Translator’s foreword

The aim of this work is to present to English readers what Muslims the world over hold to be the meaning of the words of the Qur’an and the nature of that book, in not unworthy language and concisely, with a view to the requirements of English Muslims.

It may be reasonably claimed that no Holy Scripture can be fairly presented by one who disbelieves its inspiration and its message; and this is the first English translation of the Qur’an by an Englishman who is a Muslim. Some of the translations include commentation offensive to Muslims, and almost all employ a style of language which Muslims at once recognise as unworthy. The Qur’an cannot be translated. That is the belief of old-fashioned Shaikhs and the view of the present writer. The Book is here rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language.

The result is not the Glorious Qur’an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to present the meaning of the Qur’an-and peradventure something of the charm-in English. It can never take the place of the Qur’an in Arabic, nor is it meant to do so.