Qur'an (English)

The Qur'an

Translations & Commentaries (tafsir) in English:

Tafsir Imdad al Karam [Vol.1] : by Shaykh Imdad Hussain Pirzada (Tafsir)
Tafsir al Qurtubi [Vol.1] : Very Detailed & Comprehensive (Tafsir)
Tafsir al Jalalayn: Complete Qur'an Commentary (Tafsir)
The Noble Qur'an : A New Rendering by Aisha Bewley
The Qur'an : A New Translation by Abdul Haleem
Kanz ul Imaan : Translated into Eng. (Original Urdu by Imam Ahmad Raza Khan )

Tafseer Imdad-ul-Karam (English) Volume 1(Surah al-Fatiha to Surah al-Ma’ida).

Hardback - 458 pages by Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada

TAFSEER IMDAD-UL-KARAM is an English Tafseer of the Holy Qur'an (Surah al-Fatiha to Surah al-Ma’ida).

Undoubtedly, there are many tafasir in the market, written by eminent highly skilled intellectuals and pious characters. They have worked hard, pondering over the words, meanings and secrets of the Qur'an and its universal message. Indeed, they have introduced us to inexhaustible treasures. However, to a large extent, only the erudite and scholarly people can appreciate and fully understand grammatical intricacies and complicated discussions that are found in these elaborate works.

With this in mind, I felt there was a dire need for a brief but concise commentary of the Qur'an, presented in a simple and comprehendible manner. This would make it easy for a new Muslim who has just begun his search for Islamic knowledge or a young Muslim who is totally unaware of the Arabic Language to establish a preliminary link with the divine words of Allah (most high). Imdad-ul-Karam will, insha-Allah, provide the reader with an introductory guide to the commentary of the Qur'an, and if the reader wishes, he can extend his knowledge by then referring to other excellent, traditional exegeses. --M.I.H.Pirzada

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Tafsir al-Qurtubi - Volume 1: Classic Commentary of the Noble Qur'an
Hardback - 787 pages by Imam al-Qurtubi 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan
Translated by Aisha Bewley & Edited by Abdul Haqq Bewley

Description from the publisher:

The publication of this volume represents a significant landmark in the history of Islamic literature in English. There has until now been a dearth of translations of classical tafsir [commentary] literature into English. With the first volume of this abridged translation of Imam al-Qurtubi's al-Jami' li-ahkam al-Qur'an ("The Compendium of Legal Rulings of the Qur'an"), an important step has been taken towards remedying this situation. It gives English-speaking readers access to one of the great classical commentaries, containing a wealth of authoritative traditional exposition of the Sacred Text.

Comprehensive interpretation of the Noble Qur'an requires consideration of every aspect -- spiritual, legal, linguistic, social, and others. While his Tafsir covers them all, Imam al-Qurtubi was especially concerned to bring out the legal implications of the Qur'anic text, and his work emphasises the practical applications of the Revelation. This gives it particular relevance to those interested in learning how the Qur'an informs the daily life of the Muslims, on both the individual and communal level. The author also explains the diversity of the various readings (qira'at) and explores the alternative interpretations that can be derived from them.

Imam Abu 'Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Abu Bakr al-Ansari al-Qurtubi, was born in Cordoba, Spain, at the summlt of Its great period of Islamic civilisation. He was an eminent Maliki scholar who specialised in fiqh and Hadith. The breadth and depth of his scholarship are evident in his writings. The most famous of then is his twenty-volume tasfir al Jami' li-ahkam al-Qur'an, the first three volumes of which are covered by this publication. Imam al-Qirtubi was a man of great modesty who disdained worldly honours and throughout his life wore the simple gown and cap of the ordinary Muslin. He traveled from Spain to the East and settled in Munya Abi 'l-Khusavb in Upper Egypt. where he died in 671H/ 1273 CE.

The Tranlator : Aisha Abdurrahman at Tarjumana Bewley is one today’s most prolific translators of classical Arabic work into English. Aisha Bewley not only understands Arabic but she is also aware of the basic meanings and nature of teachings and history of Islam. Her knowledge is born of experience and direct transmission, not merely academic theory and learning by rote. For more than twenty-five years she has been concerned with making the contents of many classical works in Arabic more Accessible to English-speaking readers for the first time, including Ash-Shifa of Qadi “Iyad.

She is co-translator of the Qur'an. Other works include Muwatta of Imam Malik, Men of Madina & Women of Madina of Ibn Sa'd and she has also written a number of books.

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Tafsir al-Jalalayn - Classic Commentary on the complete Qur'an

Hardback - 1378 pages by Imam Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli & Imam Jalal al-Din as-Suyuti 'alayhir rahman
Translated by Aisha Bewley & Edited by Abdul Haqq Bewley

This Classic work is the tafsir (explanation) of the whole Qur’an in English in one Book.

The publication of this book is a landmark in the history of Islamic literature in English. With this work, for the first time, a complete translation of one of the great classical commentaries on the Noble Qur’an becomes available to English-speaking readers.

Tafsir al-Jalalayn, meaning 'The Commentary of the Two Jalals' is named after its two authors: Jalalu’d-Din al-Mahalli (1389-1459), who wrote half of it, and his student, Jalalu’d-Din as-Suyuti (1445-1505), one of the greatest Muslim scholars of all, who completed it after al-Mahalli’s death.

For half a millennium Tafsir al-Jalalayn has been considered the essential first step in the study of the meanings of the Qur’an by teachers and students throughout the Islamic world Although it is among the shortest and simplest .of the ‘complete commentaries, it is at the same time both wide-ranging and profound.

This translation gives non-Arabic speakers access to one of the seminal works of classical tafsir literature. It is hoped that it will prove a valuable aid to the correct understanding of the Qur’anic Revelation throughout the English-speaking world.

Jalalu’d-din Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Mahalli (791-864/1389-1459) of Cairo was a versatile, scholar who excelled in jurisprudence, theology, grammar, rhetoric, and Qur’anic commentary. He was known for his scrupulousness, fear of Allah, and fearlessness in upholding the truth. Al-Mahalli was offered the highest judicial positions but refused them. He taugh jurisprudence in the Mu’ayyadiyya and Barquqiyya madrasas.

Abstinent and ascetic, he lived on what he earned by trade. His most famous work is his Qur’anic commentary, Tafsir al-Jalalayn, which he began halfway through the text with Surat al-Kahf, ending with an-Nas and al-Fatiha.. Although he died before he could start the other half, the work was completed by his student, Jalalu’d-Din as-Suyuti. Al-Mahalli’s other books include commentaries on Jam’ al-Jawami’, al-Burda, al-Manahij fi’l-fiqh, al-Waraqat fi’l-usul, Kitab al Jihad.

Abd al-Rahman ibn Kamal al-Din Abi Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Sabiq al-Din, Jalal al-Din al-Misri al-Suyuti al-Shafi`i al-Ash`ari, also known as Ibn al-Asyuti 849-911AH /1445-1505),, the mujtahid imam and renewer of the tenth Islamic century, foremost hadith master, encyclopedist, historian, and biographer and probably one of the most prolific of all Islamic writers. There are an enormous number of his essays and treatises preserved today. A number of his writings concerned scientific topics or issues related to natural science and food and regimen, amongst other things
From Asyut in Egypt,he was among the most renowned and prolific Muslim scholars of all time. He wrote more than 300 books, covering every aspect of the Islamic sciences. He memorised the Qur’an at the age of ‘eight, and then went on to study with more than 150 scholars. He travelled extensively in his quest for knowledge — to Damascus, Hijaz, Yemen, India, Morocco, and the lands south of Morocco, as well as in Egypt.

Al-Suyuti devoted his life to learning, teaching and writing. He was noble, abstinent and self-sufficient, distancing himself from people of rank and power and living on what he earned by teaching. Major writings of al-Suyuti that remain widely used today include al-Itqan, on the Qur’anic sciences; and Tafsir al-Jalalayn, which he completed when only 22.

She is co-translator of the Qur'an. Other works include Muwatta of Imam Malik, Men of Madina & Women of Madina of Ibn Sa'd and she has also written a number of books.

