Australian Politics Forum - Doco on the Koran 5th September

locutius

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Doco on the Koran 5th September
Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 9:50am

Foxtel will be showing what I believe is a multi-episode documentary on the Koran and the Muslim faith. I'm not sure but I think it will be shown on the History Channel.

Also, Abu, are there different versions of the Koran, are some translations into english considered more accurate or faithfully reproduced than others. I was intending to pick up a copy before the series started. I have a penguin classic version, and although penguin have a good reputation for their translation works, I don't know how this version of the Koran is regarded.

I would drag this copy out but it is in storage and I would have to sort through about 1500 books to find it. Because you can guarantee that it will be in the last box. Please recommend a copy. While a committed athiest I see religion as having value, I just don't see it as invaluable.

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Lestat

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Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September
Reply #1 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 10:13am

locutius wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 9:50am:

Foxtel will be showing what I believe is a multi-episode documentary on the Koran and the Muslim faith. I'm not sure but I think it will be shown on the History Channel.

Also, Abu, are there different versions of the Koran, are some translations into english considered more accurate or faithfully reproduced than others. I was intending to pick up a copy before the series started. I have a penguin classic version, and although penguin have a good reputation for their translation works, I don't know how this version of the Koran is regarded.

I would drag this copy out but it is in storage and I would have to sort through about 1500 books to find it. Because you can guarantee that it will be in the last box. Please recommend a copy. While a committed athiest I see religion as having value, I just don't see it as invaluable.

Hi Locuitus,

I have read the Penguin version...and it is not a good translation. Yes it is easier to read, as it has been translated into more 'every day' language...however, I don't believe it to be accurate.

I'm sure Abu could recommend the best translations...but you must remember one thing, when reading a translation of the Quran...that is all that you are reading...a translation.

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locutius

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Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September
Reply #2 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 10:43am

Thanks Lestat. Yes that's why I would like to get the best translation I can get. Preferably one that is either a study format or that has explainitory footnotes. I consider myself as above average, but not inspirering intelligence and learning arabic (?) any time soon is beyond my abilities and outside my available time. Grin

Can you expand on the failings of the penguin version? For when I do drag it out, it will make a good comparision with a better quality version.

Typing one hand at the moment as my 3 month son thinks nothing else exists but his hunger and his 5'8 man servant. Roll Eyes

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Acid Monkey Gold Member Offline Goth Father Posts: 1064 EU Gender:	Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September Reply #3 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 1:13pm The Saheeh International version is supposed to be a very good English translation. It footnotes for additional descriptions and explanation. It's about a thousand pages and comes in paperback format. Available at Muslim bookshops and Borders (I guess). The Saheeh version online
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locutius Gold Member Offline You can't fight in here! It's the War Room Posts: 1817 Queensland Gender:	Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September Reply #4 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 2:38pm Hey thanks Acid, I will check that out.
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abu_rashid

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Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September
Reply #5 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 3:01pm

Unfortunately I don't have foxtel, so I'll have to just suffice with the reviews of this doco.

As for translation, AcidMonkey's suggestion seems fine.

I personally like Pickthall's translation, as he was a native english speaker unlike most others, and therefore I find the language to be more natural. But he unfortunately retained a lot of the archaic English similar to what we find in the KJV of the Bible, I guess to give it a similar tone as the Bible, for those accustomed to reading the Bible. But I still find it the most readable translation.

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mozzaok Gold Member Offline OzPolitic Posts: 6741 Melbourne Gender:	Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September Reply #6 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 3:09pm I have heard that the greatest mystery of religious texts, is like the man who learns what hot dogs are made of, but still eats them.
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locutius Gold Member Offline You can't fight in here! It's the War Room Posts: 1817 Queensland Gender:	Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September Reply #7 - Aug 23^rd, 2008 at 3:28pm I love hotdogs but I always reckon they should have a warning on the packaging " WARNING: Product may contain meat"
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locutius

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Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September
Reply #8 - Aug 24^th, 2008 at 12:15am

Thanks Abu, I will try to check both suggestions out and see if one feels better than the other. like I said, I would like something with good translations but easy to follow and with an index pointing to particular subject matters. I'm sure the program will generate some discussion.

I should check for a Muslim bookshop in Brisbane, if Borders don't have it. Mary Ryan's or the American Bookshop may not be able to get one fast enough. Cheesy

Though typically, I have bookmarks in 3 different books at the moment Roll Eyes

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bluebird New Member Offline Australian Politics Posts: 46	Re: Doco on the Koran 5th September Reply #9 - Aug 24^th, 2008 at 8:55am I don't have foxtel either!
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