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The Quran
Translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The Holy Qur'an (also known as The Koran) is the sacred book of Islam. It is the word of God whose truth was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. As it was revealed, so it was committed to memory by his companions, though written copies were also made by literate believers during the lifetime of the Prophet.
The first full compilation was by Abu Bakar, the first Caliph, and it was then recompiled in the original dialect by the third Caliph Uthman, after the best reciters had fallen in battle. Muslims believe that the truths of The Holy Qur'an are fully and authentically revealed only in the original classical Arabic. However, as the influence of Islam grows and spreads to the modern world, it is recognised that translation is an important element in introducing and explaining Islam to a wider audience.
This translation, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, is considered to be the most faithful rendering available in English.
441 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
631 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Abdullah Yusuf Ali
234 books56 followersAbdullah Yusuf Ali, CBE, FRSL was an Indian Islamic scholar who translated the Qur'an into English. Ali was born in Bombay, British India to a wealthy merchant family.
As a child, Ali received a religious education and, eventually, could recite the entire Qur'an from memory. He studied English literature and studied at several European universities, including the University of Leeds.
As a child, Ali received a religious education and, eventually, could recite the entire Qur'an from memory. He studied English literature and studied at several European universities, including the University of Leeds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 26, 2018
First of all I'm not a religious scholar, and I regret that I could not read the text in it's original Arabic language. For I imagine that the Arabic is much more poetic than the English that I was raised on.
Second, I read this tome because I really did want to know the issues between the faith I was raised in (Christianity - Protestant) and Islam, why there is so much discourse.
But also because I've read several other books on Arabic history. Most of these from the perspectives of WWI and WWII, or even Arabic themes of science fiction and fantasy.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered, it's really a book of forgiveness and love. Another book of God reaching out to the human race to change it's ways. Yes "another" book, because it does talk about the earlier attempts through the Torah and the Christian Bible.
A critical eye on the hypocrisies of those certain believers we all know. However, the goal is the same worship only God, do good deeds in life, and love each other. Leave judgement to the all mighty. If you take that and apply it to the modern world.
You see why America is looked at as a target rather than a friend. We are a country that shouts that we are a Christian nation, but when it comes to doing what we were taught, we consistently seem to fall short. Whether helping the poor, caring for the needy, etc.
No I'm not trying to change government policy, but on the world stage, and our country being the wealthiest in the world (in debt of course). Consistently we thumb our nose at other's and claim it's God's way. I think we have completely missed what the message was within the Christian bible.
I would recommend this, for those that want to know more about religion, or the monotheistic God that three world religions worship.
Second, I read this tome because I really did want to know the issues between the faith I was raised in (Christianity - Protestant) and Islam, why there is so much discourse.
But also because I've read several other books on Arabic history. Most of these from the perspectives of WWI and WWII, or even Arabic themes of science fiction and fantasy.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered, it's really a book of forgiveness and love. Another book of God reaching out to the human race to change it's ways. Yes "another" book, because it does talk about the earlier attempts through the Torah and the Christian Bible.
A critical eye on the hypocrisies of those certain believers we all know. However, the goal is the same worship only God, do good deeds in life, and love each other. Leave judgement to the all mighty. If you take that and apply it to the modern world.
You see why America is looked at as a target rather than a friend. We are a country that shouts that we are a Christian nation, but when it comes to doing what we were taught, we consistently seem to fall short. Whether helping the poor, caring for the needy, etc.
No I'm not trying to change government policy, but on the world stage, and our country being the wealthiest in the world (in debt of course). Consistently we thumb our nose at other's and claim it's God's way. I think we have completely missed what the message was within the Christian bible.
I would recommend this, for those that want to know more about religion, or the monotheistic God that three world religions worship.
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April 5, 2016First, I don't think it's proper or necessary to rate or review a holy book. So that is not what this is. When I decided to read the Qur'an I wanted a good translation and this one came most highly recommended according to my research into the matter. It is written poetically and in a formal, old-fashioned English. Something akin in style to reading the King James Bible.
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January 22, 2017I am obviously not going to rate a holy book.
I enjoyed reading it.
I would like to read and understand more.
It makes me want to finish the bible too.
Education is empowering.
I enjoyed reading it.
I would like to read and understand more.
It makes me want to finish the bible too.
Education is empowering.
November 3, 2021
I read this (or rather was forced to read it) many times as a kid and a teenager. Simply put: incoherent ramblings of a madman who suffers from severe megalomania, chronic misogyny and lack of purpose. Furthermore, the amount of repetition is staggering!
January 29, 2022
Awful desert tribalism, full of blood-soaked bigotry and pathetically childish nonsense.
April 14, 2021
It's Muslim tradition to read 1/30 of the Qur'an every day of the thirty day fasting month of Ramadan. As is the nature of Sacred Scripture, I learn something new every time I read it no matter what age group I find myself.
The Qur'an is the human language translation of the final part of the Divine message to mankind, revealed to the unlettered Ishmalite prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) about 1400 years ago. This book was designed to be recited allowed, per the translation of the word "Qur'an" (recitation), and it closes the canon on Sacred Scripture — there will be no more Divine Revelation after it, and Muhammad is the final messenger of the One God of Abraham.
The content is composed of the One God talking directly to the prophet regarding what He commands him to tell us, often talking directly to the believing reader, talking directly to those disbelievers listening to the recited verses, those reading it for themselves, and to the People of the Book (the followers of Christ and the children of Israel). Like the previous books in the Divine message of God, the Qur'an also confirms & fulfills the previous scripture, as well as corrects those areas the previous guardians allowed their charges to go astray. For example, it confirms that the Christ Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him) was indeed sent by the One God, and that the Nazarene messenger was created in his mother's womb by scratch without the seed of a male figure. But God also explains that Jesus was true to his mission and never, ever told the people to worship him as a deity; the claims of "divine sonship" and "trinity" were but fictions invented by men.
The essence of the Qur'an's message is a warning to those who love performing evil, and a Good News to those who love doing good. God commands all of mankind to believe and worship Him alone, perform good deeds, reject evil deeds, and repent when they mess up (be not obstinant in doing wrong!) as the high-level greater message, broken down into numerous community-building rules for how believers must conduct themselves among each other and with the greater world community. The Qur'an is a mixture of very straightforward verses, along with allegorical ones to meditate upon — both types enable all peoples of all classes to understand what their Lord requires of them for prosperity in this world and the next.
Highly recommended for those with a sincere interest in Truth who, like the rich young ruler who inquired of the Christ, wish to know how they may be saved and in their Lord's favor so that they may achieve paradise.
The Qur'an is the human language translation of the final part of the Divine message to mankind, revealed to the unlettered Ishmalite prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) about 1400 years ago. This book was designed to be recited allowed, per the translation of the word "Qur'an" (recitation), and it closes the canon on Sacred Scripture — there will be no more Divine Revelation after it, and Muhammad is the final messenger of the One God of Abraham.
The content is composed of the One God talking directly to the prophet regarding what He commands him to tell us, often talking directly to the believing reader, talking directly to those disbelievers listening to the recited verses, those reading it for themselves, and to the People of the Book (the followers of Christ and the children of Israel). Like the previous books in the Divine message of God, the Qur'an also confirms & fulfills the previous scripture, as well as corrects those areas the previous guardians allowed their charges to go astray. For example, it confirms that the Christ Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon him) was indeed sent by the One God, and that the Nazarene messenger was created in his mother's womb by scratch without the seed of a male figure. But God also explains that Jesus was true to his mission and never, ever told the people to worship him as a deity; the claims of "divine sonship" and "trinity" were but fictions invented by men.
The essence of the Qur'an's message is a warning to those who love performing evil, and a Good News to those who love doing good. God commands all of mankind to believe and worship Him alone, perform good deeds, reject evil deeds, and repent when they mess up (be not obstinant in doing wrong!) as the high-level greater message, broken down into numerous community-building rules for how believers must conduct themselves among each other and with the greater world community. The Qur'an is a mixture of very straightforward verses, along with allegorical ones to meditate upon — both types enable all peoples of all classes to understand what their Lord requires of them for prosperity in this world and the next.
Highly recommended for those with a sincere interest in Truth who, like the rich young ruler who inquired of the Christ, wish to know how they may be saved and in their Lord's favor so that they may achieve paradise.
December 21, 2017
This book turned out to be the only friend I spoke to everyday.
May 6, 2020
Alhamdullilah, done. The words/proses/sentences used is sometimes pretty hard to understand. Had to Google a lot of times.
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February 29, 2024“Whoever submits his whole self to Allah, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy hand-hold: and with Allah rests the End and Decision of (all) affairs.” - Surah 31 v.22
I won’t rate a holy book for obvious reasons so I’m just gonna leave my thoughts below:
- The word “Islam” is the Arabic word for submission. Struggle and submission are the two theological pillars of the faith. The submission is the posture man is called to enter in before God and the struggle is the spread of this submission across the world.
- Was interesting to see how the Islamic faith shares the same headship and the Christian and Judaic ones as well, beginning with Adam, Eve, Abraham, and Moses.
- While the Koran does give permission for violence almost everything I have heard about the Koran in regards to violence and the call to hurt others as tenants of the faith is extremely misinterpreted and incorrect.
- The reading style is very difficult to read for the first time as it feels like a constant stream of consciousness. Moral and spiritual thoughts are poured out rather than a mix of historical, poetic, and theological thoughts as per the Bible.
