A couple of weeks ago I shared a ‘Ramadan Gift’ – the opening chapter of the Quran in rhyming verse.
Due to tons of very positive feedback, I’m going to share a few more verses with you. Again, don’t get too excited – I’m not claiming that I’m able or that it’s even possible to translate the whole Quran like this.
Also, please keep in mind that this is a first draft. It has not been thoroughly scrutinized by scholars as the final version would be if it were ever to be formally published. I’m sharing it with you to gauge your feedback and to see if it would be something worth taking further.
Also, much credit is due to The Rhyming Quran project https://www.instagram.com/therhymingquran/ which has helped me find some of the rhyme schemes – including many featured in the verses below.
The primary function of this translation is to strictly stick to the iambic pentameter form of verse. Italics are used for words that are not directly found in the text, but that are helpful for the rhyme scheme and words are only added when necessary and they contain confirmed, correct meanings.
I am also very conscientious that the verses should be immediately understandable without relying on a lot of commentary or explanation and should not put off an uninitiated reader.
Enough pre-amble. Here are the first few verses of the Quran – my rhyming translation:
Chapter 1: The Opening
(1)In the name of God, the All-Loving One,
(2)Praise to the God of, every dimension
(3)Infinitely Kind, filled with Compassion,
(4)Master of the day, all deeds are repaid
(5)You alone we serve, from You we seek aid
(6)Guide us to the path, straight (7)for those You saved:
Not the path of those whose deeds incur rage
Nor the path of those who wander astray.
Chapter 2: The Cow
In the name of God, the Kind and Loving
(1)Alif. Lam. Mim.
Letters with mystical meanings within
(2)This is the scripture, with no doubt therein
Guidance for all those, who keep God in mind
(3)Believe the unseen and keep prayers on time
And give of what we’ve given them in kind
(4)Those who believe in what was sent to you
Have faith in all We revealed before you
And certainty in the Hereafter too.
(5)They’re on God’s guidance, the successful crew
(6)As for the evil ones, they won’t believe,
Warn them or not but, (7)their hearts are all sealed
They don’t hear or see, covered by disease
Torment awaits them, because of their greed
Click reply to let me know what you think and whether I should keep going and get more serious about it.
In the meanwhile, a project I will definitely be following through on is delivering the new version of the life-changing Spiritual Switch Coaching Program, which you can learn more about here:
