The Quran.

the_monkey

Hi,
I would like to educate myself about Islam, I am going to buy the Quran,
just wondering is their a particularly "good" edition ? - I know the Quran is the Quran but is their different eds like the christian Bible?

Also (and im serious here) I was thinking of getting a childrens edition
(10-12yr olds) just because I want a general quick read with pics etc!

I did the same with the Christian Bible a few years back and it was great!

hivizman

the_monkey wrote: »

Hi,
I would like to educate myself about Islam, I am going to buy the Quran,
just wondering is their a particularly "good" edition ? - I know the Quran is the Quran but is their different eds like the christian Bible?

Also (and im serious here) I was thinking of getting a childrens edition
(10-12yr olds) just because I want a general quick read with pics etc!

I did the same with the Christian Bible a few years back and it was great!

Although I am a little suspicious, given the second paragraph, that this is a troll, I'll give a straight response.

I assume that you are looking for a translation of the Qur'an in English, and you don't particularly want the text in arabic. Translation of the Qur'an is notoriously difficult, and Muslims believe that it basically can't be translated in a way that retains all its nuances. There is only one "Qur'an", and that's the arabic text that is traced back to the revelation to Muhammad. The translations into English and other languages are not "authorised" in the sense that many translations of the Bible have been authorised by particular churches and denominations.

Here are two good modern English translations that are easily obtainable.

First, M A S Abdel Haleem The Qur'an (Oxford World Classics, 2008). The translator is a professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and is an acknowledged authority on the Qur'an. The style of the translation is clear, there are just enough notes and interpolations to clarify the meaning without getting too heavy, and the text is set out in paragraphs rather than in verses, so is quite easy to read.

Second, Taarif Khalidi The Qur'an (Penguin Classics, 2009). The translator is currently professor at the American University in Beirut, and like Abdel Hameed is a well-respected scholar. This translation is, I would say, rather more "poetic" than Abdel Hameed's, not just in the use of language but also in the way the translator sets out the more poetic passages of the Qur'an in short lines rather than in continuous prose.

To give a flavour, here is Surat an-Nas (the 114th and last sura in the Qur'an) in both versions:

Abdel-Hameed: PEOPLE. In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy.
Say, 'I seek refuge with the Lord of people, the Controller of people, the God of people, against the harm of the slinking whisperer - who whispers into the hearts of people - whether they be jinn or people.'

Khalidi: MANKIND. In the name of God, Merciful to all, Compassionate to each!
Say: 'I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,
King of mankind,
God of mankind,
From the evil of the One who whispers and recoils,
Who whispers in the hearts of mankind,
Of Jinn and mankind.'

If you prefer a different translation, then those by Pickthall, Yusuf Ali, Shakir, Sahih International and various others are all available on the internet - see the resources thread for links.

One thing that you should not expect to find is an "illustrated Qur'an", because Muslims do not believe that pictures of prophets should be made and shown. In practice, this tends to be relaxed slightly for children, and there is a book called The Greatest Stories from the Qur'an, but this seems only to be available from specialist Islamic shops.

The books on Islam and on the Qur'an in the "For Dummies" and "Complete Idiot's Guide" are reasonable as a general introduction.

the_monkey

Thanks !

I am sorry if you thought I was trolling but I promise you I was not !

a few years ago I went to Israel with my brother and Dad , and we wanted to refresh our knowledge of the Bible, he got the regular edition and I wasn't that commited so I got the kids one - aimed maybe at 10-12 year olds - the reason i got it was because it was full of modern day photos and maps .- rather like an eyewitness guide and it suited my needs perfectly.

hivizman

the_monkey wrote: »

A few years ago I went to Israel with my brother and Dad , and we wanted to refresh our knowledge of the Bible, he got the regular edition and I wasn't that commited so I got the kids one - aimed maybe at 10-12 year olds - the reason i got it was because it was full of modern day photos and maps .- rather like an eyewitness guide and it suited my needs perfectly.

There's a book called The Islam Guide: An Insight into the Faith, History and Civilisation (Exhibition Islam, 2007) - this is not a translation of the Qur'an, but it includes many verses and passages from the Qur'an in English translation. The book is full of illustrations, including many photographs of mosques from around the world, and it includes some maps and time-lines. After an introductory chapter setting out the "five pillars of Islam" and the six essential beliefs, there is a detailed discussion of the Islamic concept of Allah. The stories of the various prophets are told, with a whole chapter devoted to Jesus, but, as one would expect, the main chapter about the prophets addresses the life of Muhammad. A chapter deals with the Qur'an, setting out the standard Muslim position on its revelation, how it was preserved, and its "inimitable" language and structure, while another chapter covers the so-called "scientific signs in the Qur'an". Finally, the book looks at Islam as a way of life in the modern day, and at Islam's overall contribution to world civilisation.

This is probably the closest you will get to an "illustrated Qur'an", but it doesn't include the full text, and some of the more controversial passages are downplayed or omitted altogether.

the_monkey

Cheers, think ill actually get the penguin classics one mentioned above, it seems good.

whydoc

Hello

This site may help you too

http://islamunveiled.com/eng/modules.php?name=free_books