Contexts

The Qur’ān has a history, so do its translations. Ignoring that history would mean taking the risk of a dangerous generalization, which would affect our view on Islam as well as its representations in Europe. You will find here the introductory notes to the different editions presented on our website. Each of these introductory notes places the text in its context. A translation from the 12th century can obviously not have the same status in our eyes as a translation from the 21st century.

• Introductory note to the Cairo edition (1924).
• Introductory note to Muhammad Hamidullah’s French translation, as revised by Fode Soriba Camara, Mohamed Ahmed Lo and Ahmad Mouhammad al-Amine al-Chinquity, at the initiative of the King Fahd Complex (2000).
• Introductory note to Régis Blachère’s French translation (1957).
• Introductory note to George Sale’s English translation (1734).
• Introductory note to the Russian translation (1716).
• Introductory note to André Du Ryer’s French translation (1647).
• Introductory note to Giovanni Castrodardo’s Italian translation, as published by Andrea Arrivabene (1547).
• Introductory note to Robert of Ketton’s Latin translation (1143), as edited by Theodor Bibliander (1550).
• Introductory note to Tafsīr al-Ğalālayn (15th century).