Nicolas Starkovsky was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to Russian parents. He is fluent in French, German, Russian, Arabic and English, and has researched the Koran in at least 30 different translations. He holds a PhD from Cairo University and did post-doctoral studies at Columbia University and George Mason University.

As a senior research chemist Dr. Starkovsky has published over 40 articles in professional journals on questions of DNA, immunology and other areas. He has worked as a translator, has taught English as a second language, and has presented lectures on Islam to government employee groups.

The Starkovsky translation of the Koran is intended as a teaching tool, and is based on the most moderate Sunni tradition. It includes a factual account of some divergences from the mainstream, such as Shi'ism with its...

The Starkovsky translation of the Koran is intended as a teaching tool, and is based on the most moderate Sunni tradition. It includes a factual account of some divergences from the mainstream, such as Shi'ism with its flagellations and exuberance, Sufism with its contemplative or “dancing” mood, “martyrdomism” with its suicides in the way of God, and others, to explain the fragmentation of Islamic culture and thought.

The Western World urgently needs to understand Islam. Even those who firmly believe that America is a Christian nation must come to realize that Islam is here to stay — and is growing.

The reading public needs education in free and impartial thinking. In the matter of th Koran, the public needs guidance, as opposed to preaching. In this presentation of the Koran, the rational approach familiar to Westerners.

Names common to the Bible are presented in their familiar forms (Joseph, David) and God rather than Allah, to avoid any hint that that Allah might be alien to the Jewish-Christian tradition. The suras are grouped in a thematic and chronological order, to the extent feasible, without compromising the integrity of the Holy Scripture. The notes elucidate important aspects of Islam as well as the Koran, and historical notices, a map of Arabia, and advice on how to read the Koran, and an explanation of the method and rules the author followed in his work all contribute to the reader's understanding.

Bibliography

List of Arabic terms