The First English Qur’an of 1649

The first English translation of the Qur’an, published in 1649, was a turning point in Islamic history. This important translation, done by George Sale, opened a new window for English-speaking readers to understand Islam. It was the first translation that presented the Qur’an clearly and methodically to Western audiences.

Who Was George Sale & what did he know about the Qur’an?

George Sale (1697–1736) was an English lawyer and scholar. He is most known for translating the Quran into English. At the time, most Europeans knew little about Islam. Sale had studied several languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, and Latin. His background made him well-suited for the task.

Sale’s translation, titled The Koran: Commonly Called the Alcoran of Mohammed, was first published in 1734. Though the work itself was completed earlier, it gained widespread attention and quickly became popular. His translation included detailed footnotes and an introduction that explained the history and teachings of Islam.

“Sale’s translation was a major accomplishment,” said Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge. “It gave many Europeans their first true look at the Qur’an, though it still had some biases.”

The Impact of Sale’s Qur’an Translation

Sale’s translation was important because it made the Quran accessible to a wide audience. Before this, many translations of the Qur’an were inaccurate or biased. Sale worked to create a more accurate and scholarly version. He explained key concepts to help Western readers understand Islam better.

However, his translation was not perfect. Although Sale knew Arabic, he was not a native speaker. This sometimes led to mistakes in his interpretation. In addition, the political and religious climate in Europe at the time influenced how he viewed Islam. Many Europeans saw Islam through a negative lens due to past conflicts with Muslim empires.

“Sale’s translation was shaped by the cultural attitudes of his time,” said Dr. Andrew Rippin, a professor of Islamic history. “While he tried to be accurate, his views were still influenced by Western biases.”

Despite these flaws, Sale’s translation became widely popular. It helped introduce Islam to many Europeans, some of whom began to study it more seriously. The translation became a key reference for scholars, intellectuals, and even schools. It played a role in making the Qur’an known in Europe.

The Context of Sale’s Work

Sale’s translation appeared during a time when the Ottoman Empire was at its height. Despite Islam’s influence, many Europeans knew little about the religion. They often saw it as a threat. The publication of Sale’s translation came at a time when Europeans were starting to show more interest in the Islamic world.

“Europe in the 17th century had mixed views of Islam,” said Dr. Hamid Dabashi, a professor at Columbia University. “Some admired Islamic culture, but many saw it as dangerous. Sale’s translation reflected this tension.”

During this period, the Islamic world was also a center of knowledge and culture. Muslim scholars had made great contributions to science and philosophy. Yet, much of this knowledge was not widely known in Europe. Sale’s translation helped introduce some of these ideas to the West.

Lasting Influence

Sale’s translation laid the groundwork for future translations of the Qur’an into English. Today, there are many more accurate translations available, but Sale’s work remains a key moment in history. It helped spark more interest in Islamic thought and led to a broader understanding of Islam.

“Sale’s work opened the door for more serious study of Islam,” Dr. Dabashi said. “It made the Qur’an more accessible and encouraged discussions about Islamic culture and ideas.”

Although Sale’s translation had limitations, it had a lasting impact. It influenced European thinkers like Voltaire and Thomas Jefferson, who read his translation and referred to Islamic ideas in their own work. Sale’s Qur’an also sparked debates about religion and the role of faith in society.

Today, scholars continue to study and translate the Qur’an, making it more accessible to people worldwide. These modern translations are more accurate, but they still build on the foundation that Sale created.

George Sale’s translation of the Quran in 1649 was an important milestone in Western understanding of Islam. It gave English-speaking readers their first clear look at the Qur’an, though it was influenced by the biases of its time.

Despite its flaws, Sale’s work played a key role in shaping the way Islam was viewed in Europe. It marked the beginning of a long conversation between the Islamic world and the West, a conversation that continues today.

Image Credit – Ashkan, unsplash