The Qur'an: A Verse Translation

Praise for The Qur'an: A Verse Translation

This poetic rendition of the holy text will appeal to nonbelievers, too . . . The new translation is much more succinct and is rendered in language that is natural and limpid and, as the authors claim, ‘reads like English verse while retaining the deep structure of the Arabic text.’ Whether Habib and Lawrence’s translation becomes a standard for English-speaking Muslims like me remains to be seen. Nonetheless, their work should be of interest to everyone for the way in which it provides clarity, context, and beauty to — and renders into poetry — one of civilization’s most important texts.
— Mike Maggio - Washington Independent Review of Books

Capturing the form of the original without distorting the content. Given that the Qur’an is recitative, meant to be read or chanted out loud, Habib and Lawrence chose verse instead of prose in short lines that amplify the succinct power of the words. They took care to suggest the pauses and cadences of the Arabic with repetitions that are not redundant but amplify the meaning of the words. As they explain, their versification transcends the flatness of linear thinking, allowing the text “to be registered on several levels: cognitive, sensible, psychological, and spiritual.” The God heard here isn’t speaking the language of fundamentalism but in allusions of infinity.
— David Luhrssen

The Qur’an: A Verse Translation captures the imagery and lyricism of the Sacred Text superbly, while renovating the language of earlier translations. An extraordinary achievement, it will be my go-to translation from now on.


— Ziauddin Sardar, author of Desperately Seeking Paradise, Mecca: The Sacred City and Reading the Qur’an

I have read or consulted more translations of the Qur’an than I can remember, but none did what this one does. None took me aside, as it were, before beginning, explained how the Qur’an works aesthetically and orally in Arabic and then proceeded to explain in equal detail how the verse translation awaiting me would work aesthetically and, again, orally to duplicate this effect in English. Habib and Lawrence have unlocked for me as no one has before a world masterpiece of sacred oratory.
— Jack Miles, author of God: A Biography and God in the Qur’an

Translation is always about interpretation and choice. Habib and Lawrence prioritize conveying some of the literary beauty of the Qur’an, while maintaining clarity. Their translation, which can be read easily and out loud, is an excellent resource, especially for those who do not have access to the original Arabic text.
— Dr. Leyla Ozgur Alhassen, author of How the Qur’an Works: Reading Sacred Narrative and Qur’anic Stories: God, Revelation, and the Audience

Too many translations of the Qur’an focus only on semantics while neglecting the meaning conveyed by the clear, beautiful and majestic forms through which God has chosen to speak to humanity. Habib and Lawrence’s verse translation is a refreshing and compelling contribution to the genre that will resonate with many listeners/readers. I also appreciate the layout of the text which is elegant and uncluttered; the Qur’an deserves no less than this care and attention.
— Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Chair of Islamic Studies, Huron University College

This must be the most beautiful translation of the Qur'an ever, being the first attempt to produce a verse rendition of the final divine revelation to humankind. It is both impressively poetic and accurate. It also includes an elaborate introduction, furnishing insightful background to the Islamic Holy Book.
— Dr. Ahmad Elezabi, Director General, Al-Azhar Center for Translation, University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt