Scholars Hail Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan’s Work as a Monumental Achievement
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A new English translation of the Holy Quran was formally launched on Saturday at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, drawing a distinguished audience of scholars, religious leaders, students, and community members. The event underscored the importance of making the Quran’s message accessible to modern readers and non-Muslims seeking a deeper understanding of Islam.
The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a poem by renowned poet Mahirul Qadiri, reflecting on how Muslims have neglected the divine text. This set the tone for an event that emphasised the need for a translation that meets contemporary linguistic and intellectual requirements.
Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, the translator and commentator of this latest work titled The Glorious Quran, highlighted the necessity of a modern English translation that is both simple and accurate. “English has reached every corner of the world, yet the available translations neither fulfil today’s needs nor address contemporary questions. A clear and well-annotated translation is essential for both Muslims and non-Muslims to comprehend the divine message,” he remarked.
Dr Khan, a noted Islamic scholar who studied at Al-Azhar and Cairo University and obtained his PhD from Manchester University in the UK, has authored and translated over fifty books in Arabic, English, and Urdu. He explained that this edition of the Quran is available in two formats: one with parallel Arabic text and English translation, and another with only the English text. Both versions include footnotes and appendices providing additional context and explanations.
He also revealed that the translation is accessible online at thegloriousquran.net, although the digital version is still being developed.
Sharing his inspiration for undertaking the translation, Dr Khan said that although several English versions exist, many contain inaccuracies or reflect biases. “I realised in the early 1980s that whenever I quoted from existing translations, they often contained errors. This motivated me to correct Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation, but as the work progressed, it evolved into an entirely new translation with extensive commentary,” he explained.
Dr Khan recounted how his work began in earnest after performing Haj in 2010, where he resolved to complete this project. Returning home, he embarked on the translation in 2011, initially progressing slowly due to other commitments. However, from 2020 to 2023, he devoted himself entirely to the task, even ceasing to read newspapers to focus solely on the translation.
The launch ceremony was presided over by Dr Syeda Syedain Hameed, former member of the Planning Commission of India. Several eminent scholars and intellectuals spoke on the occasion, commending Dr Khan’s translation for its clarity and depth.
In a message read at the event, Najeeb Jung, former Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, remarked, “Since childhood, I have read many English translations of the Quran, but I can confidently say that Dr Khan’s translation ranks among the best. It is simple yet profound, and his commentary answers questions that have been long asked.”
Abdul Wadood Sajid, editor of Inquilab’s north Indian editions, described the work as a “monumental achievement” and highlighted its emphasis on social justice.
Professor Saleem Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, lauded the translation’s straightforward language, noting, “Dr Khan’s English translation can be read effortlessly without the need for a dictionary. The introduction, footnotes, and indices provide comprehensive explanations, making the Quran more accessible to English readers.”
Maulana Muhibullah Nadwi, a Member of Parliament, commended the translation’s meticulous scholarship. “Millions of people will benefit from this work, which adheres to the interpretations of early Muslim scholars and primary Islamic sources,” he said.
Professor Abdul Majid Qazi of Jamia Millia Islamia traced the history of Quran translations, pointing out that early European translations by Orientalists often misrepresented Islam. “There have been over a hundred English translations, but many have significant deficiencies. Dr Khan’s work corrects these errors and presents the Quran in a simple yet accurate manner,” he stated.
Professor Muhammad Qutbuddin of Jawaharlal Nehru University acknowledged Dr Khan’s ability to interpret complex terms. “Dr Khan is not just a translator but a scholar engaging in ijtihad where necessary. His explanations clarify significant issues, including women’s hijab, minority rights, and modern migration challenges,” he noted.
Dr Waris Mazhari of Jamia Hamdard praised the translation for addressing contemporary concerns. “A good translator must be fluent in both languages, understand the text’s nuances, and have faith in its message. Dr Khan possesses all these qualities. His translation covers key debates, including jihad, the rights of dhimmis, and modern perspectives on Islamic rulings,” he observed.
The event concluded with remarks from Dr Syeda Syedain Hameed, who congratulated Dr Khan on his remarkable achievement. “It is heartening to witness such a significant contribution to Islamic scholarship,” she said.
The session was moderated by senior Urdu journalist and writer Masoom Moradabadi, who highlighted Dr Khan’s five decades of contributions as a scholar, journalist, and leader within the Indian Muslim community.
With this new translation, The Glorious Quran aims to provide an accurate, accessible, and comprehensive understanding of Islam’s sacred text, fostering greater awareness and engagement among English-speaking readers worldwide.
