The Sublime Quran

English Recitation of the Sublime Quran

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:58:52 +0000

The English recitation of the Sublime Quran is now available for download from Kazi Publications. The recitation is in 30 parts. Each part is about 40 minutes and is available in MP3 format for downloading at only $0.99. There is also a DVD version available.

The recitation is also featured on the One Nation web site.

ISNA President’s message of support

laleh — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 20:08:14 +0000

In an article in the Toronto Star on Oct. 21, a leading Islamic figure said he was considering banning Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar’s translation of the Quran. As a result of that statement, ISNA, the Islamic Society of North America through it’s President Ingrid Mattson, issued a statement supporting Dr. Bakhtiar’s translation:

October 24, 2007: The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has asked ISNA Canada Secretary General to retract his statement that he would consider “banning” Laleh Bakhtiar’s translation of the meaning of the Qur’an and his questioning of Bakhtiar’s authority to undertake such a translation.

ISNA is an umbrella organization that strives to represent the diversity of North American Islam. ISNA has long recognized the validity of different schools of Islamic thought, theology and doctrine. We have affirmed this recognition as an original signatory of the “Amman Message” (ammanmessage.com) and by offering the platform of our conferences and conventions open to representatives of our diverse community. We do not recognize any particular scholar, school of thought or institution as necessarily authoritative for all Muslims. Further, we support the right of scholarly inquiry and intellectual discussion on issues related to Islam.

ISNA supports and encourages honest debate and scholarship on issues affecting the Muslim community. In particular, we have long been concerned with the misuse of Islam to justify injustice towards women. ISNA held its first domestic violence conference over ten years ago, and has since that time, has held numerous training and education seminars to promote domestic harmony and prevent violence against women.

It should be noted, in fact, that Bakhtiar’s interpretation of Qur’anic verse 4:34 is not new, although we do not deny that she arrived at her position independently. A similar interpretation was offered by Dr Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman, Rector of the International Islamic University of Malaysia, in a 2003 special edition of “Islamic Horizons,” ISNA’s flagship publication. It is unfortunate that many Muslims are unaware of the depth and sophistication of Qur’anic exegesis. ISNA is committed to rectifying this lack of knowledge and expects our administrators to promote ISNA’s values and mission.

Read the Press Release on the ISNA website

Toronto Star: Furor over a five-letter word

laleh — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:38:45 +0000

Toronto Star, October 21, 2007
A translator of the Qur’an doesn’t believe Muhammad could have condoned spousal abuse.

“She Speaks! Voices of Hope, Strength & Compassion”

laleh — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:15:22 +0000

Sun. Sept. 23, 2007 at 6:15pm
2nd Annual Ramadan Fundraising Iftar:
“She Speaks! Voices of Hope, Strength & Compassion”

Queens Museum of Art
Special Guest: Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar
Translator of The Sublime Quran
The First English Translation of the Qur’an by an American Woman
Watch the video

Aspen Times: Women frame a new dialogue between cultures

laleh — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:49:33 +0000

Aspen Times, August 24, 2007
ASPEN — For those who want to resolve the current standoff between Islam and the West – and, in particular, for women caught in the middle of that standoff – the best hope was defined this week as a two-pronged effort.

Aspen Times: Symposium focuses on Muslim women

laleh — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:47:55 +0000

Aspen Times, August 15, 2007
ASPEN — Of all the differences between the Muslim world and the West, perhaps none is more potentially explosive than the roles of women, whether in domestic relationships or in their potential as leaders in Islamic and world affairs.

The Iranian: Quran and women

laleh — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:53:52 +0000

The Iranian, July 9, 2007
A new translation challenges traditional interpretations.

Beliefnet: Does the Qur’an Tolerate Domestic Abuse?

laleh — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:55:39 +0000

Beliefnet, July 6, 2007
In Islam, does God permit husbands to beat disloyal wives? A new translation of the Qur’an says no–but will this take hold?

Interesting post on the ‘collapse’ of religious authority

laleh — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:58:31 +0000

NBC5 Chicago: Translation Of Quran Causes Stir

laleh — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 01:50:56 +0000

NBC5 Chicago, April 10, 2007
Woman First American To Translate Quran
A Chicago grandmother is causing a stir with her translation of a holy book.

Watch video