Sixth edition of English translation of Quran released
The sixth edition of Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan’s English translation of the Holy Qur’an (Glorious Quran) has just been published. Until now, three editions with the Arabic text and English translation, and three editions of only the English translation, have been printed within two years of its first publication in 2023.
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Along with extremely simple and contemporary English language, only the earliest and most authentic Arabic Qur’an commentaries (tafsir), Sirah, Maghazi (accounts of the Prophet’s battles), Islamic history, and Arabic dictionaries were consulted in the preparation of this translation. Effort has been made that the message of the Holy Qur’an is presented to the world exactly as it was understood by the earliest generations of Islam. Translations of later times, later commentaries, and non-Arabic sources have been entirely avoided. Along with this, the entire translation, footnotes, and appendices have been kept completely free from sectarian bias, and from grammatical and juristic hair-splitting.
The translator has written approximately 2500 footnotes along with the translation. In addition, the appendices — an introduction to the Holy Qur’an, the life of the Holy Prophet, Islamic terms, and a detailed Qur’anic index — have given this translation the form of a complete Islamic encyclopaedia from which the reader receives a complete introduction to Islam. In this translation, which was completed in twelve years, the Qur’anic guidance on modern contemporary demands, the problems of Muslim minorities, and matters like terrorism and Jihad have also been addressed.
This translation has been viewed with great admiration throughout the world, and remarkable reviews have been published in various countries. Al-Jazeera (Qatar) wrote that “this translation is a complete introduction to Islam.” Muslim News (London) said in its review that “this is one of the better translations of the Holy Qur’an through which understanding the Qur’an becomes easy.”
Professor Abdul Majeed Qazi of Jamia Millia Islamia said “the translation makes it clear that the translator is endowed with mature insight and vast knowledge, which is necessary to explain the miraculous meanings of the Holy Qur’an.” He further wrote, “Along with its appendices, this translation is a concise Islamic encyclopaedia.”
Former Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Najeeb Jung, described this translation as “the best among the best.” JNU Professor Muhammad Qutbuddin, declaring it a “unique and standard English translation,” wrote that “in terms of the accuracy of translation and comprehension, the maturity of language, fluency, simplicity of style, and its impact, this translation is unique among all previous English translations and commentaries.” Islamic Voice (Bangalore) wrote: “For any person wishing to understand the Qur’an and Islamic teachings in depth, this translation is a fundamental source.” Palestinian thinker Dr. Muhammad Makram Balaawi wrote: “Among all the translations of the Holy Qur’an that I have seen so far, this is the best.”
Professor Akhtarul Wasey of Jamia Millia Islamia, describing it as “a weighty scholarly achievement,” wrote that “this work is pleasantly different from traditional commentaries, for the translator has fulfilled the right of representing Islam in the present age.”
Professor Abdul Rahim Kidwai of Aligarh Muslim University, reviewing this translation in Muslim World Book Review (UK), wrote that “this translation is absolutely correct and renders the original with expertise.” Islamic thinker Abdullah Tariq wrote that this translation is “without doubt superior to earlier translations” and “a priceless and timely addition to religious literature.” Shakeel Rashid, editor of Mumbai Urdu News, commenting on this translation, wrote that it is la-jawab – matchless. Both editions — with the Arabic text of the Holy Qur’an and without the Arabic text — can be obtained from the publishers, Pharos Media.
