Invaluable, scholarly, critical, and revealing text. Ali's translation of the Qur'an is an important work for anyone whose desire is to gain an understanding of Islam. Ali's work is profound; exhaustive and illuminating, but it is not heavy or verbose, rather it is an absolute joy to read. His research draws not only from a well of his personal expereience as a Muslim, but also from extensive research. Citing Jewsih, as well as Christian, religious texts, Ali's work steadfastly and critically serves to clarify the true messages related by the Qur'an. His notes offer sound and approachable ideas to concepts of Islam including, but not limtied to: prayer, patience, behavior, and faith.