2014-07-21

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Book Review: The Opening Chapter of Qur’an, Surah al Fatiha by Moulana Abul Kalam Azad (translated by Dr. Syed Abdul Latif)

Reviewed by: Ml. Ashraf Dockrat on Radio Islam – 21 July 2014

No of pages: (201) Paperback

Price: (R130 to R150)

EBook: (Three Volumes of Tarjumanul Quran)

Genre: Commentary on the Holy Quran/Translations

Synopsis:

Moulana Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed (1888 – 1958) was a Muslim Indian aalim, freedom fighter, journalist, author, statesman and a senior political leader of the Indian independence movement. He was one of the earliest architects of India’s freedom struggle and its focus on education. He was born into a scholarly family and was well grounded in classical traditions of ilm. He was a close companion of Mahatma Gandhi and the first Minister of Education of free India (from 1947-1958). In 1916, his mass circulated journal Al-Hilal was shut down by the British government. In 1930, he was jailed for his anti-British activities. Moulana Azad staunchly opposed the partition of India as he believed that a secular, democratic India would safe guard the freedoms of both Muslims and Hindus.

Of all the writings of Moulana Azad, his exegesis of Surah al-Fatihah (The Opening Chapter) in his Tarjuman al-Quran (which he wrote while incarcerated) is said to be a masterly introduction to the study of the Quran.

Moulana Azad interpreted the first chapter, Surah Faatiha, in his multi-volume commentary of Qur’an, as the summary of the entire Quran. A great store of unique Islamic knowledge, reflecting Moulana’s prolific thinking reflects in a Tafseer with nuggets not found in other Tafseers. What is gleaned from classical texts is found here too. The translator tries hard to capture his unique style.

Moulana had the intention to introduce the Quran to the ordinary Muslim. He was unable to complete the tafseer of the entire Quran. Here, after a wonderful preface, Moulana discusses the importance and significance of Surah Faatiha and divides the book by each verse of Surah Faatiha. For example, he explains Allah and who Allah is. He emphasises the idea of Divine providence via the words Rabb al-’alamin (i.e. nourisher of the whole universe). He talks about Divine benevolence. On Yuamud Deen there will be Divine Justice, hence the 5th section discusses Adala and Divine Justice. He talks about the concept of the “God” concept related to Tauheed. He talks about unity in the attributes of Allah and lastly as the Surah is a Dua, a prayer for guidance, he talks about Hidaya, and what the Siraate Mustaqeem is.

Moulana’s contribution is indeed very important and remains of great significance.

Published by: The Other Press, Islamic Book Trust (2009)

Available from: Most bookstores