I have been thinking a lot lately regarding translations of classical Islamic works, be it books, notes, extracts or explanations (sharh), scholastic essays and thesis etc. There seems an ocean of knowledge contained within the pages that have witnessed the inks of the scholars past and present.
A lot of these pearls and jewels are unaccessible to the majority of Muslims living in the West due to the language barrier as these Islamic works tend to be in the Arabic language and many of the sources are also in that language.
One thing I have been extremely happy to see in the past few years is the sudden turn towards translations and making knowledge that was once only available to those who knew Arabic open to the world at large, in English and indeed in various other languages.
This might be a slightly interactive post, but what works would you like to see translated?
Is there a particular book/series of books that you’ve recently seen translated?
One I recently saw in the bookshop was Imaam al-Waaqidi’s ‘Futooh ash-Shaam’ – The Islamic Conquest of Syria. Amazing piece of work, translated by Sulayman al-Kindi & published by Taha Publishers, UK (now available in most Islamic bookshops)
Another is: You can be the Happiest Woman in the World by Dr. ‘Aa’idh al-Qarni, author of the bestseller ‘Don’t be Sad’, translated by sister Huda al-Khattab (this is almost like a follow-up of ‘Don’t be Sad’ especially for the sisters – great book Mashaa’Allah). Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House
A selection of Imam Ibn al-Kathir’s ‘al-Bidaayah wa Nihaayah’ was translated by Faisal Shafiq and compiled into: Book of the End – Great Trials and Tribulations, published by Dar-us-Salaam.
So… have you seen any new translations recently?
Or is there a particular book you would like to see translated?
wa’alaykumus salaam wa rahmatullaah,
Though it’s not entirely a recent translation, I thought the book, “Heaven’s Door” from al-Firdous Publication was an enjoyable piece, maashaa’allaah, compiled from the work of the scholars, Ibn Rajab, Ibnul-Qayyim & al-Ghazaali (rahimahumullah).
I’m currently reading through the book (صور من صبر العلماء على شدائد العلم والتحصيل), and came across a number of poignant accounts of the hardships that were faced by some of the greatest individuals in history. I think a rendering of some portions of the book into English would greatly benefit us all; in trying to appreciate the remarkable sacrifices offered by the salaf in their endeavour to preserve the deen. (Another book of similar merit, which comes to mind is (حرمة اهل العلم – محمد اسماعيل المقدم)).
Jazaak’Allaahu khayran
I actually borrowed ‘Heaven’s Door’ just a couple of months ago when I realised it was the sequel to ‘Purification of the Soul’. Mashaa’Allaah the topics it covers are very good and highly important.
Suwar min sabr al-‘Ulema sounds really interesting, do you happen to know if it’s available online. It would be good to get a glimpse from it.
I think a translation of al-Bidaayah wa-Nihaayah would also be amazing – it will certainly be a huge and difficult project.
Assalamu alaykum sis
Mashallah great minds think alike! I was thinking about the vast ocean of knowledge that us non Arabic speakers are missing out on. However this does give me more motivation to learn Arabic quicker so Inshallah there is some benefit for not translating books into English or othe languages! 🙂
I have seen alot of books that I wouldnt ever get to read being translated into English. Kitab ut tawheed, sharh al aqedat il wasitiyah, Al wabil al sayyib, and of course Dont be sad etc… some not so recent ones but the benefits of them are. Actually looking at my bookself most of the books I have are translated… *sigh* thats my motivation!!
But I’m a little worried that the more translations are widly available the more some may feel that there is no need to learn Arabic (but of course there is the biggest reason of all, the Quran). Nevertheless, Arabic has the key to many windows of knowledge, understanding and poetical and metaphorical nature of the works which is lost when translating.
as salaamu alaikum
Im currently reading futuh ash sham, it’s absolutely amazing!
While reading it, I keep thinking how much effort must have gone into translating it, subhan’Allah
I too would like to see al bidayah to be fully translated – but like u said fajr it would be a massive task!
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
Bint Ya’qub, I was thinking exactly the same subhan’Allaah. You’re absolutely right – In fact, when sisters asked about any new translations or if such and such book could be translated, I always used to tell them to learn Arabic and go to books instead of waiting for them to come to them 🙂 It was motivational for them alhamdulillaah. But for some, learning languages in general is not as easy or as accessible, hence the boom in recent translations I think.
Muhaajirah, how is the translation of Futooh ash-Shaam? I wasn’t able to flick through it at the bookshop (sealed up package), but I have a feeling it must be really good.
Jazaakum’Allahu khayran
assalamu alaikum,
Have you come across any works in english dealing with thematic study of Quraan? I recently read about a book by shaykh Muhammed al-Ghazzali dealing with this subject. I was wondering if you have any suggestions?
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
No, sorry I haven’t come across any books in English. Maybe someone who has can shed light on it.
Themes are sometimes discussed in various books on ‘Uloom al-Qur’aan e.g. Al-Itqaan by Imaam as-Suyooti and I’jaaz al-Qur’aan by al-Baqalaani as well as other classics, but none of them have been translated yet.
Although I personally have not read it, have you seen Ahmad von Denffer’s work on ‘Sciences of the Qur’aan’? I think he speaks a little regarding Oaths in the Qur’aan and also the ‘Qul’ commands stated in some verses as well as style of words and their derivatives from other languages.
I have a feeling you’ve read Yasir Qadhi’s ‘Intro into the Sciences of the Qur’aan’, if not, you can see if that will help in some way. Allahu a’lam
What was the title of the book you read by Imaam al-Ghazaali?
assalamu alaikum,
No I havent read VonDenfer’s book…may have a look through it Insha Allah. Yeah i do have Yasir qadhi’s book but haven’t gone through it yet…the book was by shaykh Muhammed al-ghazzali of egypt and no I didnt read it but read ‘about’ it, i’m thinking of buying it.
JzakiAllahu khairan for the suggestions though- I may be able to find the books in urdu though.
ma’asalamah.
http://www.astrolabe.com/product/491/Thematic_Commentary_of_the_Qur%27an.html?sid=591d58ac52249f47b3abf6836415380c&sid=591d58ac52249f47b3abf6836415380c
this is the book…
my most prized translation is ibn Rahjab alHanbali’s commentary of Imam anNawawi’s 42 hadith + 8 others ibn rajab discusses – entitled – Jaami’ alUloom wal Hikam. I love this book.
in aqeedah the best translation of a book I have read is Tawheed of Allah’s Most Beautiful names and Lofty Attributes by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Khalifah atTamimi
I also enjoyed reading – Kitab Sharh usSunnah of Imaam alBarbaharee translated by Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank. I tis a nice translation, full of footnotes (which makes it really exciting)
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
Oh, yes I’ve seen that book “A thematic commentary…” but have not read it. Was it not what you were looking for regarding discussions of themes in the Qur’aan?
Danish, Jaami’ al-‘Uloom is an amazing piece of work mashaa’Allaah. I did not realise it too was translated though, can you give the translator’s name and also the publisher of the book.
A mammoth task but nevertheless an incredibly beneficial translation would be ‘Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa’ by Imaam adh-Dhahabi and also possibly “Rawdatul ‘Uqalaa’ by Ibn Hibbaan (which I haven’t read but would like to soon inshaa’Allah).
Jazaakumullahu khayran
Here is possibly the better translated ones:
http://www.astrolabe.com/the-compendium-of-knowledge-and-wisdom.html
The Compendium of Knowledge and Wisdom is the translation by Abdassamd Clarke of the masterwork of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, the Jami’ al-‘ulum wa;l-hikam
assalaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaah,
The book I have, (صور من صبر العلماء على شدائد العلم والتحصيل) is by (صلاح الدين محمود السعيد), for which I was unable to find a version online. However I have seen a similar book, (صفحات من صبر العلماء على شدائد العلم و التحصيل) by Dr. Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah, which you can download here:
http://www.saaid.net/book/open.php?cat=5&book=2680
With regards to al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah, I read once that one of the Shanqiti scholars (of recent times), rahimahullaah, had actually memorised the entire collection (in addition to several other texts)!
Other than the recent Dar-us-Salam translation cited above for a portion of al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah, there has also been another portion, discussing the events after the death of ‘Eesaa ‘alayhis salaam until the last days of the fatrah, recently published in English by Darul-Ishaat:
http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/product_info.php?products_id=1663&osCsid=938a956e529a5efcb8e57127a3f478fc
It seems to be one of those bootleg copies…there is no name of the translator, and the publisher is umm alqura. I bought it from alBasheer publications at ISNA Chicago thsi past september. It was the only copy they seemed to have, and it was about 600 pages – I got it for only 13 bux!!
