Qur'an Translation by Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali Mazrui: Third Volume Published
Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali Mazrui pioneered the translation of the Qur'an into Swahili in the 1930s, undertaking a project of immense scholarly and cultural significance.
The third volume of Tafsiri ya Qur'an Tukufu kwa Kiswahili has been published, marking another significant milestone in preserving the intellectual legacy of one of East Africa's most distinguished Islamic scholars, the late Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali Mazrui.
This publication is based on Sheikh Al-Amin's surviving manuscripts, written notes, lessons, and lectures on the translation and interpretation of the Qur'an. It forms part of a long-standing effort to preserve and disseminate Islamic scholarship in the Swahili language. The publication of this volume is a powerful reminder that although great scholars depart from this world, their knowledge can continue to illuminate hearts and minds for generations.
The volume was designed and printed by Salaam Publishers Limited, a Kenyan publishing house dedicated to producing and preserving high-quality Islamic and educational literature for present and future generations.
Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali Mazrui pioneered the translation of the Qur'an into Swahili in the 1930s, undertaking a project of immense scholarly and cultural significance. By the time of his passing in 1947, he had completed the translation of Surat al-Fatihah and Surat al-Baqarah, together with most of Surat Āl ʿImrān. He had also completed a translation of Juzuu ya ʿAmma, although without accompanying commentary. His pioneering work laid an enduring foundation for making the meanings of the Qur'an more accessible to Swahili-speaking Muslim communities.
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Sheikh Al Amin Mazrui
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After Sheikh Al-Amin's death, his foremost student, the former Chief Qadhi of Kenya, the late Sheikh Muhammad Kassim Mazrui, devoted himself to completing his teacher's unfinished mission. Having studied Tafsir al-Jalalayn directly under Sheikh Al-Amin, he regarded the continuation of the Tafsiri as both a tribute to his beloved teacher and a sacred scholarly responsibility. Through these efforts, he preserved his teacher's legacy and ensured that generations of Swahili-speaking Muslims would continue to benefit from it.
Sheikh Muhammad Kassim Mazrui, who was the father of former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Hammad Kassim, returned to his Creator in 1982.More than four decades later, the publication of these volumes continues through the dedication and commitment of his family and descendants, who have carefully safeguarded both scholars' manuscripts and legacy. Their efforts have ensured that this monumental work has not remained confined to private collections but has instead continued to reach new generations of readers. The publication of this third volume therefore stands not only as a tribute to Sheikh Al-Amin and Sheikh Muhammad Kassim Mazrui, but also to the enduring commitment of their family to preserving and advancing Islamic scholarship.
Sheikh Muhammad Kassim Mazrui
The publication of Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali Mazrui's Tafsiri also highlights a pressing challenge facing the Muslim community today. Across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, and the wider East African region, thousands of invaluable manuscripts, lecture notes, personal writings, translations, and other scholarly works remain hidden in homes, mosques, libraries, and private family collections.
“We therefore appeal to families, scholars, institutions, and community leaders to help preserve this rich intellectual heritage by making these works available for editing, preservation, publication, and wider dissemination. Knowledge serves humanity only when it is shared. Let us work together to preserve it, publish it, and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the wisdom and scholarship of those who came before us,” said Abdullahi Abdi of Salaam Publishers Limited.
