Standardization Proposal

A proposal for the establishment of
a global committee for the standardization
of the English translation & meaning of the
Holy Quran

1. PRELUDE:
The increase in the literacy, knowledge and need of people to enhance their understanding of the message of the Holy Quran around the world, and especially in the United States and the English-speaking world, has made it imperative on Muslims to make available the translations of the Holy Quran to those in need.

While several good translations are available in English, these are so divergent in the choice of words, meanings and their consequent interpretations, that it results in a lack of clarity in understanding the intended message, and as a result contributes to a degree of misunderstanding not conducive to following the Quranic dictum of Muslim Unity. (Wa'ta simoo be hablel-laahe jamee-'un wa tufarra-qoo). Because that call for unity is unity in word, unity in meaning, unity in interpretation and understanding of the message, and finally therefore unity in communal policy and action.

2. OBJECTIVE:
Without regard to sectarian interpretations, and in order to achieve the desired and unified degree of understanding the message of the Holy Quran among Muslims of the world, a Special Committee is formed to standardize the translations and meanings of the Holy Quran in
the English Language.

3. PROJECT:
The Project Title and the official name of the Committee shall be:

Global committee for the standardization of the
English translation & meaning of the holy Quran.

4. SCOPE:
The complete, standardized translation and publication of the Holy Quran in the English Language. The Scope may later be expanded to include standardized translations in the French, Spanish, Chinese and other major languages of the world.

5. PROJECT PARTICIPANTS:
World renowned Quranic and Islamic Scholars of Arabic and English.

6. SPONSORING COMMITTEE:
A Sponsoring Committee, comprised of Representatives of Muslim Organizations and Foundations interested, willing and able to sponsor the Project shall be formed. The Sponsoring Committee shall bring itself into existence and become formally established with concerned authorities.
It shall formulate its functions with appropriate organization of departments, bye-laws, rules, regulations, procedures, terms, duration and parameters of performance.

7. SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS:
A Preliminary Committee organized by the Sponsoring Committee, will study, select and recommend the names of Quranic and Islamic scholars required for the Project to the Sponsoring Committee for approval. The latter shall arrange invitations for participation of the scholars in The Project on appropriate terms and conditions.

8. FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT:
Donations solicited from Muslim Foundations, Organizations and individuals. Donations may be in cash as well as materials and services, to be determined by the Sponsoring Committee.

9.REMUNERATION TO PARTICIPANTS:
The remuneration to Participating Scholars may be made from donations and contributions received. Those who wish may provide assistance and perform the services Fi-sabil-el-Laah
(In Allah's Cause). Fees for services shall be determined by the Sponsoring Committee.

10. EDITORIAL BOARD:
The Sponsoring Committee shall select and organize the members of an Editorial Board comprised of scholars, professionals and knowledgeable persons to corroborate, sort out, discard, clarify, approve, standardize and finally edit and compile the Final Version of the Standardized English Translation of the Holy Quran.

11. DURATION OF PROJECT:
The Project should be completed in reasonable time with a recommended duration not to exceed five years from date of inception and formal organization of the Sponsoring Committee.

12. FINAL PRODUCT:
publication of the final standardized English version of the holy Quran: an achievement as comparable as possible, though in a different language, to having a single book in Arabic,
word for word, for the last 14 centuries!!!! Or a second miracle of the Quran in the English language!!!!

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Proposal & Project Statement Made By:
Hamid Zavosh
September 1st , 2001