Pickthall, Muhammad Marmaduke
Pickthall, Muhammad Marmaduke (d. 1936) was a British translator of the Quran into English and an influential figure in the early 20th-century Islamic thought. He was the first editor of the journal Islamic Culture, which was published in Hyderabad, India. In addition to his translation, Pickthall authored a commentary on the Quran, a collection of folklore from the Holy Land, travel memoirs from his trips to Palestine and Syria, several novels, and various works on Islamic culture.
Early Life and Conversion
Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall was born “Marmaduke William Pickthall” into a Christian family in 1875. His interest in Islam grew through his extensive travels in the Middle East, and in 1917, he converted to Islam. Adopting the name Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, he became one of the most prominent Western converts to Islam of his time.
Notable Works
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Quran Translation: Pickthall’s most famous work is the translation of the Quran into English, known as The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. This translation, first published in 1930, is highly regarded for its literary quality and fidelity to the original text.
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Islamic Culture: As the first editor of the journal Islamic Culture*, Pickthall contributed immensely to scholarly exchanges between Muslims and the wider academic community.
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Palestine and Syria Travel Memoirs: His travel memoirs provided insightful observations on the societies, cultures, and landscapes of the regions he visited.
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Fiction and Folklore: Pickthall also wrote fictional works and a collection of folklore that reflect his engagement with Islamic culture and narratives from the Holy Land.
Support for Ottoman and Young Turks
During World War I, Pickthall was an ardent supporter of the Ottoman Empire and the Young Turk reformers. He believed that their struggles and reforms were crucial for the rejuvenation of the Muslim world. His support for the Ottomans was controversial but highlighted his commitment to what he saw as a renaissance of Islamic governance and culture.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: محمد مارمادوك بكتال
- Turkish: Muhammed Marmadük Pickthall
Further Studies and Recommended Books
- “Marmaduke Pickthall: Islam and The Modern World” edited by Geoffrey Nash – This book provides an in-depth analysis of Pickthall’s impact on Islamic thought and his multifaceted contributions.
- “Western Sufi and Quranic Study: Influence of Yusuf Ali and Marmaduke Pickthall” by Heather J. Sharkey – Explores the comparative impact of Pickthall and other Western translators of the Quran.
Takeaways
- Translation Legacy: Pickthall’s translation of the Quran remains one of the most respected English renditions of the sacred text.
- Cultural Bridge: Through his editorial and literary works, Pickthall served as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultural and intellectual traditions.
Conclusion
Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall was a pivotal figure not only for his translation of the Quran but also for his role in fostering mutual understanding between Muslim and Western audiences. His work laid the groundwork for future scholarship in Islamic studies and his legacy continues to be felt in the ongoing dialogues around Islam in the modern world.
