Obituary: Shuweikha Khamis-Champion of Qur’an translation into local languages, passes on

One of the key figures behind efforts to translate the Qur’an into local languages, Shuweikha Khamis Ali, has passed on.

Shuweikha breathed her last on the morning of Tuesday, April 21, in Nairobi following a short illness. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy in advancing the understanding of the Qur’an through translations into the Giriama and Maasai languages.

She was buried at Lang’ata Muslim Cemetery following well-attended funeral prayers held at Masjid Salaam in South C, where family, friends, and members of the community gathered for the Janaza prayers.

Together with her husband, Prof. Mohamed Bakari, Shuweikha played a pivotal role in the Qur’an Society—an initiative dedicated to translating, publishing, and disseminating the Holy Qur’an in local languages.

Prof. Bakari, a distinguished academic, is a former Vice Chancellor of RAF International University (now the Islamic University of Kenya) based in Kisaju, Kajiado county. A professor of linguistics and postcolonial studies, he taught at several universities across Kenya, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Shuweikha working with the team translating the Qura'n in Maasai language

The Qur’an Society’s first major project was the translation of the sacred text into the Giriama language, which was launched in March last year. The initiative aimed to enhance understanding of the Qur’an among native speakers, particularly those living along the Kenyan coast. So far, more than 2,000 copies of the Giriama Qu’ran translation have been printed.

Last month, the Qur'an Society unveiled another landmark project- the translation of the Qur’an into the Maasai language. Titled Qur’an Te Enkutuk, the work is currently undergoing review by a team of Islamic scholars proficient in Maa before its final publication. This pioneering effort seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the Qur’an among the Maasai community, whose members live across Kenya and Tanzania.

Shuweikha played a central role in the translation efforts providing oversight, mobilizing expertise, and supporting the development of translation teams made up of linguists, Islamic scholars, editors, and technical staff.

Speaking during an interview last month following the unveiling of the Maasai translation, she explained the rigorous process behind the work: “We have four teams, including translators, editors, IT personnel, and Islamic scholars, who review the texts to ensure they align with the original Arabic.”

She emphasized that the translations were intended for a broad audience and not only limited to Muslims. “The translation is not only meant for Muslims but also for non-Muslims, as it will help deepen understanding of the Qur’an more widely.”

Shuweikha with Prof. Mohammed Bakari pose for a group photo with area residents and chidren at Witeithie in Thika at a proposed site for the mosque

Beyond her contributions to Qur’an translation, Shuweikha was deeply committed to community service, particularly in supporting orphaned children. She was among the key figures behind the construction of ultra-modern facilities for Mama Dhahabu Children’s Home in Witeithie, near Thika, providing a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children.

Shuweikha alongside her husband was also part of the Wasomi Africa Book Club, an initiative aimed at promoting academic discourses on Islamic and contemporary thoughts. Their Karen home library serves as a platform for reading, research and discussions by students and scholars from within and outside the country.

Her dedication to community and academic development as well as the advancement of knowledge through Qur’anic translation will remain a lasting legacy for the ummah.

May Allah accept her deeds, forgive her shortcomings, and grant her the highest abode in Paradise, Jannatul Firdaws.