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 (98) sūrat l-bayinah (The Clear Evidence)
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:1) – English Translation
Sahih International: Those who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists were not to be parted [from misbelief] until there came to them clear evidence –
Pickthall: Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters could not have left off (erring) till the clear proof came unto them,
Yusuf Ali: Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, were not going to depart (from their ways) until there should come to them Clear Evidence,-
Shakir: Those who disbelieved from among the followers of the Book and the polytheists could not have separated (from the faithful) until there had come to them the clear evidence:
Muhammad Sarwar: The disbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans disbelieved (in Islam) only after receiving divine testimony:
Mohsin Khan: Those who disbelieve from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and among Al-Mushrikun, were not going to leave (their disbelief) until there came to them clear evidence.
Arberry: The unbelievers of the People of the Book and the idolaters would never leave off; till the Clear Sign came to them,
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:2) – English Translation
Sahih International: A Messenger from Allah , reciting purified scriptures
Pickthall: A messenger from Allah, reading purified pages
Yusuf Ali: An messenger from Allah, rehearsing scriptures kept pure and holy:
Shakir: An messenger from Allah, reciting pure pages,
Muhammad Sarwar: a Messenger (Muhammad) from God, reciting to them parts of the purified,
Mohsin Khan: A Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from Allah, reciting (the Quran) purified pages [purified from Al-Batil (falsehood, etc.)].
Arberry: a Messenger from God, reciting pages purified,
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:3) – English Translation
Sahih International: Within which are correct writings.
Pickthall: Containing correct scriptures.
Yusuf Ali: Wherein are laws (or decrees) right and straight.
Shakir: Wherein are all the right ordinances.
Muhammad Sarwar: holy Book which contain eternal laws of guidance.
Mohsin Khan: Containing correct and straight laws from Allah.
Arberry: therein true Books.
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:4) – English Translation
Sahih International: Nor did those who were given the Scripture become divided until after there had come to them clear evidence.
Pickthall: Nor were the People of the Scripture divided until after the clear proof came unto them.
Yusuf Ali: Nor did the People of the Book make schisms, until after there came to them Clear Evidence.
Shakir: And those who were given the Book did not become divided except after clear evidence had come to them.
Muhammad Sarwar: Nor did the People of the Book disagreed among themselves until after receiving the ancient divine testaments.
Mohsin Khan: And the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) differed not until after there came to them clear evidence. (i.e. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and whatever was revealed to him).
Arberry: And they scattered not, those that were given the Book, excepting after the Clear Sign came to them.
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:5) – English Translation
Sahih International: And they were not commanded except to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.
Pickthall: And they are ordered naught else than to serve Allah, keeping religion pure for Him, as men by nature upright, and to establish worship and to pay the poor-due. That is true religion.
Yusuf Ali: And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.
Shakir: And they were not enjoined anything except that they should serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience, upright, and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and that is the right religion.
Muhammad Sarwar: They were only commanded to worship God, be uprightly devoted to His religion, steadfast in prayer and pay the zakat. This is truly the eternal religion.
Mohsin Khan: And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat: and that is the right religion.
Arberry: They were commanded only to serve God, making the religion His sincerely, men of pure faith, and to perform the prayer, and pay the alms — that is the religion of the True.
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:6) – English Translation
Sahih International: Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures.
Pickthall: Lo! those who disbelieve, among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters, will abide in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings.
Yusuf Ali: Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, will be in Hell-Fire, to dwell therein (for aye). They are the worst of creatures.
Shakir: Surely those who disbelieve from among the followers of the Book and the polytheists shall be in the fire of hell, abiding therein; they are the worst of men.
Muhammad Sarwar: The disbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans will dwell forever in hell; they are the worst of all creatures.
Mohsin Khan: Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islam, the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikun will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures.
Arberry: The unbelievers of the People of the Book and the idolaters shall be in the Fire of Gehenna, therein dwelling forever; those are the worst of creatures.
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:7) – English Translation
Sahih International: Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures.
Pickthall: (And) lo! those who believe and do good works are the best of created beings.
Yusuf Ali: Those who have faith and do righteous deeds,- they are the best of creatures.
Shakir: (As for) those who believe and do good, surely they are the -best of men.
Muhammad Sarwar: The righteously striving believers are the best of all creatures.
Mohsin Khan: Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah, and in His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) including all obligations ordered by Islam] and do righteous good deeds, they are the best of creatures.
Arberry: But those who believe, and do righteous deeds, those are the best of creatures;
The Clear Evidence – Verse (98:8) – English Translation
Sahih International: Their reward with Allah will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them and they with Him. That is for whoever has feared his Lord.
Pickthall: Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow, wherein they dwell for ever. Allah hath pleasure in them and they have pleasure in Him. This is (in store) for him who feareth his Lord.
Yusuf Ali: Their reward is with Allah: Gardens of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein for ever; Allah well pleased with them, and they with Him: all this for such as fear their Lord and Cherisher.
Shakir: Their reward with their Lord is gardens of perpetuity beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein for ever; Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him; that is for him who fears his Lord.
Muhammad Sarwar: Their reward from their Lord will be the gardens of Eden wherein streams flow and wherein they will live forever. God will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him. This (reward) is for those who fear their Lord.
Mohsin Khan: Their reward with their Lord is ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (Gardens of Eternity), underneath which rivers flow, they will abide therein forever, Allah Well-Pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for him who fears his Lord.
Arberry: their recompense is with their Lord-Gardens of Eden, underneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling for ever and ever. God is well-pleased with them, and they are well-pleased with Him; that is for him who fears his Lord.
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.