Arab News
JEDDAH, Sep 6: An electronic edition in Malayalam of Tafheemul Qur’an, the popular commentary of the Holy Qur’an by the renowned Islamic scholar Sayyid Abul Aala Moudoodi -— the first winner of King Faisal International Prize for Islamic Service -— will be launched during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The computer edition of Tafheemul Qur’an in Malayalam is first of its kind, in terms of in-depth information and advanced user-friendly facilities,” said Sheikh Muhammad Karakkunnu, director of the project and former director of Islamic Publishing House (IPH), the publisher of its print edition in Malayalam.
He said the six-volume Qur’an commentary of Moudoodi, who is known as a leading Islamic reformer in the 20th century, had great impact on society. “It was instrumental in changing the perceptions of materialists, atheists and the so-called proponents of Western culture about Islam,” Karakkunnu told Arab News.
“Tafheem had contributed to removing the inferiority complex among Muslims and strengthening their self-esteem and confidence,” he said. “It emphasized the relevance of Islam in the contemporary world,” he added. Karakkunnu, who is vice president of Indian Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala and author of about 50 books, said the Pakistani scholar prepared Tafheemul Qur’an referring to the existing commentaries and in the light of modern science, history and geography. Moudoodi had visited the historic places mentioned in the Qur’an.
The electronic edition, which includes important articles on the Qur’an and its recitation by three well-known qaaris including Sheikh Ali Abdul Rahman Al-Hudaifi, imam and khateeb of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, was prepared by a team of experts in less than one year.
The project was funded by the Kerala Islamic Group in Saudi Arabia. Although the electronic edition is valued at Rs 1,000, it is offered at a prepublication rate of Rs 100 for those who order their copies in advance. “It will be available in both CD and DVD forms at all IPH outlets and bookstores in India and its agents in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries by Sept. 21 when it will be officially launched,” he pointed out.
The electronic edition includes translation of the Qura’nic Verses in both English and Malayalam, word meanings, and information about individuals and places in addition to a large number of maps, photos and video clips, said V.K. Abdu, technical supervisor and a former SABIC employee in Jeddah.