01 About

A timeless guide for humanity.

The Quran is a guide for all humanity. It teaches the lifestyle presented by Allah, the Creator. This translation, 'The Final Human User Manual,' is prepared for everyone: whether you are exploring Islam, new to Islam, or already Muslim and seeking a deeper understanding of the Quran. It is clear, accessible, and serves as a practical guide to inner peace, justice, and success.

A new English translation of the Quran is needed because existing versions often fall short in several key areas. Many are primarily intended for Muslim readers and may not be easily understood by non-Muslims or those with no prior knowledge of the Quran. Additionally, they often lack the context or background information essential for grasping the deeper meanings of the verses. Moreover, the language used in some translations can be complex, making it difficult for a broader audience to engage with the text.

This new translation is a humble attempt to address these challenges by offering clarity, context, and simplicity, ensuring all readers can understand the Quran's teachings better.

This project aims to make the Quran's universal message clear and accessible, not just for Muslims but for anyone interested in understanding its teachings. Therefore, this translation is crafted to resonate with everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs: whether you are exploring Islam for the first time, a new convert, or a Muslim seeking a deeper understanding of the Quran.

Reading user manuals is a challenge. Nevertheless, they are provided to help people use a particular system, product, or service seamlessly. They guide setup and usage, show how to care for them, and offer solutions for the best use and value. The Quran is just that for human beings on how to live this life we are given. It is not a fable, poetry, or a novel. It provides a pathway for an optimum lifestyle in line with one's natural disposition.

It shows the way to attain genuine inner peace and contentment by recognizing one's Creator and purpose in life instead of being a slave to false gods like endless desires of the self. It is the ultimate prescription for humanity's ailments and needs. The Quran is the Final Human User Manual, a sound, authentic, and timeless guide for all humanity and generations.

The Quran was revealed in Arabic, a language rich in meaning, with words that carry multiple interpretations and nuances, making an exact translation impossible. Translations can help non-Arabic speakers understand its message, but they are not equivalent to the original Arabic text, which is the literal Word of Allah. Translations are interpretations and may not fully capture the depth and significance of the original. Footnotes and explanatory words help convey the intended meaning, but they cannot replace the richness of the original Arabic text.

Therefore, terms like 'English Quran' or 'Turkish Quran' are inaccurate, as they refer to translations, not the original Quran. Despite the challenges of translating the Quran and the impossibility of translating it word for word, every effort is made to convey its meaning as accurately as possible. Any errors in this translation are due to our deficiencies, and we seek forgiveness from Allah, the All-Forgiving and the All-Merciful.

1.5 Specifications — what makes the Final HUM different

The true distinction of this translation is best experienced through reading. When compared alongside other translations, the difference in clarity, natural flow, and direct connection to daily life becomes instantly clear. The approach can be summarized as follows.

Spec 01

Authentic and reliable

One of the reasons the Quran was revealed gradually over 23 years was so that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) could exemplify its teachings through his actions, words, approvals or disapproval. The most crucial guide to correctly understanding the Quran is therefore the teachings of the Prophet. The Quran teaches us what we should do, and the Prophet's tradition and sayings show us how to put it into practice. The six Ḥadīth collections unanimously accepted as authentic and reliable internationally are utilized as the first point of explanation in the commentary, grounding it in unshakable foundations and leaving no room for doubt.

Spec 02

Scholarly consensus

Rather than exploring multiple interpretations of the verses, we have opted for explanations that align with the general consensus of scholars. Adhering to this consensus ensures clarity and minimizes confusion, which is particularly important for those who may not have a deep understanding of Islamic knowledge.

Spec 03

Context and commentary

To make the Quran's message more accessible to a broader audience, especially those without prior knowledge of its religious or cultural context, the text is accompanied by helpful explanations: clear and concise explanations in square brackets within the verses, detailed footnotes, and background information. These clarify key terms, references, and concepts that may be unfamiliar, offering a more approachable way to comprehend the deeper messages without feeling overwhelmed.

Spec 04

Simple and easy to understand

The translation avoids complex or religiously charged terms that may be difficult or off-putting for the reader. The language is clear and straightforward while still respecting the sacred nature of the text.

Spec 05

Modern English

Adopting contemporary, everyday English makes the Quran's message more immediate and relatable, helping readers connect with the text on a personal level. For instance, we used 'The Divine Database' instead of 'The Preserved Tablet' (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ) to make the concept more accessible.

Spec 06

Inclusive and relevant

The translation adopts a welcoming and inviting tone rather than being preachy. It highlights universal themes such as justice, mercy, and compassion, making it accessible and relevant to all readers.

Spec 07

The Names and Attributes of Allah

The central message of the Quran is that Allah introduces Himself and desires for us to know and understand Him correctly. To support this understanding, His Names and Attributes are explained in detail.

Spec 08

Schools of religious law

No specific jurisprudential opinions were included beyond general information. This helped ensure the message remained clear and easily understandable. Readers with a specific interest in the relevant sciences are guided to renowned sources in the area.

Spec 09

Transliteration

This book adopted the international transliteration guidelines of the Quranic text, using a standardized system to represent Arabic words, especially Quranic words, with English letters: to maintain consistency in academic writing, to assist non-Arabic speakers in reading Quranic words properly, and to avoid confusion caused by random spelling styles. Where Arabic terms or names have an equivalent in English, like Ramadan or Eid, they are written without following the guidelines.

Spec 10

Capitalization

Throughout this book, certain terms appear with capital letters. This is intentional. In Islamic discourse, some words carry a specific meaning that differs from their general English usage, and capitalization signals this distinction. Prayer refers not to prayer in a broad sense but specifically to the Five Daily Prayer [Ṣalāh]; Alms refers to the obligatory charity known as the Prescribed Alms [Zakāh]. Other capitalized terms should likewise be understood according to their precise, Islamically defined meaning.

Spec 11

Appendices

Additional resources and explanations are included at the end of the book to enhance understanding without breaking the flow of the main content.

The first verse revealed

"Read [and reflect]! In the Name of your Lord, Who created [all that exists]!"

The Clinging Cell, 96:1