Table of Contents

Preliminaries

Preface [+-] vii
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation
Acknowledgments [+-] ix
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation
Introduction [+-] xi-xxxvii
An extended essay by the translator covering the following topics: Text and context An ‘inspired’ Prophet A Book ‘from heaven’ Who wrote the Qur’ān? A Qur’ān from Cairo About this translation
Guide to Further Reading [+-] xxxix--xli
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation
Timeline [+-] xlvii-xlix
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation

The Qur’ān: Translation and Annotations

This short prayer serves as the introduction to the Qur’ān. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘essence of the Qur’ān’ and is an important part of worship, both public and private.
By far the longest sūra, it includes accounts of Adam’s fall, Moses and Pharaoh, Israel’s disobedience, and the religion of Abraham and his building of God’s ‘House,’ toward which prayer is now directed. Instruction on a variety of topics occupies most of its second half (on food, retaliation, wills, fasting, fighting, pilgrimage, marriage, divorce, usury, almsgiving, and prayer).
This sūra opens with a pronouncement about the divine origin of the Qur’ān, including its relationship to the prior scriptures of Jews and Christians. After this come stories of Zachariah, Mary, Jesus and his disciples, and Abraham as a Muslim. Criticism of Jewish disbelief, exhortation to the believers, and encouragement in the aftermath of defeat occupy most of the remainder of the sūra.
This sūra takes its name from the many instructions regarding women, but it also offers guidance on a variety of other topics, including the treatment of orphans, marriage, property, inheritance, and fighting. The Prophet is put forward as God’s representative and the supreme arbiter of all disputes. There are also polemical passages against the ‘hypocrites’ and the ‘People of the Book,’ including the claim that Jesus was not crucified.
This sūra offers instruction on a variety of topics (e.g. prayer, pilgrimage, and food), and prescribes punishment for certain offenses (e.g. murder and theft). Several passages condemn various ‘pagan’ practices, but many more are critical of Jewish disobedience and Christian doctrine, and believers are warned against entering into alliance with the ‘People of the Book.’ Its title refers to the miraculous ‘table’ of food sent down to Jesus and his disciples.
This sūra emphasizes the creative power of one God, especially as manifested in the signs of an ordered natural world, and on that basis attacks the folly of idolatry, charging that other so-called gods are really ‘jinn.’ The story of Abraham’s rejection of idols is repeated, and a parallel is drawn between the ‘religion’ of Abraham and the Prophet, as well as between the Torah of Moses and the Prophet’s Qur’ān.
Following an introductory reference to ‘the Book’ and a warning about judgment, this sūra falls into three main parts: the story of Iblīs and Adam’s fall, a series of stories about the destruction of disobedient generations of the past, and the story of Moses, Pharaoh, and the Sons of Israel.
Most of this sūra is connected with victory in battle.
This sūra deals with various matters connected with struggling for the cause of God. It opens with a renunciation of all treaty obligations with the ‘idolaters.’ This is followed by a short exhortation to fight against the ‘People of the Book.’ Then comes a sustained diatribe against the ‘hypocrites’ and others for their refusal to fight alongside the Prophet. It concludes by emphasizing again the duty to struggle for the cause.
10 Jonah ۞ Yūnus [+-] 124-132
This sūra opens with a declaration of God’s creative power which eventually leads into a condemnation of idolatry. The certainty of judgment and the authenticity of the Qur’ān are also stressed. A final section contains stories about Noah and Moses.
11 Hūd ۞ Hūd [+-] 133-141
This sūra is made up almost entirely of stories about the messengers Noah, Ḥūd, Ṣāliḥ, Abraham, Lot, Shu‘ayb, and Moses.
12 Joseph ۞ Yūsuf [+-] 142-149
This sūra is devoted almost entirely to the story of Joseph, beloved son of Jacob.
This sūra is an assemblage of short passages touching on a variety of topics, including God’s power and providence, rewards and punishments, and encouragement to the Prophet.
This sūra, like the previous one, is an assemblage of short passages touching on a variety of topics, including a brief recounting of the stories of Moses and other messengers, human ingratitude for God’s blessings, and the prayer of Abraham.
This sūra contains accounts of the rebellion of Iblīs and the angels’ visits to Abraham and Lot. Two short stories of judgment follow: the punishment of the inhabitants of ‘the Grove’ and ‘al-Ḥijr.’
This sūra treats a variety of topics. In general it extols God’s creative power and condemns the foolishness of idolatry. A final section sheds important light on the revelation of the Qur’ān.