Jaami’ al-‘Uloom wal-Hikmah is translated by Muhammad Fadel, and published by Um Al Qura, Al Mansura Egypt. You can purchase it here:
http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/product_info.php?products_id=1017
Jazaakumullahu khayran
Those stories of people commiting volumes of books to memory never cease to amaze me! Mashaa’Allaah `alayhim, it’s a true gift from Allaah that they have such capacity that supercedes the norm.
How is the english translation of Jaami’ al-‘Uloom?
I’m asking because I once bought a translated sharh of Riyaadh as-Saaliheen and also ‘Men around the Messenger’ published by a company based in al-Mansoura but although overall it is brilliant alhamdulillah, the english could do with some work… I was thinking of writing to them at one point!
Some translated books in Dar-us-Salam, Nasr City, Cairo also has the same problem with some of their translated books. But this is not the same Dar-us-Salam as we know (Saudi based) – the brother told me that they only share the same name.
Assalamu ‘alaykum,
Interesting topic.
Translation is without doubt a hard task that requires precision in both English and Arabic. My teachers always warned me that in order to be a proficient translator one has to be good in both langauges.
Having said that, I have come across awful translations in my time. Some books should be prevented from being published in my opinion due to the damage the translation caused.
The likes of Dar al Fikr, Darussalam (Birmingham) NOT THE dar as salam of Saudi, although many of their translations are not of high standards either. Some of Al Firdous books have been poorly translated even though I have a lot of respect for the publishers and the works they translated.
The best quality of translating I have come across is without out, ITS (Islamic Text Society). Even though they have sufi orientations, they have to be applauded for the quality of their work. Their translations are immaculate in addition to their presentation and quality of print.
Works that need to be translated:
Up until now, there hasnt been a decent translation of any Hanbali fiqh manual. Works such as al Hidaayah (hanafi fiqh) and Umdat as-Saalik (Shafi’ee fiqh) have been translated. However, we need a basic text in hanbali fiqh that can be used as a basic teaching manual.
Insha’allah, it’s in my plan to translate the classical: Zaad al Mustaqni by imam al Hajjawi after I finish the book(s) i am currently working on.
If you are thinking about what to translate, donn’t simply choose a book that you like. I think one should translate according to the needs of people of the country that they are living in.
For example, here in the UK we need serious knowledge of:
1. Fiqh.
2. Contemporary ‘Aqeedah issues. (Modernism, Understaning the objectives of the Shariah [which falls into fiqh and usool], Issues related to our relationships with other faiths/sects).
3. A more detailed commentry to the Qur’an. I suggest Zaad al Maseer by ibn Al Jawzee, or Tafseer al Qaasimi, by Imam al Qaasimi.
Btw – regarding thematic commentries to the Qur’an, I have heard from many a scholar that people go to excesses when it comes to trying to figure out the themes in the Qur’an, simply becuase many times in the Qur’an you will find the Qur’an changing its focus of discourse very rapidly, hence being pointless in trying to decipher a theme.
However, having said that, large chunks of Surahs do have themes, no doubt about it. But when one tries to connect a verse to a theme when in reality it has nothing to do with it, you feel as though people go beyond the bounds of Qur’anic exegis.
The fact that no classical scholar authored a tafseer related to theme is indicitive of what I am trying to say.
Although one of my favourite “tafseers” is ‘Fi Zilaal al Qur’an” by Shaheed Sayyid Qutb, i find that sometimes he goes too far in trying to connect one verse with another. i.e. you feel a sense of Mubaalaghah.
W/salam
btw – regarding my last point, i suggest one reads:
Diraasah al Qur’aaniyyah by Muhammed Qutb
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
Jazaak’Allahu khayran for your points, you raised very important points.
I also think more fiqh books need to be translated. I’ve seen the translation of ‘Umdat as-Saalik by Nuh Ha Meem Keller (actually I think I’ve still got it borrowed)… the translation is very good but I’ve only recently seen al-Hidaayah.
I think more books definitely need to be translated, especially across the madhaahib e.g. maybe ar-Risaalah or al-Umm (Shaafi’iyyah) and something from the Hanbali madhhab – al-Mughni by Ibn Qudaamah maybe as well as the Maalikiyyah, some form of concrete availability.
Aqeedah books alhamdulillah have a fair share of publication (compared to fiqh books in my view) and many contemporary Aqeedah books have been translated mainly from Saudi Shuyookh.
Which book are you currently translating?
A friend and I planned to translate one simple book to see how it went. Our main focus, although it was to translate something beneficial, it had to be something simple at the same time so we can actually do it well and complete it in good time. I’m currently also trying to translate the Nooniyah poem, but have an incredibly long way to go before completion (understandably!).
As Salaamu ‘Alaikum
Fajr, Qasida Nooniyah by Ibn al Qayyim? Nice choice, ive been looking for a translation to it for ages 😀
May Allah reward u for ur efforts and increase u in ilm 🙂
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
Ameen, wa iyyaaki ukhti
But just to clarify, it’s not the Nooniya Ibn al-Qayyim but Nooniyah al-Qahtaani, who was an early Andalusian scholar.
This Nooniyah is famous too and I think its over 600 lines! (It gathers many points of the Deen and highlights the belief of the Ahl as-Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah e.g. Aqeedah, fiqh, history, seerah etc).
I’ve been looking for its translation for so long but never found anything so decided to give it a shot myself… but can’t promise anything will be published 🙂
I translated over half of the Nooniyyah of al Qahtanee, if you want it Ill send it over. I did it last year
Asalamualaykum ukhti, could u please send me ur translation of the nooniya of imaam al qahtanee?
‘Assalaamu ‘alaykum sister, can you send a copy of your partly translated Nooniya to: zaki.zaim@gmail.com
May Allaah SWT reward you immensely!
Ahsanallaahu ilayki! Please check your email ukhti
assalamu alaykum,
You can read Ulum al Qur’an by Ahmed Von Denffer online 🙂
http://www.youngmuslims.ca/online_library/books/ulum_al_quran/
The one book on Quranic Sciences, that I’m looking forward to read is:
An Approach to the Quranic Sciences – Uloom ul-Quran by Mufti Taqi Usmani
Mukhtasar al-Quduri by Abul-Hasan al-Quduri al-Baghdadi is available online:
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/Quduri_Mukhtasar/default.htm
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
Jazaakillaahu khayran Hafsa for the links.
I wasn’t aware of the translation of al-Qudoori’s book. I was up until recently studying from ‘al-Lubaab’ which is the sharh of Qudoori’s ‘al-Kitaab’ (I believe there’s double sharh there somewhere!).
Mashaa’Allah it’s a very good book of Fiqh, nice to see it has been translated alhamdulillaah.
Asallamu Alaykum,
Could the sister who translated Nooniyyah of al Qahtanee please send it to me or give me a link to it Insha’Allah.
My email is Julaybib_uK@hotmail.com
Jazak’Allahu Khairen
Wa’alaykum Asallam
I think fajr, if you contact brothers at marifah.net, it would be really great.
they are looking for people to help them translate great works.
JazakAllah for this beautiful blog.
Wa iyyaakum
Jazaak’Allaahu khayran for the suggestion, but I’m far from being fit to translate classical books at this stage. But inshaa’Allah it’s something I plan to do in a couple of years or so.
Below is a comment passed on regarding the tarjamah of al-Kitaab [jazaahullaahu khayran]:
_________________________
assalaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaah,
I don’t think all of al-Kitaab by Imam al-Quddoori has been translated. The versions online are the translations of selected chapters from the book. However it seems that Turath Publishing have recently taken on the project to translate al-Lubaab, in addition to a number of other books currently undergoing translation:
http://www.turathpublishing.com/index.php/articles/books/35
In addition to what was mentioned earlier, another portion from al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah, on “The Story of Creation” has recently been translated and published…
http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/product_info.php?products_id=1686&osCsid=938a956e529a5efcb8e57127a3f478fc
_________________________
As Salaam Alai Kum,
Can anyone tell me if the urdu translation of Madarij Salkeen of Ibn Qayyim is available anywhere if so, please let me know the publisher. May Allah bless you.
Wa `alaykumusalaam wa rahmatullaah
Unfortunately, I can’t help you out on that as I’m not familiar with the language. Inshaa’Allaah someone may be able to assist you soon.
Assalaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullaah
Apologies for the very late reply but this is worth an update IMO.
