M. H. Shakir, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation; Foot-notes by M. H. Shakir (1974)

While we are reprinting this translation, we first appreciate the valuable work performed by the respected translator of the Holy Quran. God is pleased by this manhood and religious action and also Muslem brothers and all who are seeking the truth for the sake of truth. We tender our thanks and pray to God for him a remarkable reward and success.

It was about six years since we were seeking to obtain a comprehensive and dair translation of the Holy Quran, till at last and fortunately we could achieve this desirable translation. Meanwhile, we think necessary to point out the following facts:

1. “The Kalam-e-Allah (the Quran) is a wonderful piece of poetry and Arabic Literature,” says the translator in his introduction. Perhaps this must have quoted without any intention; because the Holy Quran is not a poetry. It is not reasonable for any investigating muslem or non-muslem to have this opinion.

2. The translator has made some foot-notes: In many cases these brief and short explanations are not quite sufficient to give the real meaning; see the foot note 2, 3, - page 7 and pages 73, 232- and 902.

Among these notes, you will find on the fasting verse, Chapter 2, this sentence:

“It is clear that the fast should be completed till night.” Perhaps he is pointing out to the diversity of opinion among Islamic learned men, regarding the sunset and the time, which according to religious laws, one can break his fast and cal fulfil his night prayer.