Etymology and Terminology
Tarjuman al-Quran (تَرْجُمَانُ القُرْآن) is an Arabic term where “Tarjuman” means “translator” or “interpreter” and “al-Quran” refers to the “Quran,” the holy book of Islam. In Turkish, it can be translated as “Kur’an Tercümanı.”
Overview
Tarjuman al-Quran is a partially completed Urdu translation and commentary on the Quran by the eminent South Asian scholar and political leader, Maulana Abu al-Kalam Azad (1888–1958). Azad’s work aimed to make the Quran accessible to ordinary Muslims and utilized a sophisticated yet comprehensible Urdu style.
Scope and Intent
Though the translation was not completed and only encompasses the first twenty-three surahs (chapters) of the Quran, its purpose was to introduce key Islamic teachings to the common populace.
Commentary on Surah Al-Fatiha
Azad’s most significant contribution in this work lies in his exhaustive commentary on Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening). He regarded Al-Fatiha as summarizing the essence of the entire Quran.
Intersection of Religious Unity
A distinguishing aspect of Azad’s commentary is his application of the Fatiha to argue for the fundamental unity of all faiths. This perspective was rooted in his vision for an integrated Hindu-Muslim national identity within India, emphasizing the cohesive spiritual message in diverse religious traditions.
Key Features
- Dual Role: Functions both as a translation and an exegesis.
- Accessibility: Written in Urdu to reach a broad audience.
- Interfaith Harmony: Advocates for a unified vision of major religions, notably Islam and Hinduism, engaging in a broader discourse of national unity.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “India Wins Freedom: The Complete Version” by Abul Kalam Azad - Offers biographical insights into Azad’s political and religious thinking.
- “Islam at the Crossroads” by Muhammad Asad - Provides context for Islamic philosophy in the contemporary world.
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al. - Comprehensive modern commentary.
- “The Jewels of the Qur’an” by Al-Ghazali - Analyzes the spiritual significance of Quranic verses.
Takeaways
- Historical Context: Tarjuman al-Quran offers invaluable insights into early 20th-century religious discourse, especially within the Indian subcontinent.
- Broad Accessibility: The text’s translation in Urdu makes it suitable for wider public consumption beyond scholarly circles.
- Interfaith Relations: Azad’s commentary is an important work for understanding Islamic approaches to interfaith unity and coexistence.
Conclusion
Though not completed, Tarjuman al-Quran remains a pivotal work within Islamic scholarship and interfaith dialogue. Azad’s commentary on the Fatiha, in particular, stands out as a testament to the unifying spiritual nucleus shared among world religions.
By exploring Tarjuman al-Quran, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the feasibility of religious coalescence and the profound spiritual commonalities that transcend individual faiths.
