The Translation

Why read this translation

The first question that people usually ask us is: why yet another translation of the Qur’an? Our answers are below, but we can say at the outset that, with the world in such a terrible state, with so much misinformation being disseminated about Islam, and when even most Muslims don’t actually know what is in the Qur’an, we feel that there is an urgent need to produce a translation that people (including Muslims) will actually read and enjoy as a spiritual and meditative experience.

English prioritised

Usually, the Qur’an has been translated by Arabists (and some of these have excellent qualities). This is the first time it has been translated by an Islamic scholar in collaboration with an expert in English, someone who is familiar with the traditions and techniques of English verse.

Reader-friendly

When people read the Qur’an in Arabic, they are profoundly moved. But they often find English translations unreadable. Our rendering is very user-friendly, aiming to be both poetic and readable.

Experience beauty

Muslims usually read (and hear) the Qur’an aloud. This translation is meant to be read aloud and tries to capture something of the beauty of the original. This dimension is especially expressed in our audiobook.

Understand better

While no translation can capture the majesty of the original Arabic, this rendering strives not just to express the meaning of the original but also to affect the entire being of the reader or listener, with a harmony of sound and sense.

Inclusive translation

This is an inclusive translation, aiming to highlight the Qur’an’s status as a confirmation of earlier scriptures. Moses and Jesus are heroes of Islam and there is a whole chapter devoted to Mary.

Real reflection

As such, we think of this as a new Qur’an for a new generation, one that readers will actually enjoy, inspiring them to learn more about the original and about what the Qur’an actually says on important issues such as the status of women, war, and Islam’s relation to Judaism and Christianity.

TESTIMONIALS

See what others have said

Mike Maggio Washington Independent Review of Books

This poetic rendition of the holy text will appeal to nonbelievers, too . . . The new translation is much more succinct and is rendered in language that is natural and limpid and, as the authors claim, ‘reads like English verse while retaining the deep structure of the Arabic text.’ Whether Habib and Lawrence’s translation becomes a standard for English-speaking Muslims like me remains to be seen. Nonetheless, their work should be of interest to everyone for the way in which it provides clarity, context, and beauty to ― and renders into poetry ― one of civilization’s most important texts.

David Luhrssen Director

Capturing the form of the original without distorting the content. Given that the Qur’an is recitative, meant to be read or chanted out loud, Habib and Lawrence chose verse instead of prose in short lines that amplify the succinct power of the words. They took care to suggest the pauses and cadences of the Arabic with repetitions that are not redundant but amplify the meaning of the words. As they explain, their versification transcends the flatness of linear thinking, allowing the text “to be registered on several levels: cognitive, sensible, psychological, and spiritual.” The God heard here isn’t speaking the language of fundamentalism but in allusions of infinity.

Ziauddin Sardar Author of Desperately Seeking Paradise, Mecca: The Sacred City and Reading the Qur’an

The Qur’an: A Verse Translation captures the imagery and lyricism of the Sacred Text superbly, while renovating the language of earlier translations. An extraordinary achievement, it will be my go-to translation from now on.

Jack Miles Author of God: A Biography and God in the Qur’an

I have read or consulted more translations of the Qur’an than I can remember, but none did what this one does. None took me aside, as it were, before beginning, explained how the Qur’an works aesthetically and orally in Arabic and then proceeded to explain in equal detail how the verse translation awaiting me would work aesthetically and, again, orally to duplicate this effect in English. Habib and Lawrence have unlocked for me as no one has before a world masterpiece of sacred oratory.

Dr. Leyla Ozgur Alhassen Author of How the Qur’an Works: Reading Sacred Narrative and Qur’anic Stories: God, Revelation, and the Audience

Translation is always about interpretation and choice. Habib and Lawrence prioritize conveying some of the literary beauty of the Qur’an, while maintaining clarity. Their translation, which can be read easily and out loud, is an excellent resource, especially for those who do not have access to the original Arabic text.

Dr. Ingrid Mattson Chair of Islamic Studies, Huron University College

Too many translations of the Qur’an focus only on semantics while neglecting the meaning conveyed by the clear, beautiful and majestic forms through which God has chosen to speak to humanity. Habib and Lawrence’s verse translation is a refreshing and compelling contribution to the genre that will resonate with many listeners/readers. I also appreciate the layout of the text which is elegant and uncluttered; the Qur’an deserves no less than this care and attention.

Dr. Ahmad Elezabi Director General, Al-Azhar Center for Translation, University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt

This must be the most beautiful translation of the Qur'an ever, being the first attempt to produce a verse rendition of the final divine revelation to humankind. It is both impressively poetic and accurate. It also includes an elaborate introduction, furnishing insightful background to the Islamic Holy Book.

The Translation

Why read this translation

English prioritised

Reader-friendly

Experience beauty

Understand better

Inclusive translation

Real reflection

TESTIMONIALS

See what others have said

ENJOY THE QURAN

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