad)...the big thing is believing in ONE GOD and believing in Heaven and Hell.

[CalebA]

First was the Torah. The Christian NT fulfills the Torah. Then the Quran rewrites them both...

I was very surprised by the content and format. The genre summed to be mostly commentary/sermons on mostly already established Bible passages. The sermons are not chronological so it seems like it would be helpful to read the Bible first. I took down a lot notes. The Quran talks about hell and condemnation more than anything else. The attitude of the author is very defensive when talking about Judaism and Christianity (called "polytheists"). It's almost comical how the author goes at great lengths to "untrue" established truths about Jesus and Moses. You'll also see many of the unfortunate treatment of women who appear as a lesser being than a man.

I read this book to better understand and appreciate Islam and its followers. I really appreciate this English translation and I'd recommend anyone giving it a read.

[Sir Badgerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously a great book in terms of content, but this translation is not my favorite. Though it is a great translation to compare with other translations to get more insight into the actual meaning since I do not yet know Arabic.