The Message of The Qur'an

The Message of The Qur'an is a comprehensive English translation and commentary of the Qur'an completed by Muhammad Asad in 1980. Originally intended as a two-year project, the work took seventeen years to complete and represents Asad's mission to make the Qur'anic text accessible to English-speaking readers. The translation is based on the 1924 Cairo edition and includes extensive footnotes, explanations of linguistic choices, and historical context for each chapter. Asad, an Austrian-born convert to Islam, brings his unique perspective as someone familiar with both Western and Islamic intellectual traditions to bear on the translation work. The book stands as one of the most significant modern English translations of the Qur'an, with multiple reprints and translations into other languages since its initial publication. The extensive commentary accompanying the translation draws from classical Islamic scholarship while incorporating contemporary intellectual frameworks. The work emphasizes rational understanding and individual interpretation of the sacred text, reflecting Asad's modernist approach to Islamic thought and his belief in making religious texts relevant to contemporary readers.

Readers praise Asad's clear English translation and detailed commentary that connects verses to their historical context. Many note his rational, intellectual approach appeals to Western readers and those seeking deeper understanding beyond literal interpretation. Likes: - Comprehensive footnotes explaining cultural/linguistic nuances - Modern, accessible English while maintaining Quranic meaning - Inclusion of classical scholar perspectives - Clean formatting with Arabic text alongside translation Dislikes: - Some readers find his interpretations too modernist/liberal - Several note disagreement with his translation choices on specific verses - A few mention the physical book's binding quality issues - Some say footnotes can be overwhelming for casual reading Ratings: Goodreads: 4.8/5 (421 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (289 ratings) Common review quote: "Asad brings a unique perspective as a European convert who studied classical Arabic and Islamic sciences. His footnotes alone are worth the purchase." - Multiple Amazon reviewers

The Study Quran A comprehensive translation and commentary drawing from classical Islamic sources while engaging with contemporary scholarship and modern interpretive approaches.

Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations by Michael Sells Presents the earliest Quranic suras with detailed linguistic analysis and historical context similar to Asad's methodological approach.

Reading the Qur'an by Ziauddin Sardar Examines the Quran's themes and concepts through both classical Islamic scholarship and modern interpretive frameworks.

Major Themes of the Qur'an by Fazlur Rahman Organizes Quranic teachings by theme while incorporating both traditional and modern interpretative methods.

Islam: The Straight Path by John Esposito Provides context for understanding Quranic teachings through historical development and intellectual traditions of Islam.

🔹 Muhammad Asad was born Leopold Weiss in Austria-Hungary and converted to Islam in 1926 after extensive travels in the Middle East, making him one of the most prominent European converts to Islam in the 20th century. 🔹 The translation took 17 years to complete and was first published in 1980, incorporating insights from Asad's unique perspective as both a Western intellectual and a devoted Muslim scholar. 🔹 The work includes over 5,000 explanatory notes, making it one of the most extensively annotated English translations of the Qur'an available. 🔹 Before embarking on this translation, Asad spent decades studying in traditional Islamic centers of learning in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan, gaining deep insights into classical Arabic linguistics. 🔹 The Saudi government initially supported the project and printed the first edition, but later withdrew support due to disagreements over some of Asad's modernist interpretations, particularly regarding supernatural elements in the text.