The project by IDM to make Islam more accessible to all Photo IDM
World – The Islamic Dawah Movement (IDM) has accomplished a significant milestone by translating the Holy Quraan into Setswana. This monumental initiative, a first of its kind, aims to make the teachings of Islam accessible to a wider audience.
According to Dr. Ebrahim Dada, National Executive Director at Islamic Dawah Movement, Setswana marks the ninth indigenous language into which IDM has translated the Quraan. Previous successful translations include African languages such as Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Chichewa and even Portuguese amongst others. It was important to translate the Quraan into Setswana considering its importance and how widely it is spoken in Southern Africa.
“Setswana is one of the 11 official languages in South Africa, and it is also one of the official languages in Botswana. People speak it interchangeably with English. There are 13 million speakers. These are primary and secondary speakers of this language in Southern Africa. Especially in South Africa, Botswana but also in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Lesotho. Here you’re looking at a reasonably major language in Southern Africa.”
The Quraan serves as the cornerstone of Islam, providing essential guidance to Muslims and serving as a source of knowledge for those seeking to explore the faith. The translation into Setswana marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between the teachings of Islam and the indigenous communities of southern Africa.
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Printing and distribution of the Setswana translated Quraan
The translation of the Quraan into Setswana required extensive research and collaborative efforts. The translation process involved numerous years of meticulous proofreading, ensuring accuracy and reverence for the sacred text. IDM plans to print 20 000 copies of the Setswana translation, priced at R60 each. To make the Quraan accessible to as many people as possible, IDM intends to distribute the copies for free.
“All of our Quraans are given out free because the people cannot afford it. A book of that size average price will be about R250 … We are at the very last stages of the layout and graphics which takes a few weeks. Then it goes to the printing press, it takes a month or thereabouts. We expect in under two months that this will be ready for distribution to all. We would normally announce it when it’s finally out. We tell them where it’s available. They will be available at various different points throughout our branches and through various people who are interested in this.”
Impact and feedback on translated Quraans
Previous translations of the Quraan in various indigenous languages have been met with overwhelming demand. The existing translations, such as Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, have seen immense popularity. The availability of translated versions has become crucial in countering misconceptions and facilitating a more accurate understanding of Islam.
“We have so much demand for all the [copies of the] Quraan in our local languages that we have translated, it’s unbelievable. Right now, we are running out of Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. It’s too much for us to print all at once … People are not buying the Quraan to have fun or frolic or just to waste their time. There are two primary sources for this demand. The one is the born Muslims who are now becoming more islamically conscious. The other big group are the non-Muslims who now heard about Islam, or they heard wrong things about Islam, and they want to check it for themselves from the original source which is the Holy Quraan and that is why many of them are asking for the Quraan.”
The translation of the Holy Quraan into Setswana marks a historic milestone in the efforts to spread the teachings of Islam in southern Africa. IDM’s dedication to translating the Quraan into indigenous languages reflects their commitment to making Islam accessible to all. By providing the Setswana-speaking population with a translated Quraan, IDM aims to bridge cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering a better understanding of the faith. This initiative serves as a shining example of the unity and inclusivity that lies at the heart of Islam.
Individuals interested in contributing to this noble cause can do so through IDM’s official website. The website provides options for secure online donations via credit or debit card, as well as electronic fund transfers. Additionally, IDM can be contacted directly at their office in Durban, South Africa.
