Early English versions came from non-Muslims (the subtitle of the very first, in 1649, called the Quran "the Turkish vanities"). No Muslim produced an English Quran until the 20th century.

The first word of revelation was "Iqra," the Arabic word meaning read. "Read. Read in the name of your Lord who created." (96: 1) The word Iqra can be variably translated as read, proclaim or recite.