Quran In English

History of Quran in English Translations

There are numerous English translations of the Quran, including newer ones that aim to modernize language, provide a feminist perspective, or address contemporary theological interpretations. Below is a list of some of the major English translations, along with their dates of publication:

Early Translations (17th – 19th Century)

  • Alexander Ross (1649) – First known English translation, titled The Alcoran of Mahomet, based on a French translation of the Quran.
  • George Sale (1734) – The Koran: Commonly Called the Alkoran of Mohammed; one of the earliest direct translations from Arabic, widely used for centuries.
  • John Medows Rodwell (1861) – The Koran; arranged in chronological order of revelation, emphasizing historical context.
  • E.H. Palmer (1880) – Commissioned for “Sacred Books of the East” series.
  • Muhammad Abdul Hakim Khan (1905) – Early 20th-century effort by an Indian Muslim scholar.
  • Mirza Abul Fazl (1911) – The Quran: Arabic Text and English Translation; focuses on rationalist interpretation.
  • Ahmed Raza Khan (1911) – The Holy Quran; reflects Barelvi school perspectives.

20th Century Translations

  • Marmaduke Pickthall (1930) – The Meaning of the Glorious Quran; one of the first modern translations by a Muslim native English speaker, widely used.
  • Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934–1937) – The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary; Known for its poetic language and extensive commentary.
  • Arthur J. Arberry (1955) – The Koran Interpreted; praised for its literary and poetic qualities.
  • N.J. Dawood (1956, revised 1990) – The Koran; Penguin Classics edition, known for readability. Revised in 1990.
  • Muhammad Asad (1980) – The Message of the Quran; A rationalist and philosophical interpretation, includes extensive commentary reflecting modernist views.
  • T.B. Irving (Ta’lim Ali) (1985) – The Quran: First American Version; aims for contemporary American English.

Contemporary Translations (1990s – Present)

  • Saheeh International (1997) – Collaborative effort by three women; clear and simple translation used widely in Islamic studies.
  • Hilali-Khan (1977, 1993, revised 1999) – The Noble Quran; by Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali and Muhsin Khan, incorporating hadith explanations.
  • M.H. Shakir (1999) – Posthumously published; adheres closely to Arabic structure.
  • Edip-Layth (Yuksel, al-Shaiban, and Schulte-Nafeh) (2000) – The Quran: A Reformist Translation; challenges traditional interpretations.
  • M.A.S. Abdel Haleem (2004) – The Quran (Oxford World’s Classics); praised for clarity and fluency.
  • Laleh Bakhtiar (2007) – The Sublime Quran; first by an American woman, includes gender-neutral terms.
  • Wahiduddin Khan (2009) – The Quran; emphasizes simplicity and peace-focused interpretation.
  • Talal Itani (2012) – Clear Quran; Quran in Plain English, an easy-to-read translation.
  • Mustafa Khattab (2015) – The Clear Quran; modern, reader-friendly language.
  • Safi Kaskas (2015) – The Quran: A Contemporary Understanding; contextualizes verses for modern readers.
  • Dr. Kamal Omar (1990s) – The Quran: Arabic Text and English Translation; uses unconventional terminology.
  • Thomas Cleary (2004) – The Qur’an: A New Translation; focuses on spiritual and philosophical aspects.
  • Muhammad Ali (1917, revised 1951) – The Holy Quran; Ahmadiyya perspective, includes commentary.
  • Sher Ali (1955) – Another Ahmadiyya translation, part of the English Translation of the Holy Quran.

Notes:
– Many translations have been revised post-publication (e.g., Yusuf Ali’s in 1987 by the Saudi government).
– Recent efforts emphasize inclusivity and modern readability (e.g., Khattab’s The Clear Quran).
– Some translations are sect-specific (e.g., Ahmadiyya or Barelvi).

This list highlights major translations, but numerous others exist, reflecting diverse theological and linguistic approaches.