Best quran books according to redditors
We found 446 Reddit comments discussing the best quran books. We ranked the 82 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 446 Reddit comments discussing the best quran books. We ranked the 82 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
The Qur'an can be a confusing text for beginners, especially its English translation. It isn't a "book" in the traditional sense. It's meant to be lived, interacted with, and recited out loud often. Hence, you'll find a lot of repetition, as repetition is one of the hallmarks of oral recitation; the best way to emphasize a point orally is to repeat it again and again. The Qur'an isn't a book that one is meant to simply read, and no translation can match up the majesty, eloquence, and utter elegance of its original Arabic.
I'd recommend keeping that in mind when approaching the Qur'an! It might seem daunting and inaccessible at first, and you might think, "OK, I get it," when you read the repetitive descriptions of warnings of hellfire, pleasures of paradise, mercy of Allah, etc again and again and again. Just remember: this isn't a traditional book, it's a lived, interactive text :)
Also, I'd highly recommend The Study Qur'an. It not only provides commentary and historical context to every single verse, but includes maps and many other useful tools. One of my favorite features of The Study Qur'an is its extensive collection of essays in the back of the book, ranging from topics such as Islamic art and architecture and medieval Islamic philosophy to women in Islam and Islamic eschatology. If you're in the US, it's available at most Barnes & Noble stores as well!
Most importantly, if you have any questions, come seek us! I am by no means an expert of the Qur'an, but a lot of things can be taken out of context and Islamophobes love to cherry pick certain verses that appear outwardly violent. This is a super handy infographic to explain some of them, and most English Qur'ans with commentary (including The Study Qur'an) will provide explanations and context as well!
Best of luck! Let us know if you need anything at all and what your honest thoughts are!
My struggles with the image of Jesus as God also drew me away from christianity and as I started to learn more about Islam I came to realise that my view of Jesus as a prophet rather than God was exactly what Islam teaches us. My advice to you is to read a lot, there is so much information out there, I struggled a lot with the language used in many translations of the Quran, the one that I found the easiest to read is this one.
There are other books that really helped me, one that I really enjoyed reading is "Stories of the Prophets" by Ibn Kathir, especially coming from a Christian background. Somebody else mention videos by Nouman Ali Khan, he's very engaging so you could look up some of his stuff too. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact me =)
Here is why your question is stupid:
African Americans were not hated between the 1850's and 1960's because they were trying to conquer the world and force everyone to worship their God. They were hated because of the color of their skin.
I want you to buy a copy of the Quran and the Hadith and read them, like I have.
https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/ref=zg_bs_12527_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NVMX7ENNV3H9ZTH3NFHF
https://www.amazon.com/Hadith-1-Muhammad-al-Bukhari/dp/1523336080/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484000656&sr=1-2&keywords=hadith
https://www.amazon.com/Hadith-2-Muhammad-al-Bukhari/dp/1523336315/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1523336315&pd_rd_r=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E&pd_rd_w=30s2i&pd_rd_wg=ZL8ne&psc=1&refRID=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E
https://www.amazon.com/Hadith-3-Sahih-al-Bukhari/dp/153025597X/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=153025597X&pd_rd_r=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E&pd_rd_w=30s2i&pd_rd_wg=ZL8ne&psc=1&refRID=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E
https://www.amazon.com/Hadith-4-Sahih-al-Bukhari/dp/1530256526/ref=pd_sim_14_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1530256526&pd_rd_r=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E&pd_rd_w=30s2i&pd_rd_wg=ZL8ne&psc=1&refRID=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E
https://www.amazon.com/Hadith-5-Sahih-al-Bukhari/dp/1530256852/ref=pd_sim_14_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1530256852&pd_rd_r=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E&pd_rd_w=30s2i&pd_rd_wg=ZL8ne&psc=1&refRID=13EV7ASAXC5X7V5XV87E
As you read the Quran and the Hadith (the writings that are considered written directly by Allah himself) you will come to learn the true feelings and motivations of both radical and moderate Muslims. You will then understand what is actually happening.
If you would like me to save you some time, Muslims are commanded by Muhammad to conquer the world and make every human on Earth a faithful Muslim by either forcing non-believers to convert, forcing non-believers to pay taxes to Muslims, or by killing non-believers.
Every Muslim on Earth actually believes that 100% of the Earth will be Muslim eventually, and some of them actually follow the commandment of Muhammad to kill non-believers and wage war with them. It's right there in the Quran for all to see.
:)
Thoroughly recommend Professor Abdel Haleem's translation of the Quran:
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0199535957/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_DL6QwbQXJ0J9V
My recommendations mostly more recent stuff, I think written well for a western audience
Understanding Islam and the Muslims: The Muslim Family, Islam and World Peace https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1887752471/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_QM6QwbPQHCTB9
The Messenger: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0141028556/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1O6Qwb8M0D5KQ
Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Style https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1845117891/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_QK6QwbGS8EN0D
Being Muslim: A Practical Guide by Asad Tarsin et al. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01833W1KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_udp_awd_1L6QwbC9BNTXA
The Messenger: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0141028556/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1O6Qwb8M0D5KQ
Worth YouTubing:
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Professor Tariq Ramadan
Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad
assalamualaikum. The specific steps for salah are not mentioned in the Quran. Muhammad (pbuh) was taught by Angel Jibreel, who then taught his companions and it eventually came down to us. I recommend new converts start by trying to understand the Quran and go through a biography of Muhammad (pbuh). Hadith compilation books aren't meant for the average person to read and try to understand on their own, but if you are going to do that, than i suggest going through Imam Nawawi's 40 hadith and Riyad-Us-saliheen with explanation, resources listed below. I also highly recommend new converts visit their local mosque or finding a Muslim group to learn with, which should make learning a lot easier.
---
___QURAN__
---
____LIFE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD____
---
____LEARN TO PRAY (SALAH)____
---
____HADITH/SUNNAH____
------
full list
With respect, it is the opinion of Christof Luxenberg, who wrote an interesting interpretation of the Quran called The Syro-Aramaic Reading of the Koran: A Contribution to the Decoding of the Language of the Koran. In it, Luxenberg says the word for "virgins" is confused with the word "white" meaning dried white grapes - raisins.
The entire text is here
While I agree that the issue is probably arguable, and this is one scholar's opinion, it did not come from a parody.
Thanks everyone for commenting,
I'm going for the translation of Abdul-Haleem since 6 out of the 7 people recommend him.
His translation on amazon and as a pdf.
http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Holy-Quran-English-Arabic/dp/1590080165/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
No, that's what it's called. It's by Seyyed Hossein Nasr.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Study-Quran-New-Translation-Commentary/dp/0061125865
>Is there any difference between a Jew converting, and a follower of another religion converting?
A Jew is a "person of the book." As such, if you convert to Islam, you will get a double reward.
>Third, I have read about people choosing a new Muslim name when they convert. How does one go about this?
It is not obligatory, but you can choose any name you want if you choose to take an Arabic name, as long as it has a good meaning. Names of prophets and "servants of" a particular attribute of Allah are common.
>Also, in your opinion, what is the best and closest English translation of the Qur'an for me to read? Maybe someday I will finally be able to master Arabic... :)
This one.
Don't forget the special edition with the spinoffs.
Or the fanfic.
Or the Retcon edition
Wa `alaykum,
I'll let others recommend websites. In terms of books, there's a lot of material in English available, but it can be tough to find stuff that's well-written. I've found many books to unfortunately be written in very dry and unengaging language due to the challenges of translations.
That being said, here are a few gems that I've come across:
Hope this helps!
Er zijn versies van de Koran in modern Engels met commentaar en achtergrond die wel interessant zijn. Ik heb zelf deze: https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Annotated-Interpretation-Modern-English/dp/1597841447
Dat zou ik aanraden ipv gewoon een vertaling te kopen
Quran is a weird "book". I know when I started reading it, I expected it to read like the Bible, which seemed like a reasonable expectation. If you have time for it, there are two short books about some contexts to the Quran that don't go into too much historical detail:
How to Read the Quran by Prof Carl Ernst, which talks about the Quran as a literary genre that Arabians could be familiar with, including their legends, stories, and the order and structure of the text.
and
Approaching the Quran by Prof Michael Sells, which deals more with the auditory experience of the Quran as a ritual performance. Comes with a selection of recited verses.
CS Monitor had a brief article on Ernst's book.
No God but God by Reza Aslan is a great scholarly view on the history of Islam.
The Study Quran is a great Quran and Quranic analysis/annotation.
However, with religion, it is important you are critical of everything you read, and you try to check sources on everything, because there is a lot of misinformation out there due to 1400 years of translation and interpretation errors. Even my own interpretation could be wrong, although I've tried to make it as accurate as possible.
Also, be open to having your own interpretation of the Quran instead of looking for others'. The whole point of Islam is that it's a personal spiritual journey, so the interpretation has to be your own. That doesn't mean you can choose to misinterpret clear directions (like don't kill people), but it does allow for some flexibility in the belief system. In the end, a holy text is only what you want it to be - it's a reflection of your own state of mind. Misguided people will have a misguided interpretation, while good people will have a good interpretation.
I don't know anything of him and I'm not defending him. At the same time MBS is a tyrant.
The thing you raise about who goes to jannah is actually a known theology:
>The theologian and mystic Abū Ḥamid al-Ghazzālī (d. 505/1111), in his famous work Fayṣal al-tafriqah, argues that the “Christians of Byzantium” and the “Turks” (still outside the Islamic world at that time) would come under God’s Mercy. Those who know the teachings and virtues of the Prophet and yet still deny him deserve to be called disbelievers, but al-Ghazzālī gives wide latitude in recognizing the obstacles to this knowledge. How could a Turk who had never heard of Muhammad be faulted? Moreover, why should a person who grows up hearing the Prophet Muhammad referred to as “the great liar” investigate his truth claims, since one would not expect the same from a Muslim who hears of someone accused of being a false prophet? Hearing the name Muhammad means nothing if one learns only of the opposite of his true attributes. One could extend this reasoning to point out that one is unlikely to deem a religion good or desire to learn about it, if the only followers one meets are bad. Such mitigating circumstances, namely, that birthplace, upbringing, and social experience mediate one’s knowledge of religion, provide ample space for God’s Mercy to encompass those who believe in Him and in the Hereafter and act righteously.
Nasr SH, Dagli CK, Dakake MM et al. The Study Quran, A New Translation and Commentary. HarperOne; 2017.
No translation is perfect, and they generally have their pros and cons. Whatever translation you choose, if you start reading and a particular verse stands out to you for one reason or another, you can always jump online and compare with different translations (http://quran.com has at least 10 translations available, including Saheeh International, Muhsin Khan, and Yusuf Ali, which were mentioned in other replies to you).
I mainly use the Abdel Haleem (Oxford World's Classics) translation, which you can pick up in print for about $7 US if you live in the US. It also has a great introduction which contextualizes the Qur'an, briefly summarizes the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), and gives a short history of past English translations of the Qur'an. To the best of my knowledge, this is the standard English translation used in Western academia these days (it's also available on http://quran.com).
Amazon has them for $7.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0199535957/ref=tmm_pap_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=used&qid=&sr=
Otherwise I can mail you one as I have an extra. PM me your address if you want.
> That's how Christianity was not too long ago
this is fundamentally wrong. the three canonical gospels fundamentally contradict each others' narratives at multiple points meaning that anyone who has read the whole thing knows for a fact that they have just read an impression of the truth - not the actual truth (nobody actually knows what the living christ said because nobody wrote it down for over 100 year after his death).
in contrast muslims believe that the koran is the literally perfect literal and complete word of god, sealed and unchangeable for all time.
I understand that you wish to be fair and do good but please educate yourself before making factually incorrect equivalencies in the future.
As /u/Abu_Adderall mentioned the Creed of Imam Tahawi which is quite short and can be found here.
His list is pretty good.
Also if you need an English translation of the Qur'an, in my opinion MAS Abdel Haleem's is the best.
> He says the Bible is the true word of God because every book in the Bible has the same topic
That's not a good litmus test. Having the same topic or message is not a miracle. You would have to include books like Frankenstein into the canon since it was also a continuation of the story of Adam and his fall.
>He also says that everything prophesised by the Bible eventually came true, like the destruction of Babylon
Every empire crumbles. This is not hard to predict.
> I still consider myself an atheist but I want to know God.
Ask God to guide you. If He guides you to the Quran (and it sounds like He has) then pour over it like any researcher looking for answers. When you feel you've exhausted it, move on. You don't need to learn Arabic, but you should know how to read the genre of literature that is the Quran. I highly recommend to everyone Carl Ernst's How to Read the Quran. I assigned this to my university students along with Michael Sells Approaching the Quran.
But to answer you question in brief, the first revelation of the Quran begins "Read! In the Name of your Lord who creates, He creates humanity as an embryo"
You are still an embryo in the womb of the Quran where all your human faculties are being nurtured. If you become aware of your fleeting and transitory existence, then God's message to you has succeeded in transforming you.
First of all, can I just say how much I love giving and receiving book recommendations? I was a religious studies major in college (and was even a T.A. in the World Religions class) so, this is right up my alley. So, I'm just going to take a seat in front of my book cases...
General:
Christianity:
Judaism:
Islam:
Buddhism:
Taoism:
Atheism:
It takes time to research and learn about any theology. Islam is no exception.
I'd recommend looking into Scott Atran. Scott Atran is one of the worlds leading anthropologists. His publications are great and I'd recommend them all, but because we're on the interwebs I'll diversify it a bit.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5701806759199654816
^Scott Atran at Beyond Belief in '06. 40 minute lecture. Must watch. A crash course on Islam in the context of politics, news, and the West.
http://nationalinterest.org/bookreview/sam-harriss-guide-nearly-everything-4893
^His most recent publication- a review of Sam Harris' new book. I highly recommend reading this it's well worth it.
For an understanding of Islam, you have to turn to the Qur'an. But it really is not easy to just pick up and read. It requires a lot of knowledge about context, translation, format and other things.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lesley_hazelton_on_reading_the_koran.html
^Lezley Hazelton's introduction to get you motivated. Good watch.
I also recommend "Approaching the Qur'an" by Michael Sells. It explains context, significance of translation, and the importance of interpretation. It's a great short book that is pretty widely available.
http://www.amazon.com/Approaching-Quran-Revelations-MIchael-Sells/dp/1883991692/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308671898&sr=8-1
More? Nouman Ali Khan's story is interesting and you might find it worth watching if you're interested. A Muslim who became an atheist but turned back to Islam and became a scholar. His videos are all over youtube and very informative. His story: http://youtu.be/FD8AWqMUv18
Easily the most outstanding translation of them all is the Muhammad Asad (Leopold Weiss) translation of the Quran. It can be found here
After that I'd have to say Allamah Noorruddin's translation here. Excellent translation. And as a book itself, probably the best. Leather bound. It's something to pass on to children and read many times.
After that I prefer Arberry's translation. He was a Cambridge linguist. He was non-muslim, but he had excellent command of the language.
Following that I prefer Mohammad Marmaduke Pickthall's translation. He was one of the first English muslims. Converted, learnt the language, translated it.
After that I'd go with Yusuf Ali, an Indian-born muslim with a western education. For some odd reason, his translation and Shakir's translation are the 2 most common ones, although easily out done by Muhammad Asad's. Asad was born Leopold Weiss, a Polish Jew. He moved to the middle east, spent time with the bedouin, learnt the language, and created an utterly brilliant translation that I've linked to.
EDIT: Just a note on myself. I've read about 5 english translations. I would avoid the Sahih International, as well as the Shakir one. They are influenced too much by the Saudi authorities. I've skimmed through Haleem's version, which others have mentioned here. It seemed really good. But go with Asad, you won't regret it.
Its not offensive at all. I do recommend if you want to fast and learn/read Quran that you find someone from a mosque or Muslim Student Association in your area willing to guide you through those processes. I am Muslim and I no longer read Quran WITHOUT a secondary reading guide known as "Tafseer," which is basically interpretation support. Some Quran's come semi equipped with this. There is nothing worse than reading out of context and since the Quran doesn't read like a novel or in sequence it can become confusing. This is great for fear mongers who cherry pick words or lines from religious text to castigate Muslims for their faith, but really can be done with every religious text. I have this version which is easier to digest than some of the older translations. I don't like reading Shakesperian style literature. Finally, as an online resource, www.quran.com is great for 1) selecting multiple translations to compare words for more nuance, 2) listening to quran recitation if youre curious 3) viewing the Arabic text. Finally, fasting is not incumbent upon the young, sick or the infirm as well as nursing or menstruating mothers and its certainly not incumbent upon a non-Muslim so if abstaining from water is too difficult for you then drink water. If you're committed to having the full experience, even just for a day, see if you can do it. Whatever you want really. My husband is also Muslim, we don't discuss our religious "shortcomings" because its neither of our business but I'm fairly certain when he works 15 hour days in the sun, he will drink water if he feels ill. Fasting isn't meant to harm you. Some Muslims would NEVER and all the power to them, again, its considered "between you and God."
>The LBC caller said Christians “did not know their bible” and would “interpret things how ever they wanted to” - something she claims is not possible with Islam.
Umm. Yes, excessively creative exegesis is possible and widespread in Islam. See how An-Nisa 34 is read for an example. Or if one wants to put in some more effort, get a copy of HarperCollins' Study Quran, which contains an enormous amount of commentary, not infrequently including exegetes disagreeing with one another. So this sounds like a case of convert zeal causing someone to fudge the facts and ignore nuance.
She also mentions the memorization and recitation of the Quran. If my Muslim buddies in college are any indication—and I figure that they are, since they were at one of the best universities in America—then many devoted Muslims don't actually understand Quranic Arabic. How is it a virtue to recite syllables that are nonsense to the speaker?
A few other books you might want to add which fit nicely with the Bible (in no particular order):
Dhanyavaad, Fukitol13 Jee !
It is impossible to understand Islam without learning about the Story of Mohammed:
(Hindus tell the Story of Lord Rama in Ramleela every year. Muslims do not do a Muhammad Leela because they want to hide the Story of Mohaamed (The Perfect Man of Islam)
http://perfectmantruth.com/ )
​
Please see:
The Story of Mohammed by Harry Richardson
http://thestoryofmohammed.blogspot.com/
​
Religion of Peace ? Islam's War Against the World by Gregory Davis
https://www.amazon.com/Religion-Peace-Against-Gregory-published/dp/B00Y2SXI4G/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=religion+of+Peace+gregory+davis&qid=1563211263&s=books&sr=1-1
​
Invaluable aid in learning about the Quran:
An Abridged Koran by Bill Warner
https://www.amazon.com/Abridged-Koran-Islamic-Trilogy/dp/0978552849/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=abridged+koran&qid=1563211002&s=books&sr=1-1
​
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No one will be ale to mislead you about Islam one you know the above.
I would love a resource like you've described, but haven't found it yet. Currently my favorite book for such study is The Study Qur'án, because it draws from historical sources and multiple interpretations, rather than emphasizing one particular way to read the Qur'án.
I like that you called yourself a non-believer (as opposed to infidel). I highly recommend this book, compiled by 3 sunni scholars and 1 Shia:
"The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary"
http://www.amazon.com/Study-Quran-New-Translation-Commentary/dp/0061125865/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465136390&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=seyed+hossein+nasr
You have a translation and a very good analysis with both Shia and Sunni viewpoints.
I used this Study Quran for one of my comparative religion classes and found it helpful. Every page of Quranic text has roughly 1/4 page of verses and 3/4 page of commentary. There are also several essays in the back that are interesting as well!
Seeing some of your responses gives me the impression that you have the intention to argue the case that the violent acts against non-believers for the sole fact that they are not believers is supported by the Quran. It is in fact not supported. I recommend that you get a copy of The Study Quran or Mohammad Asad's The Message of the Quran and look up those verses and read the commentary by the translators and scholars on each of those verse. And if you have doubts on the expertise of the scholars then please read the preludes/prefaces in these texts. If you are wanting a discussion in good faith and on the basis of having read the Quran, then I believe the knowledge therein is a prerequisite.
Edit:
This Wikipedia article is a start I guess
Also,
>I would argue that according to the Quran the radical Muslims are the ones actually living out their religion!
So amazing how all of a sudden in the last decade, people in the west are claiming this. This is completely and utterly false; a conclusion that only one who entertains only the ideas of "experts" like Robert Spencer and the like. It's not Islam that keeps arguing for the idea of an inevitable "clash of civilizations" which is essentially a self-fullfilling prophecy.
What you currently have is an NIV Study Bible. I have one as well. The NIV translation is a popular, Protestant translation. It has some biases and inaccuracies, so it isn’t a translation used in scholarly circles. The NIV translation of the Old Testament is a translation of the Hebrew Masoretic Text, but it at times instead translates according to the Greek Septuagint, according to the Christian New Testament, or according to Protestant theology.
The central text in Judaism is the Tanakh. Tanakh is an acronym, it stands for Torah (Law), Neviim (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings); these are the three divisions of texts contained in the Tanakh. The Torah is the first five books of the Tanakh; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Our source for our Tanakh is the Hebrew Masoretic Text. As such, the NIV Old Testament translation and a Jewish Tanakh translation are both translations of the same book: the Masoretic Text. The differences being that a Jewish Tanakh translation will be organized a little differently, some verse numbering will be different, and the translation will not be affected by Christian biases.
The most widely used Tanakh translation is the New JPS Tanakh (NJPS or 1985 JPS). You can read the NJPS Tanakh here. If you want a study bible version, I’d recommend Oxford University Press’ Jewish Study Bible which uses the NJPS translation.
My primary Qur’an is MAS Abdel Haleem’s translation.
Translation by Abdel Haleem.
https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
This translation has paragraphs based on the rhyme schemes in the arabic Quran.
Free: https://archive.org/details/TheQuranKoranenglishEbook-AbdelHaleem-BestTranslationInThe
Its a old version of the book. I recommend buying it.
"The Study Qur'an" cites multiple tafsir, which I quite like.
The problem is that many of the more readily available tafsir are more conservative, or have a wahabi bend to them, which can give you a false impression that all Muslims agree with certain statements. The Hilali-Khan translation/tafsir is just a summarized version of Ibn Kathir, which is a Salafist interpretation. (Again, I urge that anyone study tafsir from multiple schools of thought, and I am not bashing any one sect, it's just that there are many, many, many interpretations of the text and a knowledge of more than one is beneficial.)
Yusuf Ali's commentary is good, and in fact his Qur'an was the gold standard for the last 100 years in English. It's probably a bit old fashioned for most, though.
Muhammad Assad's is very good. Extremely good, and the one 90% of people would reccomend, and one you should just get anyway. Though some of his commentary is not inline with Islamic thought (his views on Jesus, for example, are controversial in general), but you should read any tafsir with a grain of salt.
Ma'ariful Qur'an is an excellent modern tafsir. Usmani was a Hanbali or Hanafi, I believe, but manages to be neutral and quite moderate in his commentary. The cost of the full 8 volume set is a bit much, but you can get a cheap version from India for a low price if you don't mind imperfect binding (I found all 8 volumes in a local shop for around 60$ CAD, which is awesome.).
If you want to read an AMAZING Shi'a commentary (you likely are not Shi'a, but still.....people should understand multiple views on any topic whether or not you agree), then Tafsir al-Mizan is incredible. It's not 100% translated into English yet, but it is available for free online. Whether Shi'a or Sunni, I think it can be agreed that Muhammad Husayn at-Tabataba'i was a great scholar.
The only work in English which includes multiple tafsir from multiple schools and multiple writers is the Study Qur'an, and it is insanely exhaustive, listing all of the sources and even telling the reader where to go and read most of the tafsir cited on the internet. It's amazing. Spend the money and also buy some "Bible highlighters" (the kind that work on thin pages). (I have been using a regular Staples brand "Hype!" highlighter and it doesn't bleed through, though, so the pages are quite tough despite being thin. Pen doesn't go through either, as I have been underlining quite a lot and have had no problems, but I would still recommend a .005 fine line marker just in case.]
If you are a cheapskate, go to altafsir.org, which is what "The Study Qur'an" advises also. You can either search for individual verses and pull up different classical tafsir for that verse, or just download/read a PDF of an entire tafsir if you prefer. Tafsir al-Jalalayn is, as I understand, the most universally used in teaching Qur'an because it is short, and only provides the context of revelation for verses. You may want more in-depth tafsir, but al-Jalalayn has been the jumping off point for Muslims for 500 years. And is available on altafsir.
tl;dr - "The Study Qur'an"
As far as Islam goes I'd recommend Karen Armstrong's Islam or Muhammad, or Reza Aslan's No God but God. Slightly more academic is Carl Ernst's How to Read the Qur'an, Michael Sells' Approaching the Qur'an, and Fazlur Rahman's Major Themes of the Qur'an.
This is the best Quran for an english speaker, as far as I’m concerned.
It has everything you need and more.
https://www.amazon.com/Message-Quran-revealed-accompanied-transliteration/dp/1904510353
Although there are a lot of people recommending Ibn Kathir, the best translation with a complete set of footnotes that works for myself and a lot of non-Muslims are by Muhammad Asad. Here's are some very helpful reviews on the book: link
Here's a link to the copy at Amazon: link
That's just my opinion if you want as much historical information and context of revelation and related footnotes as possible, this book does an amazing job. Also, as a graphic designer I have to commend the publisher on their artwork and organization as well :)
Other posters are correct, feel free to read the book front to back. A Muslim friend of mine recommended to me The Message of the Qur'an it's a very good modern translation into English and has an extensive scholarly apparatus and footnotes. It is not a "readers" copy, it's intended for serious academic study. I also bought The Book of Hadith at the same time.
A few points worth keeping in mind:
I hope this helps. Good luck wrapping your mind around the texts.
Your request is an interesting one. You want to know Islam, but in context I am gathering this is all completely new to you. I am not Muslim, but majored in Islamic studies and studied Arabic in the Middle East, so I have a more thorough academic background in Islam than most, and I, like you, started out knowing little to nothing.
Although others might suggest reading the Qur'an or some academic books, I think for someone like you it might be more helpful to start someplace else. There is an agnostic Jewish woman who writes about Islam named Lesley Hazelton. I would start with her book The First Muslim: the Story of Muhammad. She writes in a novel-like tone that really helps introduce people to the history of Islam.
Then, if you want to read the Qur'an, I would say you need to start with two things.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics-ebook/dp/B001ODEPPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425321400&sr=8-1&keywords=quran
There's -
>"The Islamist Delusion - From Islamist to Cultural Muslim ”
>http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Islamist-Delusion-Cultural-Humanist-ebook/dp/B009VJVT4M
>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17202034-the-islamist-delusion---from-islamist-to-cultural-muslim-humanist
Of course! ^_^
If you ever want to buy a copy of the Quran for research, I suggest The Clear Quran by Dr. Mustafa Khattab. As of now, it is the most accurate translation to exist and implements use of modern English rather than archaic English.
https://www.amazon.ca/Clear-Quran-Thematic-English-Translation-ebook/dp/B01N7XTUXP/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_351_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7TCX844D0GXAZPA2JTVN
https://www.amazon.ca/Clear-Quran-Thematic-English-Translation-ebook/dp/B01MUKKHHI
The Message of the Qur'an by Muhammad Asad is a great place to start. http://muhammad-asad.com/Message-of-Quran.pdf
Asad is a bit of a modernist, and proposes some ideas that are different from what classical scholars said about the text (but in line with how many Muslims understand it today). But in terms of pleasurable reading for a general introduction, you can't beat his work. If you want to study a verse or passage in more detail, The Study Qur'an will be the most complete and well-researched work in English: http://www.amazon.com/The-Study-Quran-Translation-Commentary/dp/0061125865
The new study Quran is supposedly great: Here's the amazon link.
Or try motivational or inspirational reading. If you don't need it, don't use it. While there is no shame in anti depressants, I think you should solve the problem if there is one. Anti depressants are for a chemical inbalance.
It sounds like you need love. I was where you are almost a year ago. I find myself slipping back in. I alienated myself from my friends. I felt as if no one truly cared about me, because I was not happy with myself. I was not living up to my own expectations. I was not meeting the goals I wanted to achieve, and that is devastating. I found someone who cares about me, and for that I am thankful and humbled. It's a Blessing to have someone that loves you, and I pray that you find someone who fulfills that for you, and anyone reading.
It's tough in this day and age. We have weak communities We have weak families. We don't teach values. I pray almost everyday. I spend time with God, because there I can always find love.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
This is the translation I use. Hopefully you can find one in Flemish. By the way, I was thinking about moving to Belgium for my Masters.
http://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/ref=pd_sim_b_2
This one is good.
OK, in the interest of full disclosure I am not Muslim. However I have a degree in Islamic studies, studied Arabic in the Middle East, and have weekly Quran studies in my home.
So, first of all it is important to know that the original Qur'an is in Arabic, and many Muslims believe that in order to truly be able to understand the message of the Qur'an, you must read it in Arabic. That said, there are countless translations (some refer to them as "interpretations") of the Qur'an.
Two things to know about the Qur'an before you start. 1) As far as we know, the text of the Qur'an we have today is believed to be the same as the one recited during the life of the Prophet Muhammed. (PBUH). Unlike the Bible, the Qur'an is not a collection of stories from various sources of hundreds of years. The Qur'an as it is today is as far as we know exactly the same now as it was during the life of Muhammad. 2) The Qur'an itself is organized more or less in order from the longest chapter to the shortest. So for someone unfamiliar with the Qur'an it can be a little intimidating to start reading from beginning to end.
So, since I have lots of experience with the Qur'an, both in Arabic and English, and I have lots of experience with teaching others about it, I have learned a couple things to make it easier for people who are reading it for the first time that you might find helpful.
First, rather than read the Qur'an in the order it is traditionally arranged in, I find that it is better to read it in chronological order that the chapters were revealed in, meaning you will read it in the order that the Prophet Muhammad received the chapters from Allah. Just imagine yourself as a Arab in the 7th century who was used to hearing about pagan religion, so this on God concept is new to you. So if you look at this list you will see in the column on the far right the number of the chapters, 96 being the first one, 68 being the second one, etc.. So you will pick up your Qur'an and turn to chapter 96, then go to chapter 68 and so forth.
Second, you need to decide on a translation. Everyone has an opinion in this matter as to which translation is the best. Honestly no translation is perfect, and if you want to really understand the Qur'an you will need to read it several times. But based on my experience I have found Western English speakers do best with is the Haleem translation. The Haleem English is easy to understand, and the notes are just enough to give you some context for each chapter. So my advice is to pick up that translation and begin reading it in chronological order. I literally own dozens of translations, and have tested them all with English speakers and people new to the Qur'an, Haleem's really stands out as the easiest to understand for people new to the Qur'an.
For an idea of what your journey will be like reading the Qur'an, check out this video from Lesley Hazelton.
Did you find a place to ask a similar question about the Bible? I would be interested to know what people tell you.
>I want to go with a physical copy, so if I can find that particular one in a hardcover i'll go for it.
Read a chapter off the link and see if you like the translation style, if you do, buy it. It's pretty cheap, here's a link to buy it:
>http://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
.
>Do you think a commentary is neccesary? Ive noticed most versions have a commentary as well, what do they provide that the text itself can not?
Kinda. I mean it will help if you're confused in certain parts. For example, in Chapter Mary (19th Chapter), after Mary gives birth to Jesus she returns to her family:
>Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste."
Christian apologists would say Muhammad got Mary the mother of Jesus, confused with Miriam the Sister of Aaron and Moses. A commentary would help clear these silly misconceptions up.
I would suggest this translation: http://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
It is organized with paragraphs making it easier to follow, and is one the best translations
Try MAS Abdel Haleem's translation of The Quran. It's very smooth to read:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
If you have any questions, try your local mosque or feel free to ask your questions here.
Salam, peace be upon you,
I've been in your situation before. Questioning the existence of God, Islam, and so on.... My suggestion is to go to a sheikh that you trust and talk openly about your questions and concerns. They are very valid and normal to experience such questions. After all, Islam is built on questioning and inquiring which strengthens our faith.
Second, read the first opening chapters of this Quran interpretation from Oxford University. It covers a lot of the arguments you are hearing with their corresponding Quranic evidence.
https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
Third, check out the various talks on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/_Tauw02xyE8
https://youtu.be/EvM6i1aJz0s
https://youtu.be/JfzTlK074eg
https://youtu.be/RuZh8Tt8v-A
Hope this helps you brother
For my class in Intro to Islamic Scriptures they had us purchase The Qur'an A new translation by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem.
What is a reliable translation in many of yours opinion? This is the one that I refer to usually https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550139302&sr=8-1&keywords=oxford+quran
I am Catholic and learned most of what I know about Islam though university classes and independent research. I can give you a list of books I have read about Islam that will get you started.
Oxford English Koran
Obviously the primary text is important to have and the book is pretty small. Much smaller compared to the bible.
Hadith of Bukhari: Volumes I, II, III & IV
Half of Islamic law is derived from the Koran and the other half from the Hadith. The Hadith is the collection of events, and quotes by Mohammad and his followers. This book is huge and you shouldn't try to read the whole since it is just list quotes and who they are by. But it is a good reference source and something to page through.
Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources
Biography of Mohammad using historical sources. Good reference.
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes
Brief 350 page run of Islamic history until now as told by a Muslim. I felt the book was a bit preachy and accusatory towards the end but I read it 6 years ago so my memory might be hazy. Still a good read if you want to try to understand how mainstream moderate Muslim scholars see things. It has a good bibliography too.
There are probably a bunch of other ones I am forgetting. Take a look through Amazon and see what else they have. I would only buy books from university presses or published by academics though. They can be dense and difficult but they are peer reviewed which is important since there is so much anti-Islam, pro-Islam publishing out there.
You'll have to forgive me I'm neither the most knowledgeable, intelligent or even the best choice as a role model. I am only someone who wants to help even if its weighted in terms of an atom.
In the name of the most gracious, the most merciful.
You won't turn into an imam overnight unfortunately however we are humans and intended to err. It is by design we commit sin, the only difference is those that ask for forgiveness afterwards. You seem to intend well and fortunately you have a goal which is miles ahead of some of your peers. In my experience (yes I have highs and lows) starting with the simplest thing than work your way up. First and foremost should be porn. That's a abyss without end so be extra careful. Try to quit slowly and inshallah days turn to weeks and on. As in try to maintain yourself for a bit then if you err your err but double your efforts next time. Fast if you have to until you succeed one day so on and so on. Second Start praying just the morning prayer than work your way gradually up but don't drag your feet and don't push too hard. Allah may give you a hard time now but thats only to lesson any punishment and possibly reward you. Your young and inshallah have a long and prosperous life ahead of you. Your fear of Allah probably stems from a lack of knowledge however you wanting him to be happy is something to think about. I say spend some time reading the Quran. A easy translation like oxfords MAS abdel haleem. If its okay with you I'll buy you a kindle copy. Educate yourself by reading some of the background info on chapters in the Quran then work your way up. There are free online courses or you can consider applying to the Zaytuna institue. Only You can hold yourself back. May Allah forgive us both and grant us patience, knowledge and save us from even the mere warmth of hellfire.
Edit: Typos and some wording.
I have read it. I would suggest reading a different translation with commentary if you want to get an understanding of what the average Muslim thinks and believes. People like Edip Yuksel, Sam Gerrans, Rashad Khalifa, etc., put forth much different views.
