The Quran (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. An Eloquent English Translation with Surah-by-Surah Commentary on Prophetic Revelation, Islamic Ethics, Spirituality, and Historical ContextBy Abdullah Yusuf Ali
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length21h 54m

About this audiobook

Abdullah Yusuf Ali's The Quran is both an English rendering of Islam's foundational scripture and an extensive work of interpretation, enriched by explanatory notes and introductory essays. Its translation seeks to preserve the Qur'an's semantic precision, rhetorical force, and devotional gravity while remaining readable for an English-speaking audience. Ali's elevated, often archaic diction deliberately echoes the cadences of the King James Bible and the solemn register of classical religious prose, placing the work within the wider twentieth-century tradition of scriptural translation. The accompanying commentary situates verses within Qur'anic themes, prophetic narratives, ethical instruction, and Islamic theology, guiding readers through the text's repetitions, allusions, and intricate literary structures. Born in India and educated within both Islamic and British intellectual milieus, Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1872–1953) combined training in law, public service, Arabic and Persian learning, and sustained engagement with English literature. His cosmopolitan background enabled him to present the Qur'an to modern Western-educated readers without reducing its spiritual or doctrinal complexity. The translation reflects his conviction that the Qur'an should be encountered as revelation, moral instruction, and profound literature. This edition is especially valuable for readers seeking a historically influential English interpretation accompanied by substantial traditional commentary. It rewards patient reading, comparison with other translations, and reflection on the relationship between language, exegesis, and faith. Students of Islamic studies, comparative religion, and sacred literature will find it an illuminating and enduring point of entry into the Qur'anic world. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★★ 4.5 (81.6K)
Includes Goodreads, Amazon, StoryGraph, LibraryThing
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length21 hrs 54 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 17, 2022
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1The Quran (Annotated)
26Sūra XX: Ta-Ha
2Introduction
27Sūra XXI: Al-Anbiya
3Synopsis
28Sūra XXII: Al-Hajj
4Historical Context
29Sūra XXIII: Al-Mumenoon
5Author Biography
30Sūra XXIV: Al-Noor
Show all chapters
6The Qur’an
31Sūra XXV: Al-Furqan
7Sūra I: Al-Fatiha
32Sūra XXVI: Al-Shuara
8Sūra II: Al-Baqara
33Sūra XXVII: Al-Naml
9Sūra III: Al-e-Imran
34Sūra XXVIII: Al-Qasas
10Sūra IV: An-Nisa
35Sūra XXIX: Al-Ankaboot
11Sūra V: Al-Maeda
36Sūra XXX: Al-Room
12Sūra VI: Al-Anaam
37Sūra XXXI: Luqman
13Sūra VII: Al-Araf
38Sūra XXXII: As-Sajda
14Sūra VIII: Al-Anfal
39Sūra XXXIII: Al-Ahzab
15Sūra IX: Al-Tawba
40Sūra XXXIV: Saba
16Sūra X: Yunus
41Sūra XXXV: Fatir
17Sūra XI: Hud
42Sūra XXXVI: Ya-Seen
18Sūra XII: Yusuf
43Sūra XXXVII: As-Saaffat
19Sūra XIII: Al-Rad
44Sūra XXXVIII: Sad
20Sūra XIV: Ibrahim
45Sūra XXXIX: Az-Zumar
21Sūra XV: Al-Hijr
46Sūra XL: Al-Ghafir
22Sūra XVI: An-Nahl
47Sūra XLI: Fussilat
23Sūra XVII: Al-Isra
48Sūra XLII: Ash-Shura
24Sūra XVIII: Al-Kahf
49Sūra XLIII: Az-Zukhruf
25Sūra XIX: Maryam
50Sūra XLIV: Ad-Dukhan

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