Which English translation of the Quran should I read?

Widely used translations

• Sahih International: fairly literal, uses brackets to show words added for clarity. It's the default in many apps and websites, so it's easy to look things up.
• The Clear Quran (Mustafa Khattab): clear, modern English with short helpful footnotes. Many new Muslims find it the easiest to read cover to cover.
• M.A.S. Abdel Haleem: published by Oxford, flowing English with a useful introduction. Good if you like reading it like a book.
• Yusuf Ali and Pickthall: classic older translations from the early 20th century. Respected, but the old-style English ("thee", "thou") can feel heavy.

Other translations exist with different styles. Some, like Muhammad Asad's, are beautifully written but include personal interpretations that some scholars have criticized, so they're better read alongside a mainstream one. See Can I touch the Quran if I'm not Muslim?

Literal or readable?

Every translation makes choices. A literal one stays close to the Arabic word order but can sound stiff. A readable one flows better but involves more interpretation. A practical approach:

• For daily reading: a readable one, like The Clear Quran or Abdel Haleem.
• For checking details: a literal one, like Sahih International, or a word-by-word app.

Remember that any translation is a translation of the meaning. See Do I need to learn Arabic before I become Muslim?

Add a little explanation

Some verses refer to events in the Prophet's ﷺ life or answer specific situations. Without context they can be confusing. The Quran invites deep thinking:

A short commentary helps you reflect correctly.

Tips for choosing

• Try before you buy: most apps let you switch translations, so read the same page in two or three.
• Pick a bilingual edition: having the Arabic next to the English helps when you start learning the letters.
• Ask your local mosque: many give free copies to new Muslims and people curious about Islam.