I started out with The Qur'an by MAS Abdel Haleem. AFAIK many people here really like this translation.
I was thinking of this one any good?
We make the distinction that the Quran is only in Arabic. But the best, easiest (because it uses simple, current, non classical English) Quran Translation for me is by this one by M A S Abdel Haleem. I think there's a pdf if you google it.
Well, I can't speak a lot of Arabic (I can say a handful of phrases and that's only because of what I remember from a trip to Egypt and Qur'an recitation), my translation of the Qur'an is this one by MAS Abdel Haleem: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
It's in modern English, quite easy to read (and incidentally is the one recommended in the sidebar). But there aren't much in the way of footnotes, I believe for footnotes you'd be well off to have this translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/8171512186/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0199535957&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0M6PYCF68XAQ7SF01N3S
It's in a more archaic form of English, but has extensive footnotes and also has the Arabic alongside the English.
I hope this is of help to you In'Sha'Allah.
While I won't dispute the veracity of the post, calling someone on BS when they say they've read the Quran seems strange. What am I missing here:
Quran: 502 pages
Bible: 1002 pages
Of course, different versions will have different size fonts, page counts, etc. Heck, the Quran you're thinking of may have included the Torah, Zabur, Injil and other holy texts but the Quran could just mean the Quran. If so, reading both that and the Bible at an early age is hardly exceptional.
I recommend the Abdel Haleem's translation for beginners. It is pretty easy to read.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0199535957/
I didn't even think about commentary. I feel like a simpleton now!
I honestly have no issues with purchasing a Quran if it comes with commentary.
Highest reviewed one I could find was:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/091332101X?pc_redir=1408373579&robot_redir=1
A Simple Koran
It is rearranged so that the sura are in chronological order for reading straight through and has inserted narrative information to give context.
An Abriged Koran is another version which has less repetition, so it's even easier to read.
There's a book called "An Abridged Koran" that supposedly takes out the redundancies and cuts the length by about half. People don't seem to like the author Bill Warner, though and cry bias. I don't know anything about the guy. Might be an interesting read. I have not read it.
https://www.amazon.com/Abridged-Koran-Islamic-Trilogy/dp/0978552849
you should do your own research. if you want an accessible koran i recomend this one.
also - when reading anything about islam you should always keep in mind the koranic principle of abrogation. simply put, when two or more passages in the koran appear to contradict, the latter has absolute priority and completely nullifies all earlier competitors.
this is highly relevant because all the violent stuff is at the end when mohamed gained political power. at the start, when he was powerless, he was quite peaceful. that all changed the moment he gained power. his first act after gaining power was to murder 800 people simply for the act of not believing him to be a prophet. he did this literally immediately ie it was premeditated, politically motivated mass murder.
I would highly recommend The Study Quran. It is probably the most academic translation out there, at least in my opinion.
This site has basically every major English translation of the Qur'an (including The Study Quran) for comparison, more than any other site I've found.
The Study Quran is the latest translation with multi sect views. Highly recommended by a lot of scholars Sunni and Shia.
The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061125865/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_Ut-nxb5DHJC0N
Here's a loOoOong interview with one of the co-authors:
https://youtu.be/aKdvKECfvPI
Hands down the best Quran in English to learn is the Study Quran,
The Study Quran: A New... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061125865?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The information it has is truly great and we'll researched. It also has several essays on the back.
I can not recommend it enough
Islam is such a controversial topic that, when people make a presentation on it, I think it would do them well to outline their methodological approach before they start talking. They should also try and gauge, minimally, if the audience agrees with the methodology.
For instance, they could start the presentation by saying that they'll do a doctrinal, inter-textual analysis of the Koran as it relates to women, focusing on those statements in which a reference to femininity is made, and will then try and map those statements to instantiated laws in some countries in order to ascertain whether or not laws and doctrine fit with one another.
And then you start to systematically build your case with an avalanche of quotes.
My point is, you really need to make these methodological statements before hand and get the people you're talking to to commit to their validity. If they start to object to the conclusions you reach, you're then in a position to remind them that you're just applying the methodology everybody agreed with at the beginning.
It used to be you didn't need to do this because every body understood that we used reason, evidence, logic, etc, and that the defense of a conclusion at all cost was to be avoided, since we recognized the fact that we might be wrong in principle, since the method had to drive the conclusions and not the other way around. But a lot of people who believe in Islam don't subscribe to those views, so you have to backtrack a bit and tell them "Here is what I'm doing. Here is how I will proceed. Here is why I proceed this way. Here is why truth is important."
People in the west have fuzzily internalized those concepts so much they don't even realize they're achievements in the first place and thus fail to see that they have to explain anything of the sort before starting. And yet, Islam is all about :
I mean, concerning doubt, here is what a very recent commentary on the Koran has to say about it, relating to 2:10,
> In their heart is a disease, and God has increased them in disease. Their is a painful punishment for having lied. (2:10)
> The disease is usually understood to refer to doubt, hence a spiritual sickness. (see 2:7, 24:50)
Welp. It doesn't help that what, in the west, is arguably considered to be the father of modern philosophy, had as its prime method of thinking something which we came to call "Cartesian Doubt".
> Several years have now elapsed since I first became aware that I had accepted, even from my youth, many false opinions for true, and that consequently what I afterward based on such principles was highly doubtful; and from that time I was convinced of the necessity of undertaking once in my life to rid myself of all the opinions I had adopted, and of commencing anew the work of building from the foundation...
Descartes
>Edit: any recommendations for the most "unbiased" versions?
You might consider the New Oxford Annotated Bible. Here’s a bit from the blurb:
>For over 50 years students, professors, clergy, and general readers have relied on The New Oxford Annotated Bible as an unparalleled authority in Study Bibles. This fifth edition of the Annotated remains the best way to study and understand the Bible at home or in the classroom. This thoroughly revised and substantially updated edition contains the best scholarship informed by recent discoveries and anchored in the solid Study Bible tradition.
You might also consider The Study Qur’an. A bit from its blurb:
>Drawn from a wide range of traditional Islamic commentaries, including Sunni and Shia sources, and from legal, theological, and mystical texts, The Study Quran conveys the enduring spiritual power of the Quran and offers a thorough scholarly understanding of this holy text.
The Case for God and The Bible: A Biography by Karen Armstrong are both good. The God Delusion is a simple breakdown and explanation of most major religious claims. Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World by the Dalai Llama is an interesting book on ethics. The Koran: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Cook is 150 funny and insightful pages on Islam. Under the Banner of Heaven is a shocking and fascinating account of fundamentalist Mormonism. The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan discusses religion, and Cosmos and Pale Blue Dot are my secular versions of holy books. And of course given the occasion, I can't leave out God is Not Great.
I recommend avoiding authors like Lee Strobel and Deepak Chopra. Both are essentially liars for their causes, either inventing evidence, or deliberately being incredibly misleading in how they use terms. Popularity in those cases definitely doesn't indicate quality.
Read the quran in a language you understand, and don't worry about the arabic. Guarantee this will make a difference. If English is your first language, then I recommend this translationThe oxford translation
+1 For Abdel-Haleem. Since OP asked for it, here's it is in Amazon, and here's the version with Arabic text in parallel.
https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=56Q46TDRFH3P9756CZEH
This is the one I use... I have tried the classical poetry english ones, and I found them difficult to comprehend. But I'm glad you enjoy that version! (:
To keep it simple, I always recommend this (Oxford) translation of the Qur'an. It's a very simple and easy to read translation that has gotten a lot of praise from many people from different backgrounds for having decent enough translations and contexts, where appropriate.
You can't go wrong with reading a translation of the Qur'an. It's where everyone should start.
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Many people also converted to Islam after studying Malcolm X, whose journey I think embodies the perfect result of someone who fought against the racism of society out of sincerity and not out of a desire to conform (to pretend one opposes racism because it's taboo now). This sincerity led him from being a staunch advocate of Elijah Muhammad (an extreme position in the Muslim world, such that to be Elijah's follower is to make you a non-Muslim) to eventually realising the falsehood of the "Nation of Islam" and accepting the true religion of Islam, whilst continuing to fight for his cause in 'his' "country".
His letter from Mecca is also worth listening to/reading.
His last speech was also quite poetic and eye opening.
The main reason I have gone to the example of Malcolm and not linking books explaining the theology like many do is due to the example of salaf (first generations of Muslims) in how they approached dawah (teaching others the religion of Islam). They didn't let themselves get bogged down in preaching the religion to others (most time gets wasted in arguments with people who have no interest in listening, only defending their position and in repeating the same arguments like a parrot); they let their actions speak for themselves. And from their actions, the pagans reverted to Islam. It was from seeing the justice of the political system of Islam and how the leaders conducted themselves that non-Muslims reverted. Malcolm was quite similar to this in that his objective was not to become a preacher but a fighter against racism. And through understanding his fight and his reason for fighting (believing in the oneness of mankind), people revert to Islam.
To be clear, I do also have criticisms of some of Malcolm's positions, specifically his advocacy of black nationalism as a solution to racism. Though, in his defence, he believed this to only be a temporary solution. Once black people were on the same economic and political level as whites (black nationalism), the problem would be solved and hence it would no longer be black nationalism. Compared to '60s USA, oppression was worse 1400 years ago in Arabia and the solution was Islam, not black nationalism (Malcolm didn't understand that Islam had political elements to it). Had he lived longer, I believe he would have corrected his position. He also spoke of Arabia as if racism was solved there, which it isn't. Racism from all ethnic groups in the Muslim world still exists; that was a result of nationalism. Malcolm spoke about nationalism in the Muslim world freeing them from European domination; rather nationalism ensured European domination by dividing the Muslims who are instructed by Allah to remain united. But Malcolm didn't have enough time to observe everything about the Muslim world and its modern politics and history. Again, he was a proper Muslim for a very short time. Though I applaud him and pray for his forgiveness. He was sincere through and through and fought vehemently for what he thought was right. May Allah SWT have mercy upon him and reward him with Jannah. Ameen.
My favorite translation of the meaning to share is the one by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. It's easy to read and written in paragraph form. Great for Da'wah.
English only version:
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199535957/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0qk7BbTH2BWR8
Arabic/English Version
The Qur'an: English translation and Parallel Arabic text https://www.amazon.com/dp/019957071X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hsk7Bb21HDDFP
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[(Oxford World’s Classics)](The Qur’an (Oxford World’s Classics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199535957/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QxwzCb5XWKMJH)
(The Clear Quran - English Only Translation: A Thematic English Translation of the Message of the final revelation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747XY67R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wywzCbFRN3C98)
The Qu'ran says:
> "They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture [Jews and Christians] is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer].
> "They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous.
> "And whatever good they do - never will it be removed from them. And Allah is Knowing of the righteous."
—Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem (The Noble Recitation), Surah (Chapter) 3, Ali 'Imran (The Family of 'Imran): ayat (verses) 113-115:
https://quran.com/3/113-115
> "And there are, certainly, among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), those who believe in Allah and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before Allah. They do not sell the Verses of Allah for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, Allah is Swift in account."
—Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem (The Noble Recitation), Surah (Chapter) 3, Ali 'Imran (The Family of 'Imran): ayah (verse) 199:
https://quran.com/3/199?translations=18
However, Allah ("the God [of the Prophet Abraham]") also warns in the Qur'an those who believe in a trinity, or who say that Jesus, upon whom there is peace, is the son of God, or who offer prayers to the Virgin Mary, may Allah be pleased with her, or who take saints as people to be worshipped:
> "O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit created by a command from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, 'Trinity.' Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs."
—Surah (Chapter) 4 of al-Quran al-Kareem (the Noble Recitation) - An-Nisa (The Women), ayah (verse) 171
https://quran.com/4/171?translations=101
> "They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary' while the Messiah has said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Indeed, he who associates others with Allah - Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.