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THE NOBLE QUR'AN : A New Rendering of its Meaning in English

Paperback - 651 pages Translated by Aisha Abdurrahman Bewley & Abdalhaqq Bewley

Review: At last, here is a translation into English of the Qur'an which is easy to read and which gives easy access to the meanings of the original Arabic without compromising or obscuring them in any way. In short, it is a new rendering of its meaning which is not only trustworthy but also a pleasure to read. This is not to belittle or denigrate the classical works of Mohammed Pickthall or Yusuf Ali, but it is clear to anyone remotely conversant with the English language that these earlier translators' English usage and vocabulary is now outdated and not always intelligible, belonging as it does more to the last century than to the one which lies ahead. Most of those English speaking people who have embraced Islam during the last 25 years, as well as many English speaking Muslims whose mother tongue is not English, will confirm that it is often necessary to 'translate' this outmoded English into a more modern equivalent, perhaps with the help of a Qur'anic Arabic/English dictionary such as Penrice, before the meaning appears to be apparent – and often in this process mistakes and misinterpretations are easily made by those whose grasp of Arabic is limited.

Furthermore, those more recent 'translations' which have in effect been attempts to modernise the Pickthall and Yusuf Ali translations have on the whole lacked penetration and depth, especially when prepared by authors lacking either a complete education or a proper grasp of English or both. There is of course the Arberry translation, but this while remaining technically faithful to the Arabic, and while succeeding in conveying at least something of the poetical splendour of the original Arabic, does not always convey the actual meaning, simply because the author was not a practising Muslim and therefore did not have experiential access to the subject matter itself. Anyone who has read a literal translation of an instruction manual from, for example Japanese into English, made by someone without a working knowledge of the appliance for which the manual has been written, knows how misleading and often nonsensical and amusing such 'translations' can be, even when most of the important words have been translated more or less accurately.

As regards other contemporary translators from Arabic into English, scholars who can translate both accurately and clearly – without being either too profuse and shallow or too dry and academic – are not plentiful. Fortunately Hajj Abdalhaqq and Aisha Bewley are not only scholars but also they have been practising Muslims and prolific translators for the last 30 years. How different their work is to, for example, De Sale's awful 'translation' which was made principally from a deformed Latin translation of the Arabic for the Pope with the express intention of distorting the Qur'an's meaning so as to ridicule Islam and strengthen what remained of Christendom.

In marked contrast, Hajj Abdalhaqq and Aisha Bewley have utilised their great expertise in translating from Arabic into English, grounded firmly in their knowledge of the deen of Islam and their love for the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and combined with their deep sincerity towards and fear of Allah. In addition, they have also been guided, as they humbly acknowledge in their Preface, by what has been transmitted as regards the meanings of the Qur'an by "the great mufassirun of the past who spent so much time and energy in unearthing, preserving and passing on the meaning of Allah's Book and in protecting it from unacceptable interpretation and deviation." Thus although it may not be immediately apparent to the reader, many of the particular meanings which appear in their translation are not a matter of personal preference or interpretation, but rather are based on what has been directly transmitted by the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions, may the blessings and peace of Allah be on them.

To conclude, this is the translation into English of that Book in which there is no doubt for which many of us have been waiting. It is fresh and refreshing. I cannot speak as highly of it as it deserves. I can only recommend that you read it and treasure it and reflect on it and apply it and use it to gain access to the original Arabic so that you can recite the Qur'an as it was revealed with understanding and not like a parrot. This masterpiece is without doubt the definitive translation into English of the Qur'an for this present age and insh'Allah it will help bring the Qur'an to life for generations of English speaking Muslims to come, thereby emphasising through firsthand direct experience the following words of the final Messenger to whom it was revealed, Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

"'Allah sent down this Qur'an to command and prevent, and as a sunna to be followed and a parable. It contains your history, information about what came before you, news about what will come after you and correct judgement between you. Repetition does not wear it out and its wonders do not end. It is the Truth. It is not a jest. Whoever recites it speaks the truth. Whoever judges by it is just. Whoever argues by it wins. Whoever divides by it is equitable. Whoever acts by it is rewarded. Whoever clings to it is guided to a straight path. Allah will misguide whoever seeks guidance from other than it. Allah will destroy whoever judges by other than it. It is the Wise Remembrance, the Clear Light, the Straight Path, the Firm Rope of Allah and the Useful Healing. It is a protection for the one who clings to it and a rescue for the one who follows it. It is not crooked and so puts things straight. It does not deviate so as to be blamed. Its wonders do not cease. It does not wear out with much repetition." (At-Tirmidhi).

