[SFP]

I've been interested in reading or listening to the QuRan for some time and having just listened to, 'If the Oceans Were Ink
An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran' by Carla Power, I'd like to find a translation. The problem is, of course, which translation would provide the best starting point? So far as I can tell, translations are plentiful and some will reflect liberal, as well as very conservative interpretations. Personally, I would like to listen to one, or perhaps several translations which will give me a balanced viewpoint (so far as any outsider can gain a balanced viewpoint) overall.

I am not, incidentally, a Muslim, nor very religious but I am both curious and certain that my closed mind needs opening.

Thank you.

If you want a literal translation, I'd recommend English translation of the meaning of Al-Quran by Muhammad farooq e Azam Malik

But I'd recommend you read something like ibn Kathir Tafsir, exegesis of the Quran, which translates and explains it. Sometime just the literal translation doesn't give you much benefit if you can't understand the context it was revealed in, or what message is being conveyed

I used to have a hard copy of Yusuf Ali's translation that came with notes to provide context, etc, and found it very good.. it can be found here -

https://forum.mobilism.org/viewtopic.php?f=1345&t=1613784&

what I can also highly recommend, if you are okay with reading rather than listening, is the Study Quran, which is available here -

https://forum.mobilism.org/viewtopic.php?f=1345&t=1735376&

I loved Carla Power's book, and found it a great resource as a Muslim. The sheikh she was in contact with, Akram Nadawi is also great.

As an Arab Muslim with a background in English literature and translation, I prefer Dr Ghali's translation. You can find all the available translations in this website. https://quran.com

Pick a Sura, then click on the settings cog in the top right. From there, you could choose several translations at once and compare them to pick your favorite.

[SFP]

Thank you.

[SFP]

I visited the Study Quran and the nuances and underlying complexity of even the simplest statements feel like they demand,not just an open heart or a listening ear, but a state of mind. I must admit to feeling excited interest and curiosity mixed with trepidation. This feels like dipping one's toes in the ocean. Any advice for an admittedly ignorant swimmer?

Dear bro, I would highly recommend the following app, it has several translations that work offline, and you can easily put them all in the same page to choose the best for you:

al quran (tafsir & by word)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greentech.quran&hl=en_US

I hear you about The Study Quran.
May I suggest www.clearquran.com
It's in simple modern English and can also be listened to.

[SFP]

Thank you