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Reviews of the English Translation of the Holy Quran with commentary

Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi, a leader of Sunni Muslim opinion, editor of Such, Lucknow, India, 25 June 1934:

“To deny the excellence of Maulvi Muhammad Ali’s translation, the influence it has exercised and its proselytising utility would be to deny the light of the sun. The translation certainly helped in bringing thousands of non-Muslims to the Muslim fold and hundreds of thousands of unbelievers much nearer Islam. Speaking of my own self, I gladly admit that this translation was one of the few books which brought me towards Islam fifteen or sixteen years ago when I was groping in darkness, atheism and scepticism. Even Maulana Muhammad Ali [Jauhar] of the Comrade was greatly enthralled by this translation and had nothing but praise for it.”

United India and Indian States, 21 December 1929:

“Among human productions of literary masterpieces, the English translation of the Holy Book by Maulvi Muhammad Ali undoubtedly claims a position of distinction and pre-eminence. But the real charm and value of the book lies in its introduction and footnotes which show Islam and its Founder in their true perspective. The book is of immense use and benefit to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and deserves to be extensively read and mastered by all and sundry.”

The Quest, London:

“It is certainly a work of which any scholar might legitimately be proud. The skilful presentation of the researches shows that he has been an apt scholar in the school of Western methodology.”

The Hindustan Times, Delhi, 6 May 1935:

“Maulana Muhammad Ali's name is known to every lover of the holy literature of Islam. … Very illuminating notes are provided by the translator which will be of great use to students. Maulana Muhammad Ali's language is restrained and eminently suitable for the purpose.”

Atlas of the Islamic World Since 1500 by Francis Robinson, Times-Life Books, 1991 reprint:

“Notable for its precision is that of Muhammad Ali of Lahore, the version used with one exception throughout this book.” (page 229, column 2)

The Madras Mail, 15 October 1929:

“Maulvi Muhammad Ali's name is a guarantee that the translation is as accurate as it could be, and a careful persual of the work really justifies the expression of the opinion that few translations into English have reached such a high standard. … The book will not only serve to enable Muslims to know their Islam better, but will also dispel many of the fictions fostered in the minds of the non-Muslims regarding the Quran and the religion it preaches.”

The Advocate, Lucknow, 24 October 1935:

“Maulana Muhammad Ali, M.A., Ll.B., is a well-known personality, a great scholar, and as a translator he has the good reputation of being accurate and reliable, and his translation in English is of high standard.”

Wakeel, Amritsar, India, Sunni Muslim Urdu newspaper:

“We have seen the translation critically, and have no hesitation in remarking that the simplicity of its language and the correctness of the version are all enviable. The writer has kept his annotations altogether free from sectarian influence with wonderful impartiality, and has gathered together the wealth of authentic Muslim theology. He has also displayed great skill and wisdom in using the new weapons of defence in refuting the objections of the opponents of Islam.”

Urdu monthly Islamic Digest, Karachi, March 1996, in its series Tashrih-ul-Quran:

“This commentary of Maulana Muhammad Ali appeared in 1917, seventeen years before the commentary of Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali. This is why the Allama, in the Preface of