ASKIMAM.org | As an english reader, which format would you prefer :

[hope1]

Assalamu aliakum brother Abu Hajira,

What if the answer is given in a two column format with the Arabic in the right column, parallel to the English in the left column. This will look like hashiyas on Arabic book which is on the margins. This will allow the guys who don't want Arabic in the text to have their wish, and those who want to check the Arabic and reference quickly only need to glance sideways to check it.

[faqir]

I think ideally the arabic quotes should be translated in the text itself and the footnote have the original and source.

[a_muslim]

I think the most appropriate and professional way would be to differantiate between quoting and referring. Whereas the first should be in format A and the latter in format B. The composing would be more time-consuming though. And if you don't want huge text-blocks, then you need to just refer to things instead of quoting them completely.

Example of quoting Qur'an/Hadith:



Example of referring to Qur'an/Hadith:



It makes no sense to move the Arabic to the footnotes, if you're quoting the full translation anyway. If this disturbs a reader, then this reader wouldn't be possible to read any Islamic literature properly.

Example of quoting Scholars:



Example of referring to Scholars:



Hope, it's clear what I mean.

Exactly!!! I completely agree with this. I chose A because if you look at the two examples given it seems the question being asked is about quoting.

[NeednoName]

Assalaam'aaleykum!

I would vote for 'A'.

[meelash]

Assalam o alaykum,

I believe A is a better option. It is much easier if Arabic and reference is given right below the English in the main text instead of going up and down to footnotes to check the Arabic or reference.

I agree with this. Also, if you don't want to read the Arabic, you can just skip over it while reading.