The Qur'an: a Verse Translation

A monumental feat of translation: Islam s founding text rendered in limpid English verse that echoes the sublimity of the Arabic original

The product of a ten-year-long collaboration between one of our most respected scholars of Islam (Bruce B. Lawrence) and a poet and scholar of literature (M.A.R. Habib), The Qur’an: A Verse Translation offers readers the first edition in English to echo, in accessible and resonant verse, the sonorous beauty of the Arabic original as well as the complex nuances of its meaning. Those familiar with the Arabic-and especially the faithful who hear the text recited aloud-know that the Qur’an is a perfect blend of sound and sense. While no translation can perfectly capture these complementary virtues of the original, Habib and Lawrence have come closest to an accessible, clear and fluid English Qur’an that all readers, no matter their faith or familiarity with the text, can read with pleasure and with a deeper appreciation for the book and the religious tradition founded upon it.

“Too many translations of the Qur’an focus only on semantics while neglecting the meaning conveyed by the clear, beautiful and majestic forms through which God has chosen to speak to humanity. Habib and Lawrence’s verse translation is a refreshing and compelling contribution to the genre that will resonate with many listeners/readers. I also appreciate the layout of the text which is elegant and uncluttered; the Qur’an deserves no less than this care and attention.” -Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Chair of Islamic Studies, Huron University College

“This must be the most beautiful translation of the Qur an ever, being the first attempt to produce a verse rendition of the final divine revelation to humankind. It is both impressively poetic and accurate. It also includes an elaborate introduction, furnishing insightful background to the Islamic Holy Book.”-Dr. Ahmad Elezabi, Director General, Al-Azhar Centre for Translation,University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt