Words of Advice: Reading Quran/ Learning About Islam?

Some points I want to make to those people who plan to/are reading the Quran or even learning about Islam in general.

1. If you want to sincerely learn about Islam, please be open minded. Let go of any ill-feelings, ideas, thoughts, impressions, etc. that you may have against Islam or Muslims, due to the media or judging a "Muslim." (We are humans too, so we also make mistakes just like everyone else!)
2. Have good intentions. Learn for YOUR own good and benefit.
3. For general info. on Islam, check out my other blog @ http://learnislam2day.blogspot.com/

Before you read the Quran, please keep some basic things in mind:
1. Respect it just like you would a Bible or any other religious scripture. This means to be in a clean state. Also, don't put it on the floor, underneath anything, or anywhere that isn't clean.
2. Ask Allah (God) for protection against doubts and evil thoughts and to guide you to the truth. (Sincerity makes all the difference!)

Please read below if you are reading an English translation of the Quran.

Translations of Quran (excerpt from An Introduction to the Quran (part 1 of 2): Organization and Meanings) Feel free to read the rest @ http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/370/

"A beginner should know a few points about Quran translations.
First, there is a distinction between the Quran and its translation. In Christian view, the Bible is the Bible, no matter what language it may be in. But a translation of the Quran is not the word of God, for the Quran is the exact Arabic words spoken by God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Gabriel. The word of God is only the Arabic Quran as God says: “Indeed, I revealed it as an Arabic Quran.” (Quran 12:2)

A translation is simply an explanation of the meanings of the Quran. That is why one modern English translation has been titled “The Meaning of the Glorious Quran”: it strives only to give the meaning, but falls short, as any translation must, of reproducing the form of the Holy Book. The translated text loses the inimitable quality of the original, so be aware of the degree to which a translation reflects the original message at every level of meaning, and that it will probably not match it.. For this reason, all which is regarded as ‘recitation’ of the Quran is to be done in Arabic, such as the recitation of the Quran in the five daily prayers of the Muslims.

Second, there is no perfect translation of the Quran, and, being human works, each almost always has errors. Some translations are better in their linguistic quality, while others are noted for their exactness in portraying the meaning. Many inaccurate, and sometimes misleading, translations that are generally not accepted as reliable renditions of the Quran by mainstream Muslims are sold in the market.

Third, while a review of all the English translations is out of the scope of this article, some translations are recommended over others. The most widely read English translation is by Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali, followed by that of Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, the first translation by an English Muslim. Yusuf ‘Ali’s translation is generally acceptable, but his footnote commentary, useful at times, can be odd and unacceptable. Another widespread translation is done by Dr. Hilali and Muhsin Khan called ‘Interpretation of the Meaning of The Noble Quran.’ Although it is the most accurate, the many transliterated Arabic terms and endless parentheses makes it hard to follow and confusing for a beginner. A newer version with more flowing text has been published by Saheeh International, and this is probably a better translation, as it combines both exactness in translation and readability."

If you are interested in learning more about Islam and Muslims and would like additional materials/information or have any questions, please leave a comment and I will try my best to help and will get to them as soon as possible.