Amjed Ali Khan:
AFAIK there isn’t an official urdu translation of the kitab in question but there are many fractions of English translations scattered around the globe, usually distributed within magazines like al Jumuah. I’m not aware of where you live but if within the UK, try contact http://www.booksasia.co.uk/index.html, they can access, import and supply the full variety of books that are published around the globe and will be able to scan for an urdu availability of the script you’re after. They remain one of the lead distributors to UK educational faculties and retail outlets.
Fajr:
Beautiful site ya ukhti, jazaakillahu khayran. Please keep adding to it in a reserved but approriately reasoned and knowledgable manner; it benefits us all much.
Wassalaam
Umar
Wa iyyaka, barakallaahu feek for the information I’m sure people will benefit from it inshaa’Allaah
After much delay, I am printing the sequel to Futushusham, Futuhu Misr. Your duas for its acceptance will be appreciated.
Masha’Allah, fantastic news!
‘The Islamic Conquest of Egypt’ – I, for one, am looking forward to reading it, please update us here when it’s published and available in the market.
Assalamu Alaykum
Alhamdulillah, the follow up to The Islamic Conquest of Syria, entitled The conquest Sahabah Book 2 Egypt Kurdistan/ Iraq has now been published by Miqdad Publishers
Please contact : miqdadpublishers (at) hotmail.com
Wassalam
Wa `alaykumusalam wa rahmatullah
Excellent! Allah yardha `ankum.
If you have a link to the online stores which sell them, please post it up.
At present it is only available in South Africa. We are looking to establish contacts with online sellers abroad or anyone who can promote the book for us. Insha Allah we will give further details as soon as these become available.
Wassalam
are you sure there’s no urdu of madarij us-salikeen? I have found over the years that there’s practically *everything* in urdu – the problem is simply understanding it. Sometimes the arabic is easier than the urdu! I needed my mum to translate futuh ush-shaam for me in urdu; it was easier to just read it in arabic (and much easier to read the poems in english!). Anyway I found madaarij us-salikeen incredibly difficult to read 🙁 but inshaAllah i’m going to have a stab at it again soon when i get a bit of time. shaykh Abu Ghuddah’a safahat min sabr il3ulema… is a fantastic read. As is his qimat az-zaman 3ind al-3ulema. I was actually strongly considering trnaslating it a couple of years ago (not too long and v. easy to read), until i found it was already done! alhamdulillah. Nur ul Idah has been translated totally I believe, although I haven’t seen it, it’s supposed to be v good. Has al hidaayah been totally translated? I have an old english version done by the brits which is not very good and incomplete, but it did help me a lot in the old days when we only had arabic and urdu!
Miqdad Publishers… so, is the book you’ve mentioned: ‘Conquest of Egypt’ the same as the one being translated by brother Sulayman al-Kindi? If not, who is the author of your latest publication and is it a translation of an original past work?
If brother Sulayman is still on here, are you planning to publish the sequel through Taha publishers again?
Yes this is the same book that Moulana Sulayman Al KIndi has translated. (As he has pointed out above in his post) It is a continuation of the Futuh series and is a translation of Imam al Waqidi’s Futuh al-Misr wa al-Iskandariyya.
Although Taha Publishers had printed the first book, the publisher of the sequel is ‘Miqdad Publishers’ as is stated on the book cover. As the book has only been released a week ago and almost half of the stock is sold, we may be willing to publish the second edition with Taha or any UK or US publisher on mutually agreeable terms for the benefit of those outside of South Africa.
You may regard this post as being on behalf of Sulayman al Kindi
I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding.
Shukran
As Salamu Alaikum from Durban Republic of South Africa.
Please advise me if there is an English Translation of this BOOK.
‘Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah’
“The Beginning and the End”
By Imam Ismail ibn Kathir.
Where in South Africa can I buy?
English translation of ” Dala’il al-Khayrat” by
Al-Qutb al-Kamil, Al-Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Abdur Rahman Ibn Abi Bakr Ibn Suleiman Al-Jazouli Simlali al-Hassani al-Maghribi (d. 869/1454).
Where in South Africa can I buy.
Wa `alaykumusalam wa rahmatullah
Sorry, I don’t know whereabouts in South Africa the publications are available. But you can contact Darusalam and inquire about their local outlets.
Was Salaam
Although there is a place for translations of authentic Arabic works from the past, I also fee there is a need for fresh compilations which address and deal with contemporary issues.
Assalam alikum sister..can you please translate Lamsat Bayaniyyah fi Nusus min al-Tanzeel by Dr. Fadil Salih al-Samira’i..at least some of it