Bridges’ Qur’an’s translation 1.5.0

Bridges’ translation was aimed at assisting non-Arabic readers in pondering the Qur’an (tadabbor). The translation team not only focused on accurately conveying the intended message of God but also on faithfully representing the style in which it was delivered.

Main features that distinguish Bridges Translation:

1. It is the pioneering translation to incorporate the ten Qira’at (modes of recitation). The primary text adheres to the widely used Qira’a of Asem, as transmitted by Hafs. Any deviations are elucidated in footnotes, with approximately 30% of significant variations represented in the translation. Minor dialectical variances are noted in footnotes, as they may not be effectively conveyed in English. Terms linked to Qira’at footnotes are highlighted in red within the text, with the option to activate or deactivate these footnotes in the settings.
2. It stands out as the initial translation to consider the Qur’anic phenomenon of grammatical transitions, encompassing shifts in verb tenses, numbers, and pronouns. These linguistic nuances provide thought-provoking elements for readers. An example is the Qur’anic usage of past tense when discussing the Hereafter, a characteristic respected in this translation. Terms requiring footnotes addressing grammatical shifts or other clarifications are denoted in blue within the text.
3. The translators decided against inserting explanatory text within brackets (e.g., “O Prophet” or “O mankind”) to indicate whether pronouns or verbs are singular, dual, or plural. Instead, they innovatively employed superscripts after nouns, pronouns, and imperative verbs. For instance: youpl denotes plural pronouns, yousg signifies singular pronouns, and youdl represents dual pronouns. Similarly, imperative verbs like “say” are annotated as saypl for a plural verb, saysg for a singular verb, and saydl for a dual verb. Notably, imperative verbs in the singular form mostly address Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Qur’an.

About Bridges Foundation

Bridges Foundation is an esteemed global organization specializing in educating both Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam.

For further details on Bridges' initiatives or to contribute to its educational and Da’wa programs, kindly visit their website at www.bridges-foundation.org.

Appreciation is extended to the dedicated team who tirelessly worked on this translation for over three years.

Translation Team and Linguists:

• Imam Fadel Soliman (Team Coordinator, Translator, Theology & Qira’at Consultant)
• Dr. Hala Muhammad (Translator)
• Dr. Adel Salahi (Linguistic Consultant)
• Dr. Sohaib Saeed (Linguistic Consultant)
• Ms Sally Epps (Linguistic Consultant)
• Dr. Mustafa Khattab (Qira’at Reviewer)
• Imam Yusuf Wahb (Qira’at Reviewer)
• Dr. Walaa’ Ramadan (Editor)

References

Books of Tafseer:

• Rouh Al-Ma’any by Al-Alousi
• At-Tahreer wal Tanweer by Ibn Ashour
• Al-Kashāf by Al-Zamakhshari
• Nazm Ad-Dorar by Al-Beqa’i
• Jame’ Al-Bayan by At-Tabari
• Al-Jame’ Le’Ahkam Al-Qur’an by Al-Qurtubi
• Mafatih Al-Ghayb, the grand Tafseer by Ar-Razi
• Fat’h Al-Qadeer by Al-Shawkani

Books of Qira’at:

• The Ten Consecutive Qira’at from the Way of Al-Shatebeya and Ad-Dorrah by Sheikh Muhammad Korayem Rajeh
• The Tajweed Mus-haf with the ten Qira’at by Dr Ahmad Issa Al-Ma’sarawi