This superb new translation of the Qurʼan is written in contemporary language that remains faithful to the meaning and spirit of the original, making the text crystal clear while retaining all of this great work's eloquence. The translation is accurate and completely free from the archaisms, incoherence, and alien structures that mar existing translations. Thus, for the first time, English-speaking readers will have a text of the Qurʼan which is easy to use and comprehensible. Furthermore, Haleem includes notes that explain geographical, historical, and personal allusions as well as an index in which Qurʼanic material is arranged into topics for easy reference. His introduction traces the history of the Qurʼan, examines its structure and stylistic features, and considers issues related to militancy, intolerance, and the subjection of women.

Edition statement from title page verso : "First published, with corrections, as an Oxford World's Classic paperback, 2005". Includes maps of: Arabia, Showing Places at the Time of the Revelation of the Quran (612-32 C.E.), Most Located along the North-South Trade Route between Aden and Damascus. First published 2004. First published, with corrections, as an Oxford World's Classics paperback 2005. Reissued 2008.