This sūra opens with the famous report of a ‘night journey.’ A variety of topics follow, including a series of commandments resembling the decalogue, as well as passages dealing with the nature and purpose of the Qur’ān. The Prophet’s role as the ‘messenger’ is emphasized, and disbelievers are chastised for their objection that he is merely a human being who performs no miracles.
18 The Cave ۞ Al-Kahf [+-] 185-192
This sūra is composed almost entirely of stories. The three main ones are: the ‘Men of the Cave,’ Moses and the servant, and Dhū-l-Qarnayn, a figure usually identified with Alexander the Great.
19 Mary ۞ Maryam [+-] 193-198
This sūra begins with a series of stories about earlier prophets. The longest of these is the story of Mary and Jesus, from which it receives its title. The remainder of the sūra explains the role of angels, responds to objections about the resurrection, and pronounces judgment on disbelievers.
This sūra is devoted almost entirely to the story of Moses. It features accounts of his early life, call to be a messenger, struggles with Pharaoh, exodus from Egypt, and finally the episode of ‘the calf.’ It concludes with sections on the Last Day and the ‘covenant with Adam.’
This sūra begins with a warning of approaching judgement and condemns idolatry in the face of God’s power and providence. The second half is comprised of a series of stories about earlier prophets.
This sūra takes its title from the reference to the Ḥajj, the pilgrimage originally established by Abraham. In addition to dealing with matters connected with the pilgrimage, it condemns those who deny believers access to the ‘Sacred Mosque,’ and concludes by urging believers to remain steadfast to the religion of Abraham.
This sūra opens with an enumeration of the virtues of believers. It then extols the signs of God’s power and providence, relates accounts of earlier messengers, and emphasizes the certainty of resurrection and judgment.
This sūra takes its title from the reference to God as ‘the light of the heavens and the earth.’ It is made up mostly of regulations governing the household, including appropriate dress, conduct, and sexual behavior.
This sūra begins by responding to the disbelievers’ rejection of the Prophet and his message, and then warns them by way of examples of earlier generations who were punished for similar disbelief. The second half of the sūra is largely devoted to the signs of God’s power and providence discernible in the natural world. It concludes with a description of the characteristic qualities of God’s servants.
This sūra is made up almost entirely of stories about the messengers Moses, Abraham, Noah, Ḥūd, Ṣāliḥ, Lot, and Shu‘ayb.
27 The Ant ۞ Al-Naml [+-] 246-251
This sūra opens with a reference to the Qur’ān as ‘guidance and good news’ and closes with a description of the Day of Judgment. It recounts the stories of earlier messengers, including one about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. God’s power and uniqueness are also emphasized.
This sūra is devoted almost entirely to the story of Moses, featuring accounts of his childhood and early life, his call to be a messenger, and finally his struggles with Pharaoh. It concludes with three scenes of judgment and a final word of encouragement to the Prophet.
This sūra begins by exhorting believers to remain steadfast in the face of opposition, and then recounts the stories of seven previous messengers. It also describes the nature of ‘the Book’ revealed to the Prophet, as well as its relationship to the prior scriptures of the ‘People of the Book.’
This sūra opens with a reference to a military defeat of the Byzantine empire, which is followed by a prophecy of their ultimate victory over the Sassanid Persians. It then extols the signs of God’s power in nature as evidence of his benevolence and ability to raise the dead.
31 Luqmān ۞ Luqmān [+-] 269-271
This sūra takes its title from the story of Luqmān, a sage who presents his son with a succinct version of his wisdom. Among its diverse themes, it extols the signs of God’s power and providence, and warns disbelievers of the certainty of judgment.
This sūra opens with a pronouncement about the truth of the Qur’ān. It then extols God’s power as creator and defends the resurrection against the objection of disbelievers, whose fate is contrasted with the ultimate vindication of believers.
This sūra is said to refer to the siege of Medina (627 CE/5 AH) by ‘factions’ of Meccans and their allies. The rest of the sūra deals with the Prophet’s marriage to a woman formerly married to his adopted son, as well as with other matters concerning his wives.
34 Sheba ۞ Sabā’ [+-] 281-285
The main subject of this sūra is the certainty of judgment and resurrection. It also relates story of the people of Sheba
35 Creator ۞ Fāṭir [+-] 286-289
The first part of this sūra is in the form of an address to the people, setting forth the claims of God. It then shifts to address the Prophet, consoling him with the reminder that previous messengers also faced rejection. It concludes with the different fates awaiting believers and disbelievers.
This sūra begins with an affirmation of the Prophet’s mission. It then relates a parable about a  ‘disbelieving city,’ enumerates the signs of God’s power and providence, and describes the different  fates awaiting believers and disbelievers.
This sūra opens with an emphatic declaration of the unity and creative power of God. Next come  sections on the resurrection and the different fates awaiting believers and disbelievers, followed by stories of earlier messengers from Noah to Jonah. It concludes with a refutation of the worship of angels  as ‘daughters of God.’
38 Ṣād ۞ Ṣād [+-] 300-304
The first part of this sūra describes the defiance of the Prophet’s contemporaries. Next come stories  of David, Solomon, Job, and several others. It then describes the different fates awaiting believers and  disbelievers, before concluding with the story of Iblīs.
This sūra opens with a statement of the unity and creative power of God. The contrasting fates of believers  and disbelievers occupy much of the remainder of the sūra. It concludes with a vivid description of the  Day of Judgment.
40 Forgiver ۞ Ghāfir [+-] 312-317
This sūra consists mainly of the story of Moses, with a number of features which set it apart from other  versions.
This sūra opens with a declaration of the ‘sending down’ of the Qur’ān. It extols God as creator and  pronounces judgment on those who refuse to recognize the signs of his power and providence.
This sūra opens by extolling the power and majesty of God and stresses the purpose of the Qur’ān as  a warning. Next comes a declaration of the unity of religion in the face of religious differences. The  contrasting fates of believers and disbelievers occupy much of the remainder of the sūra. The conclusion  is noteworthy for the light it sheds on different modes of revelation.
This sūra condemns the folly of idolatry (especially the idea that God has ‘daughters’), and warns of the dangers of persistent disbelief. It goes on to recount the stories of Moses and Jesus, and concludes with a vivid scene of judgment.
This sūra opens with a declaration of the ‘sending down’ of the Qur’ān, followed by a warning that  punishment is coming. It recounts the story of Pharaoh and the Sons of Israel, defends the idea of resurrection, and concludes with a description of the rewards and punishments awaiting the righteous  and wicked.
This sūra opens with a declaration of the ‘sending down’ of the Qur’ān and an enumeration of the signs  of God’s power and providence in nature. The Prophet is urged to follow God’s path independently of  the Sons of Israel. The sūra concludes with a judgment scene at which each community will be found  ‘kneeling.’
This sūra opens with a declaration of the ‘sending down’ of the Qur’ān, and then condemns the folly  of idolatry in the face of God’s power and providence. The Prophet is set forth as a typical messenger  whose ‘Book’ confirms the Torah of Moses. Next comes the story of the punishment of the people of ‘Ād,  followed by one about a band of jinn who came to believe after listening to the Qur’ān. A conclusion  stresses the certainty of resurrection and judgment.
Much of this sūra is concerned with matters of war.
This sūra offers encouragement to the Prophet and his followers after conflict with Mecca.
This sūra is deals with the conduct of the Prophet’s followers in their interactions with him and each other.
50 Qāf ۞ Qāf [+-] 352-354
This sūra opens by defending the resurrection through an appeal to the signs of God’s power and  providence in nature. It stresses the certainty of death and judgment, and concludes with words of  advice for the Prophet.
This sūra opens with a series of vivid affirmations of the certainty and imminence of the Day of Judgment.  Next comes the story of Abraham and his guests, followed by briefer reports of the punishment of  Pharaoh and the peoples of ‘Ād, Thamūd, and Noah. A final section extols God’s power and providence
This sūra opens with a series of affirmations of the certainty and imminence of the Day of Judgment.  This is followed by a description of the delights awaiting the righteous in Paradise. The latter half of the  sūra is an unrelenting diatribe against the disbelievers.
53 The Star ۞ Al-Najm [+-] 360-362
This sūra opens with the reports of two ‘visions.’ These are followed by a section rejecting the idea that angels are the ‘daughters of God.’ It concludes with a summary of the contents of ‘the scrolls of Moses and Abraham.’
This sūra consists almost entirely of the stories of earlier generations which were destroyed for their disobedience. Both the beginning and end warn that judgment is near.
The first half of this sūra recounts God’s blessings, the second describes the punishments of the wicked and rewards of the righteous. One of its distinctive features is that it addresses both people and jinn.
This sūra opens with a vivid description of the Last Day, when people will be divided into three classes – ‘the foremost’ and ‘the companions on the right and left’ – whose rewards and punishments are then described. The second half of the sūra extols God’s power and providence, and praises the Qur’ān.
