A Critical Review of Thomas Cleary’s Translation of Holy Qur’ān (In the Perspective of Imām Ghazālī’s Six Aims of Qur’ān)

Abstract

The translation of Holy Qur’ān in any language especially English requires optimum level of expertise, composure, in-depth knowledge of literature and diction for an author along with several other competencies. Such an English Translation (selected Surahs) attempt has been produced by Thomas Cleary in modern times. Cleary translated 39 selected Surahs and their handful verses from Qur’ān in the light of six aims of message of Qur’ān narrated by Imām Ghazālī (Jawahir Al-Qur’ān). The translation is produced with the purpose of providing short and easy passage for NonMuslim reader to understand the crux of message of Qur’ān. The circumstances of Arab society, life of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and Revelation of Qur’ān have been discussed to enlighten the reader about
back ground and history of Islam and Qur’ān. Cleary’s elaboration for Surah Selection based on divisions of Surah into jewels & pearls by Imām Ghazālī has been methodically analyzed. The Poetic diction and rich vocabulary make this translation more powerful and a recommended reading. The brief review conducted in this study not only reviews all sections of the book but also unveils a critical analysis of some of the short comings and lapses in this translation i-e, use of Complex Diction, Arabic vocabulary, Brief Verses Selection from within Surahs and References from controversial Oriental Qur’ān Translations.