This page presents 7 parallel translations of the Qur’an. You can view the verses side by side, compare their meanings, and explore the nuances in each translation. This allows a deeper understanding of the Qur’an’s message and insight into different interpretive approaches.
Chapter (108) sūrat l-kawthar (A River in Paradise)
A River in Paradise – Verse (108:1) – English Translation
Sahih International: Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar.
Pickthall: Lo! We have given thee Abundance;
Yusuf Ali: To thee have We granted the Fount (of Abundance).
Shakir: Surely We have given you Kausar,
Muhammad Sarwar: (Muhammad), We have granted you abundant virtue.
Mohsin Khan: Verily, We have granted you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) Al-Kauthar (a river in Paradise);
Arberry: Surely We have given thee abundance;
A River in Paradise – Verse (108:2) – English Translation
Sahih International: So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].
Pickthall: So pray unto thy Lord, and sacrifice.
Yusuf Ali: Therefore to thy Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.
Shakir: Therefore pray to your Lord and make a sacrifice.
Muhammad Sarwar: So worship your Lord and make sacrificial offerings.
Mohsin Khan: Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only).
Arberry: so pray unto thy Lord and sacrifice.
A River in Paradise – Verse (108:3) – English Translation
Sahih International: Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.
Pickthall: Lo! it is thy insulter (and not thou) who is without posterity.
Yusuf Ali: For he who hateth thee, he will be cut off (from Future Hope).
Shakir: Surely your enemy is the one who shall be without posterity,
Muhammad Sarwar: Whoever hates you will himself remain childless.
Mohsin Khan: For he who makes you angry (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), – he will be cut off (from every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter).
Arberry: Surely he that hates thee, he is the one cut off.
1. Sahih International
- Translators: A group translation (edited by Umm Muhammad).
- Focus: Aims for literal accuracy (word-for-word meaning) using clear, modern English.
- Key Feature: Very popular in modern digital and print media due to its straightforward language and adherence to a generally accepted literal interpretation.
2. Pickthall
- Translator: Marmaduke Pickthall (An English convert to Islam).
- Focus: Uses a classical, formal English style. It aimed to provide an “English equivalent” while retaining original Islamic terminology (e.g., Allah, Salat).
- Key Feature: Considered the first authoritative English translation by a Muslim. Highly respected for its dignified and formal tone.
3. Yusuf Ali
- Translator: Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
- Focus: Most famous for its extensive footnotes and commentary (tafsir) which offer detailed background and theological context.
- Key Feature: Extremely popular, though the English is sometimes archaic, resembling the King James Bible style. The value lies primarily in its rich commentary.
4. Shakir
- Translator: M.H. Shakir.
- Focus: Known for being more concise and simple than Yusuf Ali, with fewer footnotes.
- Key Feature: The language is generally direct and less stylized, making it an easier read for some.
5. Muhammad Sarwar
- Translator: Muhammad Sarwar.
- Focus: Focuses on using simple, clear, and fluent modern English for easy comprehension.
- Key Feature: A contemporary translation designed to communicate the central message of the Qur’an without heavy theological phrasing or deep commentary.
6. Mohsin Khan (Hilali & Khan)
- Translators: Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali.
- Focus: Strictly adheres to the Salafi/Wahhabi school of interpretation. It frequently uses parenthetical insertions to clarify the meaning based on Hadith and Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).
- Key Feature: Known for its literal approach and inclusion of bracketed explanations to ensure the interpretation aligns with established scholarly views.
7. Arberry
- Translator: Arthur John Arberry (Academic).
- Focus: An academic and literary translation. Arberry’s primary goal was to capture the rhythm, music, and rhetorical quality (eloquence) of the original Arabic text.
- Key Feature: Highly praised for its attempt to convey the poetic beauty and flow of the Qur’an, often prioritizing literary quality over detailed commentary.