Unlike many translators who approached the Quran solely from a theological or missionary perspective, Bausani brought a holistic linguistic mastery. He was fluent not only in Arabic but also in Persian and Turkish. Furthermore, his expertise extended to Urdu, Malay, and even Swahili—languages deeply influenced by Islamic civilization. This polyglot ability allowed Bausani to cross-reference the Quranic text with its interpretations across the Islamic world, not just the Arab Middle East.
Notably, Bausani deliberately avoided the sūra order’s theological “chronological” rearrangement (favored by some non-Muslim scholars like Richard Bell). He retains the standard muṣḥaf order but indicates Meccan vs. Medinan origin in the heading of each sūra . Bausani Il Corano.pdf
Alessandro Bausani ’s translation and commentary on the ( ) represents a landmark in Islamic studies, blending linguistic precision with a deep, empathetic understanding of the religious and cultural history of the Middle East. The Significance of Bausani’s Scholarship Unlike many translators who approached the Quran solely
Check your local university’s "Catalogo Bibliotecario" first. If you cannot find a PDF, buy the used BUR edition. The paper and ink are worth more than the digital bytes. This polyglot ability allowed Bausani to cross-reference the
: While academically rigorous, it is designed to be accessible to lay readers, helping them understand the depth of Islamic religion and its contemporary relevance.
: Bausani, a polyglot who spoke over 30 languages, aimed for a translation that respected the unique "inimitable" style of the original Arabic while remaining readable in Italian.