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 (112) sūrat l-ikhlāṣ (Sincerity)
The Sincerity – Verse (112:1) – English Translation
Sahih International: Say, “He is Allah , [who is] One,
Pickthall: Say: He is Allah, the One!
Yusuf Ali: Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
Shakir: Say: He, Allah, is One.
Muhammad Sarwar: (Muhammad), say, “He is the only God.
Mohsin Khan: Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): “He is Allah, (the) One.
Arberry: Say: ‘He is God, One,
The Sincerity – Verse (112:2) – English Translation
Sahih International: Allah , the Eternal Refuge.
Pickthall: Allah, the eternally Besought of all!
Yusuf Ali: Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
Shakir: Allah is He on Whom all depend.
Muhammad Sarwar: God is Absolute.
Mohsin Khan: “Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).
Arberry: God, the Everlasting Refuge,
The Sincerity – Verse (112:3) – English Translation
Sahih International: He neither begets nor is born,
Pickthall: He begetteth not nor was begotten.
Yusuf Ali: He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;
Shakir: He begets not, nor is He begotten.
Muhammad Sarwar: He neither begets nor was He begotten.
Mohsin Khan: “He begets not, nor was He begotten;
Arberry: who has not begotten, and has not been begotten,
The Sincerity – Verse (112:4) – English Translation
Sahih International: Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
Pickthall: And there is none comparable unto Him.
Yusuf Ali: And there is none like unto Him.
Shakir: And none is like Him.
Muhammad Sarwar: There is no one equal to Him.
Mohsin Khan: “And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.”
Arberry: and equal to Him is not any one.’
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.