> "They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the third of three.' And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.
> "So will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
> "The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.
> "Say, 'Do you worship besides Allah that which holds for you no [power of] harm or benefit while it is Allah who is the Hearing, the Knowing?'
> "Say, 'O People of the Scripture, do not exceed limits in your religion beyond the truth and do not follow the inclinations of a people who had gone astray before and misled many and have strayed from the soundness of the way.'
> "Cursed were those who disbelieved among the Children of Israel by the tongue of David and of Jesus, the son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed and [habitually] transgressed.
> "They used not to prevent one another from wrongdoing that they did. How wretched was that which they were doing.
> "You see many of them becoming allies of those who disbelieved. How wretched is that which they have put forth for themselves in that Allah has become angry with them, and in the punishment they will abide eternally.
> And if they had believed in Allah and the Prophet and in what was revealed to him, they would not have taken them as allies; but many of them are defiantly disobedient.
> You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah ; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, 'We are Christians.' That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.
> "And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth. They say, 'Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses.
> "'And why should we not believe in Allah and what has come to us of the truth? And we aspire that our Lord will admit us [to Paradise] with the righteous people.'
> "So Allah rewarded them for what they said with gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. And that is the reward of doers of good.
> "But those who disbelieved and denied Our signs - they are the companions of Hellfire."
—Surah (Chapter) 5 of the Noble Quran (Recitation) - Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread), ayat (verses) 72-86
https://quran.com/5/72-86
> "And they say, 'The Most Merciful has taken [for Himself] a son.'
> "You have done an atrocious thing.
> "The heavens almost rupture therefrom and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation
> "That they attribute to the Most Merciful a son.
> "And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son.
> "There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant."
—Surah (Chapter) 19 of al-Quran al-Kareem (the Noble Recitation) - Maryam (The Virgin Mary), ayat (verses) 88-93
https://quran.com/19/88-93
> "Indeed, the example of Jesus in the sight of Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, 'Be!' And he was!"
—Surah (Chapter) 3 of the Noble Quran (Recitation) - Ali 'Imran (The Family of 'Imran), ayah (verse) 59
https://quran.com/3/59?translations=101
> "[All] praise is [due] to Allah, who has sent down upon His Servant the Book and has not made therein any deviance.
> "[He has made it] straight, to warn of severe punishment from Him and to give good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a good reward
> "In which they will remain forever
> "And to warn those who say, 'Allah has taken a son.'
> "They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie."
—Surah (Chapter) 18 of the Noble Quran (Recitation) - Al-Kahf (The Cave), ayat (verses) 1-5
https://quran.com/18/1-5?translations=20
There are so many more instances of this topic being explained in the Qur'an. I suggest reading it for oneself and then deciding whether or not one believes it to truly be the word of God. This is the first one I ever purchased, and I found the footnotes it has that explain the historical context of some verses very beneficial: https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/
I personally prefer:
Translation: http://www.amazon.com/The-Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
Book on Prophet (pbuh) life: http://www.amazon.com/Muhammad-Man-Prophet-Adil-Salahi/dp/0860373223/
Insha'Allah, the above two should suffice.
(courtesy of /u/lightnlng):
Check what you like from this list of Resources. I recommend starting with the Quran and a biography of prophet Muhammad (pbuh). If you want books, these ones are popular:
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Introduction book to Islam:
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Some popular videos on YouTube:
Dar-Us-Salam located at 486 Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn.
They have a wide collection. If you are looking for easy-to-read Arabic, I would say it is best to read an English translation separately along with a Qur'an with large Arabic font, since the translations are usually by each line. One good translation is the Oxford World Classics edition of the Qur'an, by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. It's highly recommended.
If you want both English and Arabic, the most comprehensive exposure I've personally had is with the following two:
All 3 books can be found at that book store. You may call them to confirm, just in case.
My favorite translation of the Qur'an, Oxford World Classics edition translates everything into English (so it says God instead of Allah, etc.) and it reads exactly like the Bible, making the comparison between the two faiths much easier. The refusal to translate Arabic phrases is deliberate effort to keep Muslims as an Other removed from the West.
Salam Brother, I recommand Abdel Haleem translation of the Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics). I believe it's the best translation. The footnotes gives you the context and additional info about the verses.
I also recommand reading the autobiography of the Prophet, the best one I read so far is Tariq Ramadan's : In the Footsteps of the Prophet
​
May God make things easy for you
I would recommend you the translation of the Quran prepared by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem from Oxford World's Classics, you can get it from here, it's pretty cheap too.
It's the Oxford world classics edition
I bought this translated Quran a while ago and it has completely changed my life.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/1450549535/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497772197&sr=8-1-fkmr1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=quran+yahya+emerick
It is written in easy to understand English, explains the context in which many verses were revealed, has relevant hadiths in the footnotes and connects things to the Torah and Bible in interesting ways that might surprise you. It is very easy to read and I sometimes lose myself in it for hours.
It's written by an American Muslim revert so he explains common misconceptions very well. Just think of all those times you saw an ignorant comment on YouTube or Reddit, knew that it was untrue but didn't know how to argue back. Well Sheikh Yahya Emerick has arguments written for you in the footnotes.
Whenever I feel like I am going astray, I read this Quran and get hyped up again.
I also recommend Sheikh Mufti Menk's nightly taraweeh lectures. They're 30 minutes a night and cover various topics in the Quran. This is another motivation booster for me.
Even though you feel that you are going astray, the fact that you feel guilty and are fighting to do something about it shows that you are in a good place.
Inshallah, Allah will make it easy for you to worship him.
Jumu'ah Mubarak
Today's Ayat for Friday, 2016-11-11 / 11 Safar 1438
"Be modest in your bearing, and subdue your voice. For certain the most repugnant of voices is braying of donkeys."
-- Luqman 31:19 as rendered by Ali Ünal
وَاقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ وَاغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ الْأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيرِ
Study: http://www.islamawakened.com/quran/31/19/
Go deeper: http://www.islamawakened.com/quran/31/19/w4wcv.html
(please share)
Like IslamAwakened on Facebook?
I recommend these books:
and Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time
Side note on Quran translation:
Stay away from
Try:
Misc:
Movie:
Oh, it's everywhere. You can get it as an ebook on Google Play Books and Amazon Kindle. There's lots of cheap copies on ebay and Amazon. There's even a free android app with different translations and recitations.
This is the quran that convinced me to convert. I believe he wrote it as part of zakat.
Message of the Quran is the best available. The author who is a convert has very limited reliance on weak and fabricated hadith and so what you get is a translation less encumbered by historically inaccurate information.
Can you expand on what you said "because I don't get it?" I fasted all my life, and then after leaving home I questioned what I was fasting for. Subsequently there were 2 ramadan's that I didn't fast, but I found my way back through reading a good english translation of the quran (e.g. this one). The truth you tell yourself sets you free to figure out what to do.
I bought this one. It's good.
Has anyone read this book ?http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Islamist-Delusion-Cultural-ebook/dp/B009VJVT4M
I used to read quran.com online, but Bill Warner's "A Simple Koran" is my favorite. It collates the Quran with the Life of Mohammed. The political formulation and agenda of Islam then becomes apparent. Mohammed was a pious person at first, but then became very political and militant. The Quran has two main parts, the early part from Mecca, and the later part from Medina. Much of the Medinan Quran is quite repetitive and hateful, like it was written by an angry child. The Quran's chapters are mixed up, sorted by size because that is how they kept scrolls...except for the first chapter, which is the shortest.
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Koran-Readable-Understandable-Islamic/dp/0978552881
Some historians say that much of the Meccan Quran is from Bishop Arius, an exiled 3rd century Catholic Bishop who did not believe that Jesus was divine. There are beautifully rhythmic parts here that might be Aryan psalms (songs). The early Muslims took control of the trade routes around his area, so they were in a position to claim whatever they captured. The Quran itself contains dialog about Mohammed being accused of copying and stealing other scripture. The more that one learns about the Quran, the more one finds it ridiculous. It would be funny if it hasn't wreaked so much havoc on the world.
Dr. Jay Smith has the following series online about how Islam fails so many tests of history. Mecca wasn't even a city until 200 years after Mohammed, and the Quran that we have today wasn't written down until about 250 years after Mohammed. It all appears to be the product of war lords that were trying to maintain political control.
https://youtu.be/UUsk39rrONE
This edition is specifically written for Americans with none of the cultural background. It's very, very, very helpful, and worth the money.
Yusuf Ali's translation and commentary has been the standard, and is quite good.
A really amazing translation and commentary is Muhammad Assad's "The Message of the Qur'an". It's expensive, but not hard to "legally obtain" on the internet as a PDF.
Also, check out altafsir.org for a searchable database of tafsir ("tafsir" is the word for an explanatory or exegetical text) from multiple schools. It includes most of the best classical tafsir that have been used in Islamic education for centuries. I recommend that highly.
Read the Qur'an with a commentary.
A really, really, really good place to start is "The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an in Today's English" by Yahiya Emerick". Written by an American Muslim for Americans with no background knowledge on Islam at all. It's really, really, really well done, and the best for people going in blind.
Yusuf Ali's translation and commentary is the standard, and the new Study Qur'an is wonderfully done and also recommended - but the notes may be a bit too specialist in tone. Pick it up in a book store and read a bit of it to see.
But yes, reading it front to back is perfectly fine. I have suggested maybe starting at "Joseph", as it's the only traditional style narrative in the whole book, and you skip the first 8 or 9 chapters that are a bit heavier in legalistic and ritualistic stuff, which some find challenging without any aides.
Yes! I really recommend Yahya Emerick's The Meaning of the Qur'an in Today's English: Study Edition.
http://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Holy-Quran-Todays-English/dp/1450549535/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451188997&sr=8-2&keywords=yahya+emerick
Also, lectures by Nouman Ali Khan
2:191- and slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the sacred mosque, unless they first fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them.
such is the reward of those who suppress faith.
2:192- but if they cease, allah is oft-forgiving, most merciful.
2:193- and fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression,and there prevail justice and faith in allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.
where does it in anyway mention to kill non-believers try reading an actual quran instead of reading bollocks on the internet.
here i will help you
Dewrdman,
I'd recommend this. The translation is not the best but the commentary that comes with it puts it heads and shoulders over most other translations. Here's the official website. Make sure you don't get a copy with just the translation. The commentary is what you're really getting it for.
Best,
TheMuslimShrink
What you're looking for is Abdullah Yusuf Ali's The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an. This translation underwent extensive scrutiny from different scholars and checked and double checked for accuracy in its commentary. It's the best translation + commentary in English, no other copy comes close.
If you want just the best translation, I'd recommend Zaki Hammad's The Gracious Qur'an. It's light on the commentary but the translation is the best out of all the ones in English.
The one you want to avoid is The Study Qur'an. It's making a ruckus because the editor is a big name in academia and they're trying to position the book as similar to the Study Bible but it falls short in so many ways. You'll be left more confused than you started and in the meantime, you'll have read more commentary than Qur'an.
http://www.amazon.com/Quran-Annotated-Interpretation-Modern-English/dp/1597841447
I know there's an edition in modern English translated by Ali Unal on Amazon, but I haven't had the opportunity to read it yet. Maybe someone else has...
Welcome Castro
"Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Styles" by M. A. Abdel Haleem from Oxford is a useful book:
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Quran-Muhammad-Abdel-Haleem/dp/1845117891
Prof. Abdel Haleem also produced a translation of the Qur'an which I have not yet read, but understand to be one of the best so far:
http://www.amazon.com/Quran-English-translation-Parallel-Arabic/dp/019957071X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411451704&sr=1-2
Happy reading :)
I shall start with the Haleem version and go from there. Just to be sure this is said version? http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Quran-Muhammad-Abdel-Haleem/dp/1845117891/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450268403&sr=8-1&keywords=Muhammad+Abdel+Haleem
I like the translation by "Abdullah Yusuf Ali" especially the footnotes which explain a lot of the context, meaning, history [very enjoyable to read]
There are many publishers [all will have the same content] the main difference will be the text size, paper, cover.
see The Qur'an: Text, Translation & Commentary (English and Arabic Edition) 19$ hardcover
and The Holy Qur'an 8$ soft cover and smaller in size
You can also PM me if you want me to send you one.
Edit: reading the quran on its own in English might not deliver the full meaning, this why the explanations [tafsir] are so helpful, some of the links bellow will have explanations along with the text [most likely as an option in UI] as i mentioned above, "Abdullah Yusuf Ali" has a decent tafsir and easy to understand language.
This is who you're referring to right? https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Quran-Abdullah-Yusuf-Ali/dp/1853267821
this one ;)
Additions:
Lives of other Prophets Series
End times, Death, Hereafter
Seerah (Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Understand the Quran
I read Asad's translation for every Surah not covered in Michael Sell's stunning translation
I don't know where you would get a free pdf, but Amazon has an excellent version here.
>There a lot of conetmporary records of him being around. What he did is a lot more questionable. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historicity_of_Muhammad
If I had a nickle for every time that I was sent the wikipedia for the "Historicity of Muhammad" I'd be a rich man. There aren't any satisfactory contemporary non-Islamic sources referencing "Muhammad" as a ruler/leader until well after his "death" in 632. There aren't even any before 632, when he was allegedly alive. The earliest describe the Arabs of MHMT, which is what I am pretty sure is a Christological term for Jesus in ancient Syriac, but nothing about the character himself until later. These descriptions could easily be similar to how the Christian Chi-Rho brandishing Byzantines could have been called "The Romans of Christ" or something along those lines.
Basically, Early "Islam" was non-Trinitarian Christianity where God had no Sons but Jesus was the highly revered prophet. There is also very little about Muhammad inside the Quran itself (only mentioned twice by name, whereas Jesus mentioned ~60 times). And in both, "Muhammad" could be synonymous with Jesus, aka Allah's Messenger.
How familiar are you with the non-Trinitarian Christian sects Nestorians and Arians? Because those two sects were hugely popular in Africa (thanks Vandals and Visigoths), the Levant, Persia, and Arabia. Then after the Council of Nicea where the Divinity of Christ was recognized as a core Christological belief, making the non-Trinitarians heretics many were exiled to Eastern Persia. Ancient Syriac (Christian Aramaic) was the primary language of the religion, particularly in the Levant, Persia, and Arabia Petraea. This is where the "Quran" was actually written, as a Christian liturgy of Christian and Jewish stories. The ancient Syriac word meaning "Liturgy of Christian Texts" is pronounced "Qur-i-an" and with the dotting removed, looks identical to the Ancient Arabic word for "Quran". This Qurian was meant to bring unity amongst the Christians and Jews to follow the true messengers of God. From Musa (Moses), to Daud (David), to Isa/MHMT (Jesus/"Praised One") while remaining consistent with Monotheism.
After the collapse of the Sassanids ~620 AD, these Eastern Christians assumed power and moved to Damascus. After a while the new Empire needed to develop a uniform Identity for its people, which was fairly diverse (both religiously and racially). This is why the Sira (Biography) of Muhammad came out centuries after his death as well the earliest Hadith. Modern Islam is built way more on the Sira and Hadith than the Quran, which (if you have read) reads exactly like Christian texts.
If the Islamic Record is to be trusted...
Here are (some) of my sources. Hope you like scholarly books and articles referencing ancient Syriac Christian sources and their influences on Ancient Arabic primarily:
​
This one is recommended by AbdulNasir Jangda. I have it and it's very simple English and light to carry around. Also available on Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ODEPPI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_t8QYAbSFSQ5VT
I'm sick of this shit. Again, and again people are being arrested for posting 'offensive' things online.
http://www.yorkshirestandard.co.uk/news/19-year-old-released-on-bail-after-alleged-koran-burning-video-9133/
This is just the latest. Well, I'm going to make my own video and post it. It's the least I can do to stand up for freedom of speech in my country.
I hope at least a couple of you will join me. I love Muslims by the way and there are plenty of other holy books to burn:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Holy-Bible-Authorized-James-Version/dp/0007103077/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics-ebook/dp/B001ODEPPI/
So burn a holy book. Just take a picture of the book burning and post it online with why you're doing it. You don't have to post your name or other details if you don't want to. Just a pic of the book burning, should take less than ten minutes.
The Meaning of the Holy Quran in Today's English is a great translation and tafsir that has a lot of explanation behind important verses and explains a lot of misconceptions in footnotes.
https://www.amazon.ca/Clear-Quran-Thematic-English-Translation-ebook/dp/B01MUKKHHI
heres for your 4:34 here you go, these are passages from the study quran book that i have. i'm sure youll find your answers here
Heres a video from nouman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1azySjz4edk
Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 628 Narrated by Abu Hurayrah The Prophet (saws) said: Among the Muslims the most perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well
idk the answer to your first question allah knows best.
this is a good translation. Main editor is Shia, 4 co-editors are Sunni. It has all 4 sunni madhab interpretations and Shia ones as well in the commentary. Very good for people who are learning.
That's a good one too, I have it as well. It's the one I was reading with last year actually. This one is the one I use now, primarily.
No, the Arberry version can be a bit lacking in the comprehension area, I agree. It's nice to use once in a while, but I'm not sure about for deep study.
Hey, you should pick up this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Study-Quran-Translation-Commentary/dp/0061125865
Unless you are looking to side specifically with Salafi groups, this book provides a analysis of the verse given by traditional Muslim Scholars from different schools of theological thought. I know your whole point is to give your rendering, but perhaps understanding how Muslims have interpreted the verses could provide you more insight.
https://www.amazon.com/Study-Quran-New-Translation-Commentary/dp/0061125865
The Study Quaran is an excellent one that comes with commentary and study notes and context. If you like NAK, you're going to love Seyyed Houssein Nasr, they're birds of a feather imo.
Not every Verse in the Qur'an will have a Hadith assigned to it. However, the Study Qur'an was just released, and it will provide you 'tafsir' on every single verse. I have yet to purchase it, otherwise I would have shared with you here the exact explanation specified in that book.
> I don't know how to respond when what it is clearly stating in English is that slaves are exempt from 4:24
My friend, Verse 4:24 clearly states in English "those your right hands possess". In Verse 4:25, it clearly states in English "And whoever among you cannot [find] the means to marry free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls.".
Let's review this one more time, for my English speaking friend.
The second verse tells you, if you do not have the means to marry the women specified in the earlier verses (including "those your right hands possess" as specified in Verse 4:24), then you may marry from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. Gasp! A distinction was made! Didn't you present me with a distinction in the other post? Surely you understand this concept.
> Do you not accept that slavery exists in the Koran?
The Qur'an accepts that slavery was an institution and fabric of society. The Qur'an was revealed during a time when slavery existed. Yet, not once in the Qur'an is the believer commanded to beat the slave, or to force conversion on the slave.
And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. (24:33)
Instead the Qur'an consistently reminds you that God is watching, and promises a heavenly reward for the freeing of slaves.
C'mon, it's so obvious man! I'm trying to help you out here. I want you to understand the truth! I know you don't think you need what I have to offer, but I am sharing this all with you for the sake of my Lord, and for your sake, out of the love I have for you—even if you perceive it to be a fruitless effort. The Prophet Muhammad used to cry for those who would declare themselves as his enemies, and he prayed that they would be guided. One of the Prophet's first companions was a HUGE dude, who initially wanted to kill the Prophet when he discovered that Muhammad was preaching of God different from what the Meccans worshiped (until he heard the Qur'an for the first time and began to weep, then instantly submitted to Allah).
> In any case, I'm glad that you don't support slavery. Alas, I wish all
Muslimsof humanity shared your sentiment.Most Muslims around the world already do share my sentiment, my friend. Muslims believe all humans will be judged for every single little thing, and can be punished for every little thing, if we are not forgiven through God's mercy. Many Muslims are hesitant to even kill a fly in their home.
Nonetheless, we will agree to disagree. You are reluctant to share my understanding of Islam, as your mind has already generated a negative perception of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. I would not follow a religion which I knew was inherently evil. I am confident that your interpretations of the Qur'an false, but if you are sincere with your understanding of Islam, and if you are sincere to know the truth, then there is no judgement upon you.
Lastly, if you are sincere about wanting to learn the truth, it couldn't hurt to listen for five minutes or so. You should at least be presented with what we believe is divine language. Just 5 minutes :D
Here is the mobile version of your link
The Yusuf Ali Translation of the Quran is the best. I think it best preseves the spirit of the original arabic.
This site is good it allows you to easily switch between translations
http://al-quran.info/#home
As for Tafsirs (commentary) I think the Tafir al Mizan is the best Shia Tafsir.
https://almizan.org/
But since you want something similar to a spoon-feeding I think you should check out the Study Quran. I've heard praise of it but I haven't read it myself.
This is one of the ones I read as I was transitioning out: https://www.amazon.com/Koran-Very-Short-Introduction/dp/0192853449/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=G5TSXXJ8093SQXPF1RX2
(It's one of those 'a very short introduction' books, if you've seen them? They have a ton of 'em at the USU library; really great intros to all sorts of topics.)
Anyway, it not only covers the basics of what the Koran is, but also how it's been interpreted, the disagreements over what different parts of it mean, translations, all of that stuff -- if it's literal, if it's metaphorical, if it's a historical record, if it's .... etc. etc.
It was truly helpful in 'deprogramming' -- not because I was interested in finding another religion to join, but because in reading all the different debates over the theology and interpretation and everything about this book -- it was all so familiar. The same debates and arguments and reasoning and logical fallacies and apologetics that I saw in Mormonism, I saw in the discussion of this other religious text.
It helped me gain some much-needed distance from "The Church", and to begin to see it objectively, which I never really could do before even though I didn't believe. It helped me to start to see TSCC as just another religion, and to start to gain some healthy emotional distance.
Maybe it could do the same for you, even if it's not this book or this religion that you look at.
This translation by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem is excellent https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/. There's a good introduction and each surah (chapter) of the Quran has it's own brief notes to help explain everything.
https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
http://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Thats the version he talking about
>With that in mind, can someone direct me to an english translation that would make it's miraculous nature most evident?
No
But here is a translation that is recommended by many:
The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) - M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
Free PDF:
https://yassarnalquran.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/the_quran-abdel-haleem.pdf
~$7 Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
Edit: Actually Nouman Ali Khan attempts to convey the linguistic miracle to a non-Arabic audience its not perfect but without learning a new language this is pretty good:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-ULa2JzPG0
I highly suggest M. A. S. Abdel Haleem's The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics .
Context specific to each verse. It'll say "fight the disbelievers" but the context is "fight only those who fought you first, and stop when they stop", or "kill them where ever you find them" but the context is those specific pagans in Mecca at that time who broke a treaty.
I would find another translation to read, one with a commentary from someone who has studied it and can provide the context. M.S. Haleem's is really good for this. It's only $8 on Amazon.
First things first, choose the right version of the Koran. Most Islamic scholars think you cannot have read the Koran unless you have read it in Arabic. Since that takes too long to learn, the best version I can recommend is this.
You can get it on Kindle too if you want to save some money. It has notes too.
Not my favorite, but by far the easiest one to read
You can start with biography of the prophet .
And then perhaps the Quran.
Good luck.
P.S. Personal opinion. Not an expert.
Totally feel you on the mistrust of religion, I'm not spiritual tho ive jumped on the mindfulness bandwagon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
I'm reading this right now, the introduction is super interesting, you should totally get this. The Quran is all about reaffirming what happened before with all the prophets n shizz. Jews and Christians are called 'people of the book' as they came before and the quaran is all about them.
