Reviews of the English Translation of the Holy Quran with commentary
Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi, a leader of Sunni
Muslim opinion, editor of Such, Lucknow, India, 25 June 1934:
To deny the excellence of Maulvi Muhammad Alis
translation, the influence it has exercised and its proselytising
utility would be to deny the light of the sun. The translation
certainly helped in bringing thousands of non-Muslims to the
Muslim fold and hundreds of thousands of unbelievers much
nearer Islam. Speaking of my own self, I gladly admit that
this translation was one of the few books which brought me
towards Islam fifteen or sixteen years ago when I was groping
in darkness, atheism and scepticism. Even Maulana Muhammad
Ali [Jauhar] of the Comrade was greatly enthralled
by this translation and had nothing but praise for it.
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United India and Indian States, 21 December
1929:
Among human productions of literary masterpieces,
the English translation of the Holy Book by Maulvi Muhammad
Ali undoubtedly claims a position of distinction and pre-eminence.
But the real charm and value of the book lies in its introduction
and footnotes which show Islam and its Founder in their true
perspective. The book is of immense use and benefit to Muslims
and non-Muslims alike, and deserves to be extensively read
and mastered by all and sundry.”
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The Quest, London:
It is certainly a work of which any scholar might
legitimately be proud. The skilful presentation of the researches
shows that he has been an apt scholar in the school of Western
methodology.”
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The Hindustan Times, Delhi, 6 May 1935:
Maulana Muhammad Ali's name is known to every lover
of the holy literature of Islam.
Very illuminating
notes are provided by the translator which will be of great
use to students. Maulana Muhammad Ali's language is restrained
and eminently suitable for the purpose.”
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Atlas of the Islamic World Since 1500
by Francis Robinson, Times-Life Books, 1991 reprint:
Notable for its precision is that of Muhammad Ali
of Lahore, the version used with one exception throughout
this book.” (page 229, column 2)
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The Madras Mail, 15 October 1929:
Maulvi Muhammad Ali's name is a guarantee that the
translation is as accurate as it could be, and a careful persual
of the work really justifies the expression of the opinion
that few translations into English have reached such a high
standard.
The book will not only serve to enable Muslims
to know their Islam better, but will also dispel many of the
fictions fostered in the minds of the non-Muslims regarding
the Quran and the religion it preaches.”
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The Advocate, Lucknow, 24 October 1935:
Maulana Muhammad Ali, M.A., Ll.B., is a well-known
personality, a great scholar, and as a translator he has the
good reputation of being accurate and reliable, and his translation
in English is of high standard.”
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Wakeel, Amritsar, India, Sunni Muslim
Urdu newspaper:
We have seen the translation critically, and have
no hesitation in remarking that the simplicity of its language
and the correctness of the version are all enviable. The writer
has kept his annotations altogether free from sectarian influence
with wonderful impartiality, and has gathered together the
wealth of authentic Muslim theology. He has also displayed
great skill and wisdom in using the new weapons of defence
in refuting the objections of the opponents of Islam.”
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Urdu monthly Islamic Digest, Karachi,
March 1996, in its series Tashrih-ul-Quran:
This commentary of Maulana Muhammad Ali appeared
in 1917, seventeen years before the commentary of Allama Abdullah
Yusuf Ali. This is why the Allama, in the Preface of his commentary,
besides mentioning other English commentaries, has also appreciated
this commentary and written as follows: Its Lahore Anjuman
has published Maulvi Muhammad Ali's translation, first edition
in 1917, which has passed through more than one edition. It
is a scholarly work, and is equipped with adequate explanatory
matter in the notes and the Preface, and a fairly full Index.
”
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Famous Indian Muslim leader, Muhammad Ali Jauhar:
Read at this link
in full his detailed letter of February 1918, praising Maulana
Muhammad Alis translation, in which he writes:
I am impressed so far as I have read with the simplicity
and precision and the adherence to the text which indicate the reverence
due to Gods own Word from a true believer.
If you see
Maulvi Mohammad Ali thank him for me as a Moslem who feels proud
of his devoted and fruitful labours
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