57 Iron ۞ Al-Ḥadīd [+-] 372-374
This sūra opens by extolling the glory of God, and then appeals for belief and contributions in support  of the cause. It describes the different fates awaiting the ‘hypocrites’ and believers, and concludes with  a reference to the previous messengers Abraham, Noah, and Jesus.
This sūra deals with the case of a woman who disputed her husband’s attempt to end their marriage.  The remainder is a warning that those who oppose the Prophet will suffer defeat both in this world and  the next.
Most of this sūra is said to refer to the expulsion of the Banū Naḍīr (a Jewish tribe) from Medina.
This sūra warns believers about secret alliances with the enemy. It also gives instructions on how to treat women who leave their husbands to join the believers, as well as what to do about the wives of believers who run off. Erratum (Posted 12/02/2015 and to be corrected in next reprint): Page 381, sura 60, verse 5 should read: Our Lord, do not make us an (object of) persecution for those who disbelieve, but forgive us our Lord. Surely—You are the Mighty, the Wise
This sūra consists of several short passages. Notable among them is a section on the Sons of Israel’s opposition to Moses, Jesus, and finally the Prophet, whose coming (under the name of ‘Aḥmad’) Jesus is said to have predicted.
This sūra consists of several short passages. The Prophet is identified as a ‘native’ messenger, Jewish exceptionalism is criticized, and prayer is established on Friday.
This sūra is comprised of two passages, one describing the ‘hypocrites’ and the other admonishing the  believers.
This sūra extols the glory, power, and knowledge of God, and then describes the different fates awaiting  believers and disbelievers.
This sūra is mostly comprised of regulations concerning divorce.
The first half of this sūra deals with an incident between the Prophet and his wives. It concludes by  giving famous examples from the past of believing and disbelieving women.
This sūra consists mostly of short passages, many of which revolve around the theme of God’s power.
68 The Pen ۞ Al-Qalam [+-] 396-398
This sūra opens with a denial that the Prophet is ‘possessed,’ before turning to denounce one of his  opponents directly. Next comes a parable warning against arrogant self-satisfaction, followed by  section on eschatological rewards and punishments, and a concluding exhortation to the Prophet.
This sūra begins with a reference to earlier generations who dismissed the threat of punishment and  were destroyed. It then describes the terror of the Last Day and Judgment, and concludes with an  affirmation the truth of the Qur’ān.
This sūra begins by responding to a question about the coming punishment. A description of those who will enter the Garden follows. It then concludes by assuring the Prophet that his opponents are doomed.
71 Noah ۞ Nūḥ [+-] 403-404
This sūra is devoted entirely to Noah, including details not found in other iterations of his story.
72 The Jinn ۞ Al-Jinn [+-] 405-406
This sūra begins with a report of a band of jinn who heard the Prophet reciting the Qur’ān. Their affirmation of belief makes up the first half of the sūra; the latter half contains a series of pronouncements by the Prophet.
This sūra opens with the Prophet being urged to spend the night attending to the Qur’ān. This is followed by a warning to the people and an appeal for belief.
This sūra is a collection of diverse passages. It opens with a command to the Prophet to ‘arise and warn.’This is followed by sections dealing with an opponent, the number of angels guarding Hell, and the fate awaiting those who disregard the message.
This sūra is a collection of short passages, most of which revolve around the Last Day and God’s power to raise the dead. Noteworthy among them is a section dealing with the Prophet’s method of reciting the Qur’ān.
This sūra opens with a reference to the generation of humans, describes the rewards awaiting the righteous, and closes with an exhortation to the Prophet to remain steadfast.
This sūra, unified by the theme of coming punishment, opens with a series of vivid affirmations of the  certainty of judgment, and then describes the signs of the Last Day. The remainder of the sūra is a series  of eschatological ‘woes’ directed against those who deny the Judgment.
This sūra, which begins with ‘the news’ of impending judgment, extols the power and providence of God, and describes the events of the Last Day, including the different fates awaiting believers and disbelievers.
This sūra opens with a dramatic description of sinners at the resurrection. This is followed by an abridge  version of the story of Moses, as well as passages on God’s providential power and the different fates  awaiting the righteous and wicked. It concludes with the question: when will the Hour strike?
This sūra begins by admonishing the Prophet not to be concerned exclusively with the rich. Next come sections on the authority of the written message and human ingratitude for God’s providential care. It concludes with a vivid scene of the Last Day.
This sūra consists of two distinct passages. The first is a description of events of the Last Day; the latter relates a ‘vision’ on the part of the Prophet.
This sūra falls into three related parts: events of the Last Day, the certainty of Judgment, and an explanation of Judgment Day.
This sūra opens with a denunciation of those who cheat others by giving ‘short measure.’ Their punishment is contrasted with the fate the righteous.
This sūra opens with a description of events of the Last Daywhich culminate in resurrection and judgment. It concludes with a warning to those who reject the Qur’ān.
This sūra promises punishment for disbelievers and reward for believers.
This sūra stresses God’s power to raise the dead and the accountability of each individual before him.
This sūra promises the Prophet God’s support in reciting the Qur’ān, and commends those who accept its message. It concludes by emphasizing the superiority of the future life over the present one.
This sūra contrasts the fates of the righteous and the wicked on the Day of Judgment. It concludes wit  an exhortation to the Prophet to continue in his role as a ‘warner.’
89 The Dawn ۞ Al-Fajr [+-] 433-434
This sūra describes the punishment of earlier generations and concludes with a scene of judgment.
This sūra criticizes people who take the easy path and neglect the hard climb to virtue. Only the latter  leads to reward, while the former ends in punishment.
This sūra consists of two passages. The first is a series of oaths which culminate in the contrast between  true success and failure. The second passage recounts the story of the people of Thamūd, who were  destroyed for their evildoing.
This sūra, like the previous one, begins with a series of oaths which culminate in the contrast betwee  two ways in life. It concludes with the contrasting fates awaiting the righteous and wicked.
This sūra offers the Prophet reassurance and encouragement.
This sūra, like the previous one, offers the Prophet reassurance by recounting God’s past favor.
This sūra is concerned to alleviate any doubt or hesitancy the Prophet may have had about proclaiming the coming Judgment.
This sūra, regarded by some as the first revelation, opens with an exhortation to the Prophet to ‘recite’ in the name of God the creator. The second part is a warning to one of the Prophet’s opponents.
This sūra describes the night on which the Qur’ān was sent down.
This sūra explains the cause of religious divisions, and then describes the fate awaiting believers and disbelievers.
This sūra describes one of the events which will accompany the Day of Resurrection.
This sūra decries people’s ingratitude to God and their lust for wealth.
This sūra vividly describes one of the events of the Last Day.
This sūra condemns competition for wealth and status.
This sūra declares the impoverished state of human existence.
This sūra attacks wealthy critics of the Prophet and his followers.
This sūra is said to refer to an attack on Mecca by Abraha, the Christian Abyssinian ruler of Yemen.
This sūra is an appeal to the Quraysh to worship God in gratitude for his benefits.
The sūra links neglect of the poor to denial of Judgment, before turning to condemn false piety.
This sūra offers the Prophet encouragement after insult.
This sūra declares the Prophet’s complete break with the disbelievers.
This sūra foresees the coming triumph.
This sūra is said to be a curse upon the Prophet’s uncle, who opposed him at Mecca.
This sūra emphasizes the oneness and uniqueness of God.
The sūra is an apotropaic prayer to ward off magic.
This sūra is an apotropaic prayer to ward off evil suggestions.
Index to the Qur’ān [+-] 461-488
This new, annotated translation of the Qurʾān is specifically designed to meet the needs of students of religion, and provides them with a one-volume resource comparable to what is available for the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The meticulously crafted translation affords readers not only a better sense of what the Qur’ān says, but how it says it, in a rendition that strives to remain faithful to the way it was originally expressed. Accompanying the translation is an extensive set of annotations. These are keyed to the text for ready reference, and divided according to their boldface topical headings at the bottom of each page. The annotations offer a wealth of linguistic and historical detail to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the text. They also contain abundant references to parallel passages within the Qur’ān, as well as comparatively among the ‘scriptures’ of Judaism and Christianity. With an introduction, map, timeline, guide to further reading, and comprehensive index, this is the edition of the Qur’ān all students of religion – beginning as well as advanced – will want to possess for their exploration of Islam’s central text. Click here to read about this translation

Reviews

Reviews

I cannot recommend a better English translation of the Qur'an for an academic setting. Both Droge and his publisher are to be warmly congratulated. Shawkat M. Toorawa, Cornell University, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

Droge’s work provides the field of Qur’ānic Studies with a rich and meticulously researched translation that is particularly appropriate at a time when interest in the Qur’ān is growing. Ayman Ibrahim, Fuller Graduate Schools, International Qur’anic Studies Association (www.iqsaweb.org)

The major benefit of this meticulously crafted translation is its extensive set of intratextual and intertextual references. The former cover all the major terms used in the Qur’an, providing the Arabic original word in a footnote, with usages, whether parallel or variant, from other Qur’anic chapters. The latter display an intimate engagement with both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as well as a range of secondary literature that can be seen to supplement brief or cryptic Qur’anic references. Both sets of references make this an indispensable companion or guide book for reading, engaging and studying the Qur’an. A further, attractive feature of Droge’s annotations is the highlighting of subsets or pericopes of each chapter in the footnotes; the reader, by glancing through these bold highlighted passages, can quickly surmise what are the chief elements, as also their relationship, within each chapter. Even the most seasoned scholar, and the most devout Muslim, will learn from Droge’s annotated translation. It is a treasure trove of both familiar and novel elements of the Noble Book. In sum, Arthur Droge is to be commended for the extraordinary Herculean effort. Bruce B. Lawrence, Duke University

At long last, a version of the Qur’an that is willing to introduce the reader to the complexities of the historical formation and secular interpretation of this important text. Droge is to be congratulated for making accessible to the student of religious studies a critical apparatus, something that is all too often ignored in other translations. Aaron Hughes, University of Rochester

Several new translations of the Qurʾān have appeared over the past 20 years or so. None, however, has attempted the depth and breadth of annotation of the entire text that Droge’s work provides. Readers coming to the Qurʾān with a desire to compare the scripture to the Biblical text will especially find the extensive citation of parallel passages to be of interest. Droge has provided lucid explanations of unclear passages and significant variant readings, making the ambiguities and challenges of the Qurʾān open to all curious readers. Andrew Rippin, University of Victoria

A translation tailored for students of religious studies. Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. CHOICE, April 2014

This volume, published in clear, relatively large print, is a useful one volume resource for anyone (the academic or the educated general reader) who wants to learn more about Islam, particularly the Qur’an.
Church Times
, 2014

This new annotated translation of the Qur’an in English by Arthur Droge ... has been praised by many scholars in the field. Each page of the book contains numerous footnotes that contribute to the understanding of the Qur’anic ayahs. [The book] has become one of the best sources for Qur’an researchers who write mostly in English.
Golestan-e Qur'ān
, Summer 2014

This is certainly the best English translation of the Qur'an.
Gabriel Said Reynolds, Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology, University of Notre Dame

The major benefit of this meticulously crafted translation is its extensive set of intratextual and intertextual references. Both sets of references make this an indispensable companion or guidebook for reading, engaging, and studying the Qur'an.
Bruce B. Lawrence, Review of Middle East Studies