TheMostReadBook.org

Suggested translation^1,2:

-------
¹This translation may have been updated from the original suggested translation as a result of the discussions that follow.
²Click on the {verse number} of a translation to see other good translations of the verse.

I suggest,

{2:2} That is the Book, no doubt in it is guidance for the watchful [of God].

See the following two topics for more details:

• The use of double three-dot triangle punctuation marks, and
• The translation of التَّقوٰى

الغَيْب means a lot more than "the unseen." It also means everything that is kept from us, So, a better translation would be "the hidden" or "the beyond." Also, it's proper English to say "provided them" and since the Arabic text does not have a preposition, there no reason to add "for" to the translation.


أُنزِل does not mean "has been revealed," it means "was sent down." Also, there is no reason to add "[in faith]", IMHO.


I don't know if "[right]" is necessary.

I agree that "the unseen" is not a good translation of الغَيْب, but I didn't find the alternatives more compelling.


Agreed.


Yes, this an example of unnecessary addition. There are more striking examples of "defensive" additions which seem to aim at dissuading certain conclusions, e.g., in the different translations of verse 2:219.

My Translation (rhythm: مُسْتَفْعِلٌ مُسْتَفْعِلُ = This is the Book/ without a doubt/):

{2:1} A. L. M.

{2:2} This is The Book without a doubt. Herein are guided the devout:

{2:3} Those who believe in the unseen, and pray and spend of what they're gi'en,

{2:4} and who believe in what's revealed to you (Muhammad) and before; who're certain of the Final Day.

{2:5} They have the guidance from their Lord. Truly felicitous are they.

Quite a literary translation, Poetic. I think there is quite a place for a poetic translation of the Quran and I bet you're the person to do it.

For this project, however, we favor linguistic closeness to the source than the literary dimension, unless of course the two aspects can be combined. My suggestion for a translation is,

{2:1} Alif (A), Laam (L), Meem (M).

{2:2} That is the Book no doubt in it is guidance for the watchful [of God],

{2:3} Those Who believe in the Beyond, establish prayer, and out of what We have provided them they spend,

{2:4} And who believe in what was sent down to you [, O Muhammad,] and what was sent down before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain.

{2:5} Those are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the prospering.