---Review by Hajji Ahmad Thomson

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The Qur'an : A New Translation by M.A.S. Abdul Haleem

Paperback - 502 pages OXFORD WORLD CLASSICS Series

The Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the word of God, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, May Allah bless him and grant him peace, 1400 years ago. It is the supreme authority in Islam and the living source of all Islamic teaching; it is a sacred text and a book of guidance, that sets out the creed, rituals, ethics, and laws of the Islamic religion. It has been one of the most influential books in the history of literature. Recognised as the greatest literary masterpiece in Arabic, it has nevertheless remained difficult to understand in its English translations. This new translation is written in a contemporary idiom that remains faithful to the original, making it easy to read while retaining its powers of eloquence. Archaisms and cryptic language are avoided, and the Arabic meaning preserved by respecting the context of the discourse. The message of the Qur'an was directly addressed to all people regardless of class, gender, or age, and this translation is equally accessible to everyone.

About the Author : Muhammad Abdel Haleem was born in Egypt, and learned the Qur'an by heart from childhood. Educated at al-Azhar, Cairo, and Cambridge Universities, he has taught Arabic and Islamic Studies at Cambridge and London Universities since 1966, including courses in advanced translation and the Qur'an. He is now Professor of Islamic Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

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Kanzul Iman - English Translation

Laminated Softback - 1073 pages Rendered into English by Professor Shah Faridul Haque

Based on the Urdu translation of Imam-e-Ahl as-Sunnat AlaHadrat Fadil al-Barelwi 'alayhir rahman w'al ridwan. English translation by Professor Shah Faridul Haque.

About This Translation :

This English version of the Noble Qur’an is from the translation of Kanz-ul-Iman; the Urdu translation was by Imam Ahl al-Sunnat Mawlana ash-Shah Ahmad Rida Khan of Bareilly shareef.

It is a recognised fact that the divinely revealed Arabic words of the Glorious Qur’an cannot be actually transformed in any other language. The literal translation of Arabic Qur’an conveying the same meaning is not only difficult but is near impossible.

Therefore the translation of the Qur’an in any other language is usually an explanatory translation. However Imam al-Ahl-e-Sunnat Shah Ahmad Raza Khan's Urdu translation known as Kanz-ul-Iman is an explanatory translation. This explanatory translation of Urdu was completed in the beginning of 20th Century i.e. 1910.

It is the most famous and accepted urdu translation by muslim’s belonging to the school of fiqh jurisprudence and the institution of the people of tradition and of the congregation in Indo-Pak sub-continent.

This Qur'an has the Arabic text and English translation on the same page.

About AlaHadrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan May Allah be pleased with him

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan, a great jurist and a learned scholar of Islam was born in 1858 at Bareilly (India), and subsequently departed from this world in 1921. He was considered to be the most learned and authentic authority on Qur’an, Sunnah and jurisprudence by the majority of muslim’s in the sub-continent. He was a prolific writer and authored approximately one thousand (1,000) books on varying levels of Islam.

He devoted his entire life to the propagation of faith and the blessed traditions of the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam.. His main theme and focus was his devoted love of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and his Last Messenger Muhammad Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam. He could bear anything except for utterances against Islam, Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala or any of His Messengers. He was a traditionalist and a true follower of the school of Imam al-Azam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu ta’ala anhu. He was a great mystic too and was a staunch lover of al-Ghawth al-A’zam Sayyadina ash-Shaykh Abd’ al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu ta’ala anhu of Baghdad shareef & Khawaja-e-Khawjagan Muin al-Din Hasan Chisti al-Ajmeri Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu.

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan's religious works had no parallel in his time. His ability, foresight, and depth of knowledge had been recognised by the Ulemas’ & Muftis of all the four schools of fiqh (jurisprudence) not only of the sub-continent but of the Haramayn Sharifain and other Muslim regions too. He was awarded certificates of recognition by the great teachers of Islamic learning when he visited the Haramayn Sharifain after performing Hajj (Pilgrimage) in the beginning of 20th Century.

Though he has written numerous works, his two most famous works are the translation of the Noble Qur’an in Urdu (Kanzul Iman) and Fatawa-e-Razwiyyah in many large volumes.