- There is a very deep and strong emphasis on the holiness of God. The Koran puts great focus on God or “Allah” to be very exalted and revered.
- While God is much revered and lifted up, to me here he does not feel personal at all, but more of a figure and force, not necessarily a father.
- All in all this was a challenging yet interesting read for the first time and hopefully I can revisit it to dialogue with others in the future!
I would encourage many people to read the holy books of other religions regardless of your views as they are what people base their entire lives on and helps understand not just the text, but the people who give their lives to it.
I won’t rate a holy book for obvious reasons so I’m just gonna leave my thoughts below:
- The word “Islam” is the Arabic word for submission. Struggle and submission are the two theological pillars of the faith. The submission is the posture man is called to enter in before God and the struggle is the spread of this submission across the world.
- Was interesting to see how the Islamic faith shares the same headship and the Christian and Judaic ones as well, beginning with Adam, Eve, Abraham, and Moses.
- While the Koran does give permission for violence almost everything I have heard about the Koran in regards to violence and the call to hurt others as tenants of the faith is extremely misinterpreted and incorrect.
- The reading style is very difficult to read for the first time as it feels like a constant stream of consciousness. Moral and spiritual thoughts are poured out rather than a mix of historical, poetic, and theological thoughts as per the Bible.
- There is a very deep and strong emphasis on the holiness of God. The Koran puts great focus on God or “Allah” to be very exalted and revered.
- While God is much revered and lifted up, to me here he does not feel personal at all, but more of a figure and force, not necessarily a father.
- All in all this was a challenging yet interesting read for the first time and hopefully I can revisit it to dialogue with others in the future!
I would encourage many people to read the holy books of other religions regardless of your views as they are what people base their entire lives on and helps understand not just the text, but the people who give their lives to it.
July 11, 2024
This book constantly talks about how we were given "signs", but we chose not to see.... I saw the signs...
Signs you're in a cult:
1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability *check*
2. Zero tolerance for criticism or questions *double check*
3. Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget *half a check (kind of. it talks about giving your "booty" to the temples because you don't need your wealth in the afterlife)*
4. Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions *check*
5. A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave *check, check, check*
6. Abuse of members *check*
7. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group *check*
8. Followers feeling they are never able to be “good enough” *check*
9. A belief that the leader is right at all times *check*
10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation *triple check*
After I completed this book, the app I was using recommended I read Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief next. That tells me all I need to know about what category this book falls into.
*let's be clear, I feel this way about all organized religious texts, not just this one*
Signs you're in a cult:
1. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability *check*
2. Zero tolerance for criticism or questions *double check*
3. Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget *half a check (kind of. it talks about giving your "booty" to the temples because you don't need your wealth in the afterlife)*
4. Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions *check*
5. A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave *check, check, check*
6. Abuse of members *check*
7. Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group *check*
8. Followers feeling they are never able to be “good enough” *check*
9. A belief that the leader is right at all times *check*
10. A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation *triple check*
After I completed this book, the app I was using recommended I read Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief next. That tells me all I need to know about what category this book falls into.
*let's be clear, I feel this way about all organized religious texts, not just this one*
August 4, 2020
Beautiful book, after lots of right wing rhetoric I decided to take a look for myself and see what all the fuss was about. I found a beautiful book presented in a stunning manner that was the polar opposite of what right wing hate groups would like people to think. Really opened my eyes about Islam
October 8, 2025
Idk what to say. 👍
edit: now I do. Worth reading, worth studying, and worth understanding. I am a Christian who fundamentally disagrees with the theological assumptions here, but I am now able to understand, and thus love, my Muslim neighbors better than I otherwise could.
edit: now I do. Worth reading, worth studying, and worth understanding. I am a Christian who fundamentally disagrees with the theological assumptions here, but I am now able to understand, and thus love, my Muslim neighbors better than I otherwise could.
February 26, 2024
Lažu
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
Read this (almost) every day during Ramadan, so glad I made it through.
The rating is for the translation. There have been a few confusions where I needed to go to other translations and it took me a while to get into "the", "though" etc. speech, but once I got used to it it was easy. Next is a German version.
The rating is for the translation. There have been a few confusions where I needed to go to other translations and it took me a while to get into "the", "though" etc. speech, but once I got used to it it was easy. Next is a German version.
April 23, 2017
I have read the the Bible cover to cover several times, but I have only read the Quran once. They have similarities in teaching styles, but the Bible is linear (kind of) where as the Quran is mostly instructive. There were a lot of repetitive mentioning of anecdotes similar to the repetition in the Bible about God saving the Israelites from Egypt. A big emphasis on how God/Allah does not procreate. And a description of heaven and hell. Repeated many times.
I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I may have enjoyed the poetry a bit more , but I can't read Arabic. Or speak it. So, ya.
