Al-Qur'an, The Guidance for Mankind

Al-Qur'an, The Guidance For Mankind , is a unique translation of the Qur'an in contemporary American English. It includes the Biography of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ, his mission as a Prophet, and his ranking in human history. It includes the entire text of the Qur'an. Its features include:

(1) Field Testing the Communication of the Divine Message

The unique feature of this translation is its field testing for over 3 1/2 years to improve the communication and understanding of the Divine Message. Translation passages were given to the New Muslim and Non-Muslim high school and college students for reading under the supervision of variousUlema (scholars). After reading, the person was asked to explain what he/she understood from the passage. If his/her understanding was the same as is in the Arabic Text of the Holy Qur'an then we concluded that we were successful in conveying the Divine Message properly.

If his/her understanding was different than what the Qur'anic verses were stating, we kept on rewording the translation until those verses were understood properly. It demonstrated tremendous patience on the part of the participants. May Allah reward them all.

(2) Simplicity

In this translation, Simple Language and Direct Approach are used for appealing to the common sense of scholars and common people.

(3) Understandability

There are no footnotes to refer to and no commentary or lengthy explanations to read. All necessary explanations have been incorporated right there in the text with italic type setting to differentiate from the translation of the meanings of Qur'anic Arabic Text.

(4) Outline of Pertinent Information

Before the start of eachsurah , information relating to its period of revelation, major issues, divine laws, and guidance has been presented as an outline. Then a summary of the preceding events has been tabulated for the reader to understand the historical background to grasp the full meaning of the Divine Message.

(5) Reviews, Input, and Approvals

This project was started in 1991 and the initial draft was completed in 1994. Then the translation was sent to differentUlema (Scholars)domestically and throughout the United States for their review and input. After their reviews and input, it was sent to Jami' Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Egypt, Ummal Qur in Saudi Arabia, and International Islamic University in Pakistan for their review, input, and approval. This translation was published after their reviews and approvals.