The KA Nizami Centre for Quranic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has released a significant scholarly publication dedicated to the contributions of Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai, a prominent figure in Qur’anic studies whose work on English translations of the Holy Book has profoundly influenced academic discussions for over three decades.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the newly published volume, titled Abdur Raheem Kidwai’s Critique on English Translations of the Qur’an (1649–2024): Critical Perspectives, has been compiled and edited by Dr. Aadil Hussain Malik, a recent PhD graduate in Islamic Studies from AMU. This comprehensive assessment delves into Professor Kidwai’s extensive scholarship and his role in establishing a robust framework for evaluating English renderings of the Qur’an.
Professor Kidwai, born in 1956, is internationally recognized for his in-depth research and comparative analyses of various English translations of the Islamic scripture. The new volume meticulously traces the historical evolution of English Qur’anic translations from 1649 up to the present day, charting significant developments in the field through the prism of Kidwai’s distinctive evaluative methodology.
The book is structured into 11 chapters, organized across four distinct thematic sections. It features contributions from a diverse group of scholars, including established academics and promising emerging researchers from both India and various international institutions. These essays critically examine a wide array of subjects pertinent to the field.
Topics explored within the volume include the foundational theories of translation, the crucial contributions made by South Asian scholars to the broader field of Qur’anic studies, and comparative evaluations of translations produced by Arab scholars. Additionally, the contributors address contemporary issues such as the influence of gender perspectives, intricate hermeneutical challenges, and the rapidly evolving landscape of digital dissemination of religious texts.
According to the academic contributors, the chapters within the publication engage directly with critical questions concerning linguistic accuracy and theological sensitivity. They also explore the inherent challenges associated with accurately conveying the profound message of the Qur’an across diverse cultural and linguistic boundaries, ensuring its integrity and accessibility.
“This volume meticulously documents Professor Kidwai’s enduring scholarly legacy, with the express aim of stimulating further in-depth research in the field. It offers a truly comprehensive assessment of one of the most influential voices in Qur’anic translation studies,” stated Dr. Malik. He added that the publication is anticipated to become an indispensable reference for students and researchers dedicated to Qur’anic studies, translation studies, and Islamic thought.
The publication represents a noteworthy addition to the steadily growing body of academic literature focused on Qur’anic translation. It underscores the continued and substantial relevance of Professor Kidwai’s pioneering work in shaping contemporary academic and public discourse surrounding the interpretation and faithful transmission of Islamic texts in the English language.
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