Edit: I should note I'm only 7 pages in
Recommended:
MAS Abdel Haleem
Mohammad Asad
Bewley & Bewley
Quran 60:8, 9 - Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
Quran 16:2,82: He sends down the angels, with the inspiration of His command, upon whom He wills of His servants, [telling them], "Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me {Allah, that is}." ... But if they turn away, [O Muhammad] - then only upon you is [responsibility for] clear notification.
Quran 21/107-109 - And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. Say, "It is only revealed to me that your god is but one God; so will you be Muslims [in submission to Him]?" But if they turn away, then say, "I have announced to [all of] you equally. And I know not whether near or far is that which you are promised.
Quran 88:21-22 - So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder.
You are not over them a controller.
Quran 22/40 - [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allah ." And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.
And you would find more if you chose to read. Unlike some translations, you would find this one to be an easy and fairly accurate read
From the hadeeths.
“Whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise.” (Saheeh Muslim)
“Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Abu Dawud)
"Whoever hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys God." (Bukhari)
"He who hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state, I am his adversary, and I shall be his adversary on the Day of a Judgement." (Bukhari)
I wouldn't say this one's the most accurate translation, but definitely the easiest to read. The introduction clears up a lot of misconceptions too.
>On the emotional side of things, the Qur'an is the only holy book to have moved me.
That's a very personal thing though. I know plenty of (pseudo)Christians and former believers (including myself) who are just unmoved with Christianity and the bible. The reasons are numerous but a lot of the time its seeking out novelty, something new. I think a lot of people are moved by buddhist, daoist or hindu scriptures as well.
>The first time I picked a translation, and started reading, it struck at the heart of me.
It had the opposite affect on me. It really felt like a struggle. I couldn't make it through the first chapter (though its probably rare for someone to read scripture cover to cover). Which translation did you use? I have digital access to this one and i'll probably end up buying the hardback, what do you think?
> The Qur'an consistently denounces blind observance, stating not to just follow the religion of your fathers.
Thats good in theory but the vast, vast majority of muslims around today, especially in less developed countries, believe precisely for this reason.
The historical records of Muhammad are a lot more solid than Jesus though, i'll give you that. We even have letters sent by him.
They didn't "come to America," but yes of course the conflict between the United States and the Islamic world started before the events you outlined. I'll outline the relevant points as summarily as I can. For brevity, I will include history only related to the United States and not broader Western civilization. The case of the United States is salient and representative.
History of Islam: Muhammad to 1776
Muhammad first began teaching among Pagan Arabs who were more or less friendly until he began to teach that there is only one God and all other religions' followers shall burn in hell. When they began to threaten him and his people, he fled to Mecca and Medina, subsequently taking over the western half of Saudi Arabia along with the eastern tip (Oman). Almost all secular scholars of the Qur'an agree that it is as much a political guidebook (how to run a society) as a religious text (how to be a good person). Upon his death in 632, his followers interpreted the book as they did, and a system of Caliphates began to rule the Islamic world. By 661, all of what we call the Middle East and northeastern Africa was under the Caliphate. By the 8th century, the Caliphate had extended to include land from Spain to Pakistan. This was unsustainable militarily (given few people liked being ruled under Islamic law), so it was pulled back. The Turkish peoples were to become the new military force of the Caliphate, and took Constantinople just before Columbus "found" the "New World." When the United States declared independence, Abdul Hamid I was sultan, with even Baghdad under his rule (that article makes him sound friendlier than he actually was -- he was compelled to sign treaties after military defeats).
Barbary Slaves and Pirating
Before the United States had first elected Washington as President, the Congress found itself at odds with the Caliphate controlled lands. At this time, the Muslim world was taking Europeans and Americans as slaves, estimates are that as many as 1.25 million slaves were taken from the Western world (source: Robert Davis). John Adams, America's London ambassador, was sent to the Tripoli ambassador to discuss the matter, and was met with a demand of money for various levels of peace. Terms were set for the release of slaves, short term peace, and even a price for long term peace. The United States argued that it was a new nation. If their military had previously quarreled with Europe, that was of no concern to the United States. Could not peace with a new nation be had?
When Jefferson took the Presidency in 1801, he was immediately met with a demand of $4,000,000 (adjusted for inflation but not %GDP or federal budget) to be paid to the Muslim lands. Jefferson demanded repeatedly to know by what right these demands were made. By what right did they capture Americans as slaves, seize her ships, take her property, and demand payment in exchange?
> The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners.
Thomas Jefferson to Congress and the State Department
Barbary Wars to Usama bin Laden
President Jefferson found himself in the fortunate position of having a capable Navy that he, ironically enough, had fought against funding before being elected. With it, he began the first conflict between the United States and the Caliphate. The second line of the Marine Anthem (To the shores of Tripoli) celebrates the result even today. Congress authorized Jefferson to use the full might of the United States Navy to suppress the military aggression, with permission to seize and destroy property as the Navy was able. The language was quite strong and general.
The modern Islamic revival that began in the 1970s has seen a large surge in the total Muslim population, which we must admit is in some sense responsible for the recent surge of the lower jihad as well (this being the military jihad as opposed to the higher jihad meaning an inner struggle). Al Qaeda's number one demand was restoration of the Caliphate. The crime for which America has been subject to the violence from the radical Islamists was committed after approval by the Saudi royal family to use American troops to free Kuwait from Iraq rather than using their own, limited resources and relying heavily on the local mujahidin. In other words, Usama bin Laden was angry with America because he thought that local insurgents could fight Saddam the same way they had in Afghanistan against the Soviets rather than relying on smart bombs to do the same. (He forgot, or perhaps never knew, that Afghanistan was liberated only through American assistance. People who assert the unsophisticated non-distinction between Al Qaeda and the Taliban forget this. America gave aid to the Taliban, not The Base.)
Also central to crimes committed by the United States in Bin Laden's mind was our admission that we had begun to support the right of East Timor to self determination of government. Here is one of his first speeches after the 2001 attacks.. Ctrl+f "east timor" to see that his complaint is that the Caliphate's maximum extent is no longer in effect, with the world recognizing that the military devastation committed by Indonesia was invalid.
Specific Points: Iran in WWII, The Taliban, Gulf War vs. bin Laden, and Diplomacy
So, yes, the Barbary wars happened before the Iranian coup. Keep in mind also that 1953 is also after 1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered. At that time, Iran was already under the full control of Britain and Russia (mostly the British), essentially a colony like India was. This invasion was necessary because Reza Shah was attempting to play neutral while supplying the Nazi war machine with crude oil necessary for its logistical world domination. "Iran" in Persian means "The Land of the Aryans," which Persia abruptly changed its name to in 1935, just as it was becoming friendly toward the Germans. After the war was over, Britain had a number of privately owned fields, purchased legally from the owners of the land. When Iran elected Mosaddegh to nationalize the oilfields, they did so illegally. Their country or not, the heart of libertarianism is the right to free exchange and free markets. Unless you agree that the United States can simply seize the property of any foreign corporation who operates in any way through the United States, you cannot support the right of anyone, anywhere to loot by law. The course of action taken by the West was perhaps morally wrong. But it was in response to a moral wrong, not the initiation of one. I find that very few internet historians know the history of Iran before 1953. This has always seemed odd to me -- where are you all getting your similarly edited information?
The military bases in Islamic lands were widely supported at the time by both governments and peoples. They still celebrate it as a national day of pride. Again, bin Laden considers this the great evil of America because he wanted the local mujahidin to fight Saddam rather than bringing in any Western aid. You may freely be against the Gulf War, but you cannot rationalize that the intervention was innately immoral since the United States determined that losing control of the Kuwait and Saudi oilfields would have been damaging to her interests. In other words, the United States did not initiate force but responded to the initiation of force upon a friend.
The United States used the Taliban to fight the Soviet Empire. I fail to see this as a moral evil.
The United States necessarily has diplomatic relations with all countries who are willing, including bad guys. Egyptians and Tunisians far and away have more warm feelings for the United States than ill-feelings. Only with sources such as Russia Today can you attempt to support the notion that we stood between these leaders and their people. The West was crucial to their overthrow, including freezing of their foreign assets.
Recommended Reading
Islamic Radicalism and Global Jihad History of radical Islam and current resurgence. Takes a look at the old scholars and new.
The Looming Tower Everything leading up to 9/11
Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters Details the Barbary coast slave trade
The Trial of Henry Kissinger Outlines US war crimes
Qur'an My English translation.
Instructions for American Servicemen in Iran During World War II Self explanatory.
The Forever War Solidly good book.
The Rape of Kuwait Iraq war crimes in Kuwait
Edits
Welcome to /r/Islam :)
About the basics of Islam, read this
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Firstly, Praise to God. I am sure alot of other people will answer better than me, but I'll try. First off, for Muhammed (saw) in the bible, here is a very interesting video by a former Christan youth minister titled - "How the Bible Led me to Islam"
His story is so interesting because he figured out that a through read of bible itself made him realize something, and convinced him to study other religions in which he found finally found Islam, his story is something every typical Christian should hear.
Secondly, You said:
>I'd like recommendations for a quran translation.
I personally believe that people willing to learn about Islam should read the biography of Muhammed (saw) first to get a grasp of the message of Islam, how it spread, and how we come to respect this man as the greatest of all creation. The best book I recommend is Tariq Ramadan's Book about Muhammed and his life.
Once you've done that, I recommend an exegesis over a translation because your understanding is enhanced.
But a good translation is: http://quran.com
An exegesis (recommended) is: http://www.amazon.com/The-Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
Hope that helps.
Boy was that the wrong question to ask. Wall of text inbound.
Judaism is my least-studied religion, but as I understand it Rabbinic literature is basically all commentary. The Mishnah, Tosefta, various Talmuds etc, they're all commentaries on the Tanakh. Of course, they are so old as to basically need their own commentaries, but there you have it. why_nn_doesnt_study_judaism.jpg
We Christians have a really different view on the 'Old Testament', and inter-commentary is pretty common in our scriptures. The New Testament may come at the end of our Bible, but it's the key to our way of reading the old scriptures as well, so start there. William Barclay was not super-dee-duper orthodox in his views, but he was a good Biblical scholar and I still like his 'Daily Study Bible' New Testament commentary for beginners. Patristics is a study of the development of early Christian orthodox thought, and consists mostly of reading post-NT commentaries by the Church Fathers, but those books are a giant money-sink so I'll let you get into that in your own time. 'Dogmatik' may be a bit heavy, but it's a good summary of our thought on our whole religion, scripture and all.
Islam is tricky, because the Qur'an is taken much more literally than orthodox Christians and Jews treat their scriptures, i.e. it cannot be translated out of Arabic, only interpreted. Maybe one of our Muslim friends can chime in with a better suggestion, but the version of the Qur'an used by my classes (which has some light commentary) is the Oxford World's Classics version. Quran.com can also be pretty useful since you can hover over an Arabic word and get its direct translation.
As far as Buddhism goes, I think the BDK English Tripitaka has some big flaws (it's also way incomplete), but it's pretty academic and a lot of its texts are the only versions available in English. Individual sutras are around, I always appreciate the work of the Sanskrit scholar Red Pine, he's done the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra and maybe some others, from a Japanese Zen perspective. Buddhist scripture is sorta endless.
The only other religious texts I've read extensively are the European esoteric stuff I hope to do my graduate work in, in which case all the texts are weird, and all the commentaries are as weird or weirder. It's religious studies on Hard Mode.
I hope that gives you some places to start! And I hope I haven't scared you off! Good luck!
My preferred is this one published by Oxford university: https://www.amazon.com/Quran-M-S-Abdel-Haleem/dp/0199535957
PDF: https://archive.org/details/TheQuranKoranenglishEbook-AbdelHaleem-BestTranslationInThe
The word-by-word feature on this website is also useful: http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=1&verse=1#(1:1:1)
The Qur'an
A new translation by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem
Oxford World's Classics
Edit, third times the charm:
link to amazon
> Most your response was "omg stop being SJW!"
Don't insult me. Especially not when it's blatant lie, there for everyone to see. The main arguments of my comments were not "Stop being an SJW." Getting of to a good start.
> Nope. I just haven't been able to link and put forth my reasoning while also looking into where /u/rgamesgotmebanned was going with his reasoning. The facts are actually verifiable so I'll do that now in a quick fashion.
Hi, that's me. No need to talk in 3rd person.
>1953 Iran Coup and CIA admits its role
Who are you arguing against? I never said the CIA didn't topple the regime. I will withhold judgment on that. I said that the Ayatollah Khomeini and his religious goons, with arguable support of the people, are directly responsible for the years of theocracy Iran has suffered. We didn't bring him back out of exile. He came by himself on a lonely private jet from Paris and turned the green revolution into something that never should have happened (again) on this earth.
>The ISIS Crisis (Where I got the Coca-Cola quote) - Loretta Napoleoni
>Assess her arguments here where she talks about the origins of ISIS. The ISIS Crisis is a good one that goes into the regional issues that are being missed. I just can't find it online right now.
Why are you linking me this? Apart from a few mistakes she makes, this completely supports my position that a huge part of the motivation for terrorists and millitant jihadists is religious in nature. She even talks about how a huge part of the violence is sectarian and they want to create a Caliphate.
> Going into Iraq, there's a lot of issues with the map being "evenly divided" that you won't know unless you have feet on the ground. Different communities have boundaries enforced based on the US military and they're the worst arbiters in the region.
The worst arbiters in the region are, evidently, Muslims who think drawing the should look like this [NSFL]
> When you go to Syria, we're working with Al Qaeda so it makes it harder to understand who to advocate for in the Middle East since relations are FUBAR.
Directly taken from your linked article:
>Unless the money is actually in the U.S. financial system, you have to point out to these governments where the money is going and try to work with them to make sure it goes to legitimate groups
But "Oh no, the evil US are doing it!" Don't insult my intelligence and assume I won't read the links your provide.
>There's a reason that China and Russia said no to intervention in Syria where they didn't say it in Libya.
You are shifting the goalpost here. I said that China (and I will include Russia here) is not the first on my list of best examples on how to handle these things. Their track record is abyssmal. Why listen to them, they obviously don't know what they are doing or (more likely) have different goals from us.
> America left a mess. Which goes into how I said in the beginning:
>We're good at making Coca-Cola. We're bad at starting wars we can't finish.
Very sarcastic and condescending, but neither true not an argument in any way shape or form. You are also contradicting yourself. If you think all the interventions in the Middle East were mistakes, we are actually very good at starting wars we can't finish. Now I don't believe that; I just wanted to point out your either grammatical or logical mistake.
> The next comment was dismissal of anything I stated. So let's move on.
I hope the irony of dismissing my whole comment while complaining about dismissal isn't lost on you.
> Let's look here because
heyou doubles down:>The idea that religious fundamentalism and violence is a consequence of failed foreign policy is both ahistorical and destructive.
> This is ignorant rhetoric IMO.
> Instead of adding context...
Which follows just a few lines below
>...(which he claims I didn't do by pointing out nothing wrong with my argument) he goes on to make an argument from age,
>Argument from age =/= pointing out that for causation you would at least require correlation, which is absent in so many cases of religious fundamentalism and violence.
>ignoring the very influence he admitted to such as the 1953 overthrow which allowed fundamentalism to invade in Iran. I find this disingenuous and misleading to people following the issue.
How far did you have to carry that goal post to go from causing to fundamentalism to allowing it? There obviously were religious fundamentalists in Iran before, who were able to welcome Khomeini with open arms.
> Let's continue:
> Another prime example
> This is disingenuous. He cites a few examples and basically apologizes for US intervention while downplaying it. Nothing about drone strike double taps which are a war crime. Again, US intervention.
To not be ashamed of the audacity to complain about disingenousness while misquoting me so severely.
Here is the part of my comment:
>Another prime example [of the fact that their ailments are religious and not terrestrial] is that when the US accidentally (and this should never happen) hits a wedding with dronestrike killing large numbers of innocent civilians, among the many children, what follows are slight riots in the immediate region. But when we accidentally burn the wrong book what follows are massive levels of violence and the burning of embassies.
> Their sufferings are relgious in nature and not terrestrial.
> Why the hell are we talking about planets?
Wow. Are you kidding me? Maybe English isn't your first language (it's not mine either), but I didn't expect you to not understand the meaning of terrestrial in a discussion about religion.
> It has been shown time and time again that these are people who get upset (and I mean blow myself up in front of a school upset) when they aren't allowed to commint genocide in East Timor or when they can't thrown accid in the face of little girls or when someone listens to the wrong music and the government doesn't intervene.
> What annoys me here is how we look at the most reactionary issues but claim that's the normal Muslim
http://www.pewforum.org/2013/04/30/the-worlds-muslims-religion-politics-society-beliefs-about-sharia/ You should seriously look into who you are defending here. The normal Muslim is not your friendly neighbor who sometimes goes to the Mosque. The "normal Muslim" thinks the Quran is the perfect word of Allah and thereofre Sharia should eb followed to the letter. This includes all the offenses I listed and many more. Stoning adulterers, killing apostates, death penalty based on testimony and I could go on and on...
>which ignores everything about the region and how it came to be due to not only America, It's a "think of the children" fallacy mixed with a genetic fallacy.
Firstly, If you want to know how it came to be read some biographies of Mohammed and the centuries thereafter. Barbarism is the perfect description. Even the oh so great Loretta Napoleoni you refernced realises that islamic fundamentalism can be traced directly to it's origins and scripture. Secondly, I am saying that their goals, which directly come from their religious beliefs, are in complete oppostition to everything we would call a free society or a good life. So in some sense it is a "think of the children" argument, although I think "think of humanity" is a better fit.
> But the next paragraph is rather telling in how it conflates regular Muslims with Islam with nothing backing it up. You asked ME to cite my sources. I'm more than happy to do so. But how the hell can someone get away with this:
> Islamis fundamentalism (and this goes for most religions) is as old as the faith itself.
> [citation needed]
You already watched it (hopefully). I can dig up other sources if you want, but you seem to admire the good lady quite a bit, so I hope this is enough. I really recomend you read the Quran- it's a relatively cheap, quick and concise read and it will possibly open many your eyes to the nature of Islam you seem to reject with quite some willpower. I think reading the scripture should always be the first step in educating yourself about a religion.
(cont)
My favorite english translation is definitely Abdel Haleem's, you can find it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
Why? Because it's so smooth and easy to read, click look inside and see if you like it.
This one
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0199535957/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452911105&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=koran
Did yo read it?
Here is the mobile version of your link
The Qur'an: English translation and Parallel Arabic text https://www.amazon.com/dp/019957071X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zVGNyb030XRBG
I highly recommend this text. MAS does a great job translating into modern English which makes understanding the Arabic meaning really easy
I don't know about your library, but this is an excellent copy you can purchase.
Read every religious book and then read Christopher Hitchens. Probably check the local library?
Found this on Amazon
Their translation of the Holy Qu'ran have subtle differences when compared to the mainstream used one. It's known by many people to be better translated though
Ahmadiyya Holy Qur'an
http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Quran-English-Translation-Commentary/dp/091332101X/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208702621&sr=8-3
Yusef Ali Holy Qur'an
http://www.amazon.com/English-interpretation-Holy-Quran/dp/1930097468/ref=pd_bbs_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208702621&sr=8-11
All translations are........meh imo.
I recommend the Quran first as Islam tends to be a hot button issue recently. Also it's quite different from the Bible. As far as translations go, the "default" one is the King Fagd Quran http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/996077015X/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1374528231&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX110_SY190
But if you want one that has a shit ton of footnotes that explains what it's talking about get this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/091332101X/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1374528338&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY190
The 'Simple Quran' is a book which has ordered the Quran chronologically. I highly recommend it.
Here’s a translation; The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0199535957/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rIIkDb464N498
before assuming anything about the Qur'an I suggest you actually read it
I googled 970, it looks to be about 330 dollars. Now, if you really want to "optimize", you can use that money more effectively.
Here's your "graphics card", this will allow you to "render" yourself in an aesthetically pleasing way without even leaving your basement.
Obviously you'll need a "power supply"
Both of which are useless without a "motherboard"
Here's a good place to store all of your "last gen" equipment
And you're still at less than half the original budget.
>Also what is this I found called, "The True Religion of God?" by Dr. AB Phillips?
Dr. Bilal Philips has some Salafi leanings but overall most of his works is a good reference point. I wouldn't take every he writes as truth.
Also Islam House is a Salafi site. Salafi are a tiny minority of Muslims in the world yet they flood the internet with their propaganda. Only recently, within last five or years or so ,has traditional scholars has begun to refute their propaganda. My advice is stay away from any person who has ties to Saudi Arabia (Umm al Qurra University,Madeenah University,Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University) until you are grounded within traditional understanding of Islam.
Moreover watch out for anything from Dar Us Salam publishers, the largest English language publishers of Islamic Books, they have been known to rewrite traditional books from scholars to suit their Salafi ideology.
My advice to start with Treatise For The Seekers Of Guidance. Which gives an overview of traditional Islamic morals and behavior. As well as English language Qur'aan,which unfortunately all them have their bias and problems with them. The only three that I can recommend are M.A.S. Abdel Haleem translation , Muhammad Asad translation or Aisha Bewley's translation. Though all of them have their problems.
Maybe read up a bit you two https://amazon.com/Quran-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199535957
>Could you kindly point me to any content which I have copied and pasted from anti-Islamic websites please.
Here
and here
If you did the research yourself, then you didn't do a very good job of it and it would be quite obvious that you were looking for something to hate about Islam. Probably because you think all religions are the same, and Islam MUST be exactly like Christianity. Your lack of knowledge in Islam shows that. All of those "arguments" you posted are EASILY findable in Google, probably within the first page of results. It's the same arguments over and over again and it's become cliche to the internet Muslims. We just roll our eyes, like how you roll your eyes when a Christian comes to you preaching about Jesus. These so called "issues" have been refuted over and over again, and many of them can simply be refuted with just a basic understanding in Islam.
>If your holy book makes you look silly, why not pick a new one?
Looks silly to who? Someone who isn't Muslim? Why should I listen to them for?
>Please point me to better translations so I can learn.
Here is a good translation, with some commentary. If you want to go all out on commentary then get this. And this is the abridged version. It's translated from 11th century Arabic, but at least its 400 years newer than the Qur'an. You might be able to borrow a volume or two from your local mosque. However, do not make the claim that just because you read a couple of books on Islam, you are some sort of scholar. If I read "A Brief History of Time", it does not make me an astrophysicist.
>If pointing out what it says in your holy book is so irritating to you, what does that tell you about your holy book?
It tells me that the Qur'an was correct about non-Muslims after all. But since you read the entire Qur'an, you already know what I mean.
>further comment on your remark on the fairness of the Qu'ran's translations and scientific accuracy: why is it that the salt and fresh water thing and creationism are still taught in modern Islamic schools even in Europe?
I can't access youtube since I'm at work. Creationism in Islam is different than creationism in Christianity. Read this if you're interested.
As for the fresh water/salt water thing, this thread does a pretty good job explaining it.
Open mind, remember.
Unless you want purely faith-promoting works, I suggest looking at the academic side of Quranic studies:
You can read some interesting articles in the Journal of Qur'anic Studies by Edinburgh University Press.
Keith Small’s Textual Criticism and the Qur’an Manuscripts looks at small textual variants over the centuries. It hasn’t been updated yet with the recent find of one of the oldest known text that was found.
Another academic scholar to look into is Christopher Luxenberg (who writes under a pseudonym due to death threats) that looks at the Quran through textual and linguistics analysis. His book most popular book is The Syro-Aramaic Reading of the Koran: A Contribution to the Decoding of the Language of the Quran.
For history, Patricia Crone’s Hagarism: The Making of the Islamic World and From Arabia Tribes to Islamic Empire are very good. She summarized much of her research here.