![]() ![]() Inevitably both translations have their peculiarities and reflect decisions on the part of the authors that can always be questioned and/or debated. The index is analytical although I did not always find it easy to use due to the level of detail in the sub-entries. Beyond that, a useful introduction (including the life of Muhammad), a bibliography, a chronological chart, a map, and an eighteen-page index are provided. Abdel Haleem's goal (and presumably, then, Oxford's as well) is to widen the appeal the intention of this version, says the translator, is "to go further than previous works in accuracy, clarity, flow, and currency of language." Accessibility for all those who speak English is the goal. As Abdel Haleem admits, Arberry "shows great respect towards the language of the Qur'an" and "it remains a popular version of the text, particularly in academic circles" (p. ![]() Perhaps most surprising is the fact that Oxford published the translation when they already have a perfectly good translation in print, i.e., A. There is no silliness of trying to say this "isn't really" the Qur?an, which is, after all, totally apparent to anyone when the title is in English and it is called a translation. First off, I praise the title: The Qur?an: A New Translation. It is opportune, then, to be able to compare this translation to that of M. The Arabic is produced in a clean and easy-to-read typeface (although small) and appears to follow the Cairo text in all its details. Some minimal notes are provided to the text, mainly to gloss words there is also a basic index of topics and a very brief (four pages) introduction plus an index of surahs, which includes their Meccan/Medinan status. Their aim was to be as faithful to the Arabic text as possible, to correct the errors of earlier translations (while profiting from their insights) and to use simple, readable English idiom. Fakhry himself is, of course, known better for his work in Islamic philosophy, but he provides no particular explanation of what brought him to this project other than stating that it started as a joint effort with the late Mahmud Zayid who was a professor of History and Archaeology at the American University of Beirut. Majid Fakhry's An Interpretation of the Qur'an comes with the impressive stamp of approval from al-Azhar. So, it is with some surprise and, indeed, pleasure that these two new translations must be greeted. And it is an audacious act for anyone to take on, given the number of translations which already exist and the constant nagging question concerning whether there is a market (and thus a publisher) for a new version. For the translator, such a project can only be brought to fruition after years of work, consideration, consultation, editing, and revision. The appearance of a new Qur'an translation in English must be recognized as a special event. Published on H-Mideast-Medieval (December, 2004) Reviewed by Andrew Rippin (Department of History, University of Victoria) New York: New York University Press, 2002. An Interpretation of the Qur'an: English Translation of the Meanings. It is an edition both for those familiar with the Qur'an and for those coming to it for the first time the message of the Qur'an was directly addressed to all people regardless of class, gender, or age, and this dual-language edition is equally accessible to everyone.Majid Fakhry. The verses are individually numbered to facilitate comparison with the Arabic. A useful general introduction on the revelation, stylistic features, issues of interpretation and translation of the Qur'an is included, together with summaries of each sura, essential footnotes and an index. The traditional Arabic calligraphic pages are displayed alongside the English translation, which has been revised for this new edition. Now for the first time it is published with the original Arabic text to give a greater appreciation and understanding of the holy book. Abdel Haleem's translation has been acclaimed for its success in avoiding archaism and cryptic language to produce a version that is both faithful to the original and easy to read. Recognized as the greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic, the sacred text has nevertheless remained difficult to understand in its English translations. The Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |