Anonymous asked: I was curious if you thought there is a good English translation of the Quran to read. I don't know Arabic but I'm interested in reading it not really for religious reasons but just for knowledge. Thanks
No.
Aside from reiterating the common axiom that any translation of the Qur’an is really an interpretation, you have to be very careful when you’re looking at translations of anything, but particularly religious scriptures which, unfortunately, tend to be dominated by very divisive ideological camps.
I’ve read translations which implore Muslims to not take Christians or Jews as spiritual guides, and translations which implore Muslims to not take Christians or Jews as friends. Same passage, vastly different meanings. It’s nasty business.
Read it in Arabic. Otherwise, read different English translations together along with commentaries.