I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I may have enjoyed the poetry a bit more , but I can't read Arabic. Or speak it. So, ya.
March 1, 2021
To those who do good, there is good in this world...
May 5, 2022
It’s the besssssst
January 6, 2023
Very boring read, same things repeated over and over, disappointing
December 31, 2023
finished another re-read oop
January 24, 2019
Quran is a Holy book that filled with words from Allah through Prophet Muhammad s.a.w It revealed why Muslims taking Quran as a perfect editor in their action doing. Muslims refer to its wisdom to walk along the path of life. It shows the understanding of ways and living with Quran as their guidance
Want to read
March 10, 2018This is a peaceful holy book. I am a Muslim reading the Holy Qur'an. In this book will change your life. will make you a better person. It will help you in the afterlife/future. This book will lead you to the righteous places like heaven. I hope you will enjoy this book.
May 12, 2021
It's a beautiful read. The words flow right into the heart and move you in a way no other book can. The book actually talks to you.
We read the whole book during the month of Ramadan, reading 1/30th per day. I finished it this morning. Of course I read the hard cover version which has 1810 pages.
We read the whole book during the month of Ramadan, reading 1/30th per day. I finished it this morning. Of course I read the hard cover version which has 1810 pages.
November 26, 2018
Read for class. World Myth -Foundations of Culture, selected Suras. 2018
June 8, 2019
الحمد لله على نعمه القران
March 11, 2021
Good translation for those who want something more poetic and are not scared off by older language.
November 18, 2022
This book is why I support Israel 🇮🇱
April 19, 2025
There's a subtle difference between a book like this and one like that of Mormon. This one feels as if it picked up "where we left off" in its own distinct style, whereas Mormon just echoes the style of the Bible.
Very technically, there is nothing new compared to the teachings of Jesus: be kind to your neighbour, pray regularly etc. The execution has a bit more rules, and that is it. Some details that modern Muslims do that I couldn't find, but who's counting?
Some things I did find: there are virgins (like pearls well-guarded) that will give you food and drink whilst you are reclining on a Throne of dignity (unless you have a family, then you'll be reunited with them), the famous line "blood is thicker than water", although it's meant the other way round: blood of the covenant (the brotherhood of Muslims) is thicker than the water of the womb.
And the brilliant line: "Allah doeth what he willeth" (Sūrah 14, aya 27).
Very technically, there is nothing new compared to the teachings of Jesus: be kind to your neighbour, pray regularly etc. The execution has a bit more rules, and that is it. Some details that modern Muslims do that I couldn't find, but who's counting?
Some things I did find: there are virgins (like pearls well-guarded) that will give you food and drink whilst you are reclining on a Throne of dignity (unless you have a family, then you'll be reunited with them), the famous line "blood is thicker than water", although it's meant the other way round: blood of the covenant (the brotherhood of Muslims) is thicker than the water of the womb.
And the brilliant line: "Allah doeth what he willeth" (Sūrah 14, aya 27).
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January 5, 2022I’ve long felt that given what this book claims to be, and the impact it’s had on the world it was one I needed to read. I’ve been working on it for a long time, and have made many false starts in the past with various English translations. But the language quite often got in the way (I’m the same way with the Bible, I have trouble reading any translation other than the King James Version). I know they recommend reading it in Arabic (but given my struggles to master a relatively simple language like Spanish, that is never going to happen).
I was finally able to get through it with this translation, it still took way longer than it should have. But I feel it has given me a better understanding of one of the world’s major religions.
I was finally able to get through it with this translation, it still took way longer than it should have. But I feel it has given me a better understanding of one of the world’s major religions.
May 28, 2020
From one Christian's point of view (mine), I would say the Qur'an reads a lot like the book of Psalms in that it is not a narrative and it is fairly repetitive. I find the Psalms more poetic but that could just be a translation issue, as I understand neither Hebrew nor Arabic.
The themes are somewhat different, though. Although the Qur'an focuses on there being only one God, like the Psalms, a lot of space is spent on the Last Judgment, especially describing Hell and describing Heaven to a somewhat lesser extent. There is also a focus on predestination, and the need to believe the Prophet without requiring any supernatural signs.
The themes are somewhat different, though. Although the Qur'an focuses on there being only one God, like the Psalms, a lot of space is spent on the Last Judgment, especially describing Hell and describing Heaven to a somewhat lesser extent. There is also a focus on predestination, and the need to believe the Prophet without requiring any supernatural signs.
February 18, 2019
Tiresome and repetitive at times, but very interesting and helpful in understanding the Islamic situation in terms of religion, society and human rights.
Terrifyingly similar to the Bible fairytale, though a bit more hellish fiery
Terrifyingly similar to the Bible fairytale, though a bit more hellish fiery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews