Citing the Quran in academic writing requires following the conventions of the chosen style guide. In APA style (7th edition), the Quran is treated as a classical religious work. In-text citations usually include the title of the translation, the year of publication, and the surah and verse. For example: (The Qur’an, 2004/2015, 2:255). In the reference list, the citation points to the translation used, such as: The Qur’an (M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press. This approach emphasizes the translation year, the specific surah, and verse numbers, making it clear which version of the text is being referenced.
Chicago style takes a more traditional approach, similar to how the Bible is cited. The Quran is usually cited in footnotes or endnotes, with surah and verse numbers included but without a full bibliographic entry. For instance: Qur’an 2:255. If a specific translation is referenced, it may be noted in the first citation or in a bibliography
Citation of Quran Verses in APA/Chicago Style
What Are the Key Differences Between APA and Chicago Quran Citations?
APA style treats the Qur’an as a classical religious work but requires full details of the translation used. In-text citations appear in parentheses and include the title, year of the translation, and surah/verse. For example: (The Qur’an, 2004/2015, 2:195). A corresponding entry must be included in the reference list, such as: The Qur’an (M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press. APA always maintains the full title in every citation, and referencing rules emphasize the translator and publication details.
Chicago style follows a different approach, treating the Qur’an similarly to the Bible. Citations are placed in footnotes or endnotes, using surah and verse numbers only, e.g., Qur’an 19:17–21. Bibliographic entries are not usually required unless multiple translations are cited, in which case the translation must be identified. Unlike APA, Chicago allows subsequent shortened references, sometimes simply Q 19:17–21, after the first full mention. In short, APA emphasizes translation details and reference list entries, while Chicago prioritizes readability in notes and often omits bibliographic listings unless necessary.
How Do You Cite the Quran in APA Style?
In APA Style (7th edition), the Qur’an is cited as a classical religious work. This means it is cited by surah and verse numbers, not by page numbers. The citation also requires reference to the translation used, since different English versions may vary in wording.
For in-text citations, the format is:
(The Qur’an, 2004/2015, 2:195)
Here, 2004/2015 indicates the original publication year of the translation and the year of the edition you are using (if applicable). APA does not require repeating the translator in every in-text citation; it is included in the reference list entry.
For the reference list entry, the format is:
The Qur’an (M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press.
If citing an online version, include the URL:
The Qur’an (M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press. https://quran.com
APA does not require an access date unless the source is likely to change over time.
How Do You Cite the Quran in Chicago Style?
In Chicago Style, the Qur’an is treated as a classical religious text. Citations are given in footnotes or endnotes and usually consist of the title in roman type (Qur’an) followed by the surah and verse numbers. Arabic numerals are used with a colon separating chapter and verse, for example: Qur’an 2:195.
If a specific translation is important, the translator’s name may be included at first mention, such as: Qur’an 2:195 (trans. M. A. S. Abdel Haleem). Later citations can be shortened to just the surah and verse (e.g., Qur’an 2:195). Unlike APA, Chicago style generally does not require a bibliography entry for the Qur’an unless multiple translations are being compared or the instructor specifically requests it. The title remains in roman type (not italicized or in quotation marks).
Example:
- First citation: Qur’an 19:17–21 (trans. M. A. S. Abdel Haleem)
- Subsequent citation: Qur’an 19:17–21
What Are the In-Text Citation Rules for the Quran in APA?
In-text citation rules for the Quran in APA require the translation year and verse numbers. The format is (The Qur’an, Year, Sura:Verse). For example, (The Qur’an, 2004, 2:195). The translator’s name is included only on the first citation if multiple translations are used.
APA treats the Quran as a classical religious text, meaning it may be excluded from the reference list if only cited in passing. However, a full reference entry is needed if the translation is critical to the paper.
What Are the Footnote Rules for the Quran in Chicago Style?
Footnote rules for the Quran in Chicago style mandate the use of full citations in the first footnote, including the translator if applicable. Example: Qur’an 2:195 (M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). Subsequent citations use abbreviated format: Qur’an 2:195.
Chicago style does not italicize “Qur’an” and uses Arabic numerals for verses. Footnotes replace in-text citations, and bibliographic entries are optional unless multiple editions are referenced.
How Do You Format Quran Citations for Online Sources?
Formatting Quran citations for online sources in APA requires the URL and access date. Example: The Qur’an (M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press. Retrieved from [URL]. Chicago style treats online versions like print unless the source is unique, in which case the URL is included in footnotes.
For both styles, the original publication year is used if the online version lacks a date. Online Quran platforms like Quran.com can be cited similarly, with emphasis on the translation used.
What Are Common Mistakes When Citing the Quran?
Common mistakes when citing the Quran include italicizing the title in Chicago style, omitting verse numbers, or using incorrect abbreviations. APA errors often involve missing translation years or inconsistent reference list entries.
Another mistake is failing to distinguish between multiple translations in Chicago style. Always specify the translator in the first citation if comparing versions. Verify citation rules with style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style or APA’s official handbook.
How Do You Handle Multiple Quran Translations in Citations?
Handling multiple Quran translations in citations requires clear attribution in both APA and Chicago styles. APA distinguishes translations by including the translator’s name in every citation, such as (The Qur’an, 2004, 2:195, M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.).
Chicago style uses footnotes to specify translations, such as Qur’an 2:195 (Haleem) or Qur’an 2:195 (Pickthall). Bibliographic entries must list each translation separately if included. Consistency is critical to avoid confusion.
What Are the Abbreviation Rules for Quran Citations?
Abbreviation rules for Quran citations vary by style. Chicago style allows “Q” as an abbreviation in footnotes after the first full citation, such as Q 2:195. APA does not abbreviate the title, using “The Qur’an” in all citations.
Abbreviations like “S.” for sura or “V.” for verse are unnecessary in both styles. Arabic numerals are standard for verse numbers, and colons separate chapter and verse (e.g., 2:195).
How Do You Cite Quranic Commentaries or Tafsir?
Citing Quranic commentaries or tafsir follows standard book citation rules in both APA and Chicago styles. APA lists the commentator as the author, with the Quran verse referenced in-text. Example: (Ali, 2001, p. 45, commentary on Qur’an 2:195).
Chicago style uses footnotes for commentaries, such as: Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an (2001), 45 (commentary on Qur’an 2:195). Bibliographic entries must include the commentary title and publisher.
What Are the Punctuation Rules for Quran Citations?
Punctuation rules for Quran citations require colons between chapter and verse numbers (e.g., 2:195). Commas separate multiple verses, such as (The Qur’an, 2004, 2:195, 201). Chicago style uses en dashes for verse ranges (e.g., Qur’an 19:17–21).
APA uses parentheses for in-text citations, while Chicago employs footnotes. Periods are only used to end footnotes or reference list entries. Avoid semicolons or slashes in verse references.
How Do You Cite the Quran in a Bibliography?
Citing the Quran in a bibliography is required in APA style but optional in Chicago. APA reference entries include the title, translator, year, and publisher, formatted as: The Qur’an (M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press.
Chicago style only includes bibliographic entries for the Quran if multiple translations are used. Example: The Qur’an. Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. Online sources must include URLs in both styles.
What Are the Best Practices for Consistent Quran Citations?
Best practices for consistent Quran citations include verifying translation years, using Arabic numerals, and maintaining uniform formatting. APA users should check reference list entries against official guidelines, while Chicago style requires consistent footnote abbreviations.
Cross-check citations with style manuals or university libraries like West Virginia University’s Chicago guide. Digital tools like Zotero can automate formatting but require manual verification for religious texts.