The short answer
No single translation is official, because Muslims regard only the Arabic as the Qur’an itself; a translation is one scholar’s rendering of its meaning. For a first reading, choose a modern translation in clear English rather than an archaic one. Quran.com lets you switch between several translations side by side, which is often the most useful approach.
A little more context
Notice who the translator is and whether notes explain context. When a verse surprises or troubles you, read the surrounding passage and compare a second translation before drawing conclusions. Our introduction to the Qur’an suggests three short passages to begin with.
Sources & further reading
- Quran.com — Translations Compare several translations of the opening chapter.
- Qur’an 12:2 Revealed as an Arabic Qur’an.
- Qur’an 39:28 An Arabic Qur’an without crookedness.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.