Is there a specific published or online edition of the Quran which you would recommend as being more accurate or friendlier for non-Muslims?
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- Mike, Tucson
Dear Habibi,*
The English version of the Quran, which I think is more accurate and friendlier to the public, is the translation by Muhammad Asad.
I prefer it because he is not afraid to address some controversial verses that may offend contemporary Western readers. He does not dance around the issues; he talks about them. All of his explanations are in the form of footnotes.
On the other hand, translations by Muhsin Khan, for example, are translations that have extremist interpretations. It is especially misleading when the author inserts his own explanations and interpretations between parentheses within verses instead of using footnotes. By doing so, he is making untrained readers think that his interpretations are divine explanations or part of the Quran.Â
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The Quran is written in poetic form and it is sad that when translated from Arabic to any language, its beauty is lost and translators insert their own liberal, conservative or extremist interpretations for non-Arabic speakers.
Mona Darwich-Gatto, an Arab-American, has lived in several places throughout the world and has moved around with her husband, a former Marine. You can read her blog, Salaam Sahuarita, and add your comments at SahuaritaStar.com. Send your questions to askamuslim@azstarnet.com.
* Habibi and Habibati are the male and female forms of an Arabic word that means "darling," "honey," "dear" or "friend."
