Ten Years of Labor for a Work of Undeniable Value: A French Translation and Exegesis of the Qur’an by Professor Abdelhak Azzouzi

A major publication has just been released—one which, due to its depth and significance, is sure to earn a prominent place in the realm, if not the very hierarchy, of religious publishing. Professor Abdelhak Azzouzi, a distinguished Moroccan academic, has published with Al-Bouraq International Editions a translation and exegesis of the Qur’an in French that can rightly be described—without exaggeration—as a monumental achievement, the fruit of more than ten years of tireless work.

Comprising three substantial volumes and totaling no less than 3,200 pages, this editorial monument goes far beyond the simplistic or commonplace exercise of a mere literal translation. It is a work of exceptional depth and refinement that immediately captures the reader’s attention. Beyond academic rigor, the author’s dedication to remaining faithful to the sacred text and his care in conveying its stylistic grace offer both Muslim readers and spiritual seekers a profound and accurate rendering of the Qur’anic message—one capable of providing spiritual grounding, inner peace, and serenity.

The carefully crafted heuristic and hermeneutic approach, the finely tuned translation-commentary, and the ever-present sense of scholarly precision are all qualities that position this masterpiece as a work destined for lasting legacy.

Indeed, drawing on a dual mastery of French and Arabic, along with a solid background in Islamic sciences, history, and the humanities and social sciences, Professor Azzouzi has achieved the remarkable feat of producing a version that is in complete harmony with both the semantic depth and the stylistic magnificence of the Qur’anic text. His aim: to offer a French version of the Qur’an that betrays neither the spirit nor the majesty of the original, while also ensuring—through varied pedagogical techniques—that the content remains accessible and not overwhelming or obscure to French-speaking readers.

This is why each surah has been approached holistically: first by identifying and understanding its thematic units, then by providing a translation accompanied by commentary that, through their interplay, interweave the lexical, grammatical, rhetorical, and spiritual dimensions of the text.

To this end, the author drew inspiration from the major classical and contemporary works of tafsir, carefully selecting only the most reliable narratives and interpretations—those that do not conflict with reason or with the essential principles of faith. While logically grounding his work in this scholarly tradition, he also assumes the necessary responsibility of ijtihād, striking a careful balance between enlightened adherence to sacred texts and a thoughtful moderation shaped by the transformations and challenges of the modern world.

Another noteworthy merit of the translator-exegete is his deep erudition, which brings to light the many layers of meaning and beauty hidden in individual words, nestled within parables, or suggested through the imagery of various allegories. This deliberate choice, according to him, is meant to foster in the reader a clear and enlightened perception of the Qur’an’s spiritual, ethical, aesthetic, and universal scope.

It is also important to highlight that the circumstances and reasons for revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl)—the situations, events, or questions that prompted specific verses—have not been overlooked. This science offers crucial historical insights into the contexts in which many Qur’anic verses were revealed. Such contextualization enables a deeper and more nuanced understanding of numerous passages, helping to situate them accurately within their historical timeline and to grasp the underlying wisdom that served as the foundation for various legal rulings.

In summary, one can confidently affirm the unique and unprecedented nature of this translation and exegesis—an intellectual and spiritual endeavor that can be seen as a living encyclopedia of Qur’anic knowledge. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the Qur’an in a spirit of peace and in pursuit of the triumph of good over a multifaceted and pervasive evil.