Book

Le Saint Coran

📖 Overview

Le Saint Coran is a French translation of the Quran published in 1959 by Muhammad Hamidullah, a Islamic scholar from Hyderabad, India. The translation includes the original Arabic text alongside the French translation. The work contains extensive annotations and commentary providing historical context and linguistic explanations. Hamidullah completed this translation over several years while living and teaching in Paris, drawing on both Western and Islamic scholarly traditions. This translation stands out for its emphasis on maintaining the poetic rhythm and literary style of the original Arabic in French. The accompanying notes address questions of etymology between Arabic and French, along with discussions of key theological concepts. The text demonstrates the complex interplay between sacred scripture and the challenge of rendering religious meaning across languages and cultures. It represents an important contribution to making Islamic texts accessible to French-speaking audiences while preserving their spiritual essence.

👀 Reviews

Reviews are limited for Muhammad Hamidullah's French translation of the Quran. Most French-speaking readers note that the language is clear and accessible compared to other French translations. Several readers highlighted the detailed footnotes and commentary that help provide context. Readers appreciated: - Side-by-side Arabic and French text - Comprehensive introduction to each surah - Quality binding and paper - Inclusion of pronunciation guides Common criticisms: - Some archaic French expressions - Occasional printing errors in early editions - Index could be more detailed Ratings: Amazon.fr: 4.5/5 (137 reviews) Goodreads: Not enough ratings for average One reader on Amazon.fr wrote: "The explanatory notes make difficult passages more understandable for non-Arabic speakers." Another noted: "While not perfectly literal, it captures the meaning well for French readers." Based on available reviews, this translation serves primarily as a study aid for French speakers learning about the Quran.

📚 Similar books

The Study Quran by Seyyed Hossein Nasr This translation and commentary of the Quran draws from classical Islamic scholarship while incorporating contemporary academic research.

The Message of The Quran by Muhammad Asad The translation combines linguistic precision with explanations of the Quran's historical and spiritual context.

The Holy Quran: Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali This English translation includes extensive notes on Islamic history, culture, and comparative religion.

The Noble Quran by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan This translation emphasizes traditional Sunni interpretations and includes references to Hadith literature.

The Clear Quran by Dr. Mustafa Khattab The translation uses modern English while maintaining fidelity to classical Arabic interpretations and includes contextual footnotes.

🤔 Interesting facts

🕌 Muhammad Hamidullah's French translation of the Quran (Le Saint Coran) was the first complete French translation by a Muslim scholar, published in 1959. 📚 The author, Muhammad Hamidullah, was fluent in 22 languages and translated the Quran into multiple languages including French, German, and English. 🎓 While living in Paris as a political exile, Hamidullah taught at the Sorbonne and dedicated nearly a decade to completing this translation. 📖 The translation includes extensive footnotes and commentary that specifically address Western readers' cultural and historical questions about Islam. 🌟 Le Saint Coran remains one of the most widely used French translations of the Quran in France and French-speaking African nations, particularly appreciated for its clarity and scholarly approach.