The Qur'an

The Qur’an has shaped Islamic belief, worship, ethics, and intellectual history for more than fourteen centuries. For English-speaking readers, understanding its message depends partly upon the clarity and accuracy of translation. This edition offers a contemporary rendering intended to make the Qur’an accessible while preserving the meaning and literary character of its original Arabic.

About the Book

The Qur'an presents the English translation of the Qurʾān by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem.

The translation is distinguished by its use of contemporary English and its attention to the relationship between individual verses and their wider contexts.

Abdel Haleem seeks to communicate Qur’anic meanings without relying unnecessarily upon archaic vocabulary or sentence structures that may obscure the message for modern readers.

The result is a translation intended to support continuous reading as well as the examination of individual passages.

The Qur’an addresses a broad range of subjects, including divine unity, prophetic history, worship, moral responsibility, social justice, and the Hereafter.

Its chapters combine theological statements, narratives, legal teachings, warnings, and expressions of divine mercy.

The translation aims to preserve these relationships while presenting the text in language accessible to readers unfamiliar with classical Arabic.

An important feature of the edition is its introductory discussion.

The introduction examines the history of the Qur’an, its organization, and its literary characteristics.

It also considers questions that frequently arise in contemporary discussions of Islam, including the interpretation of passages concerning conflict, religious intolerance, and the position of women.

Explanatory notes provide assistance with historical, geographical, and personal references mentioned in the Qur’anic text.

These notes are particularly useful when passages refer to individuals, places, or events without providing extensive background information.

A thematic index further supports study by helping readers locate Qur’anic discussions of specific subjects.

Unlike a comprehensive theological commentary, the book primarily offers a readable translation supported by selected explanatory material.

Its principal value lies in making the Qur’an accessible as a connected text rather than a collection of isolated statements.

What You Will Discover

• A contemporary English rendering of the Qur’an.
• Qur’anic teachings concerning faith, worship, ethics, and human responsibility.
• An introduction to the Qur’an’s history and literary structure.
• Explanatory notes on historical and geographical references.
• Discussions of important contemporary interpretive questions.
• A thematic index supporting further study.

Who Is This Book For?

This translation is suitable for general readers, students of religion, English-speaking Muslims, and researchers seeking an accessible rendering of the Qur’an. It is particularly valuable for those beginning systematic Qur’anic reading or exploring Islamic teachings through a clear English translation.