The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary

Abdullah Yusuf Ali

May 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

The Holy Qur'an: Text, Translation and Commentary is an English translation of the Qur'an by the anglophile British Indian Ismaili Bohri Shi'ite Muslim civil servant Abdullah Yusuf Ali during the British Raj. It has become among the most widely known English translations of the Qur'an, due in part to its prodigious use of footnotes._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_

About the author

Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1872-1953) was a distinguished Indian Islamic scholar, best known for his monumental English translation and commentary of the Quran, titled 'The Meaning of The Holy Quran.' Born in Bombay, British India, Yusuf Ali was educated at several prestigious institutions including Wilson College, Mumbai, and subsequently, St. John's College, Cambridge. With a flair for languages and a deep interest in literature and culture, he was well-equipped to embark on the colossal task of translating the Quran into English—a work that began in 1928 and was completed in 1934, later published in 1938 by the Trust. His translation has been cherished by both Western and Eastern scholars for its clarity, eloquence, and faithfulness to the spirit of the original Arabic text. Yusuf Ali incorporated extensive footnotes in his translation, thereby providing a commentary that helps readers understand the context and nuances behind the verses. His literary style combined with an accessible and poetic use of language stands as a testament to his scholarly and linguistic prowess. While 'The Meaning of The Holy Quran' remains his most celebrated work, Yusuf Ali was also a prolific writer, having penned several other books on the themes of Islamic thought, society, and education. His translation of the Quran has withstood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular and widely used translations across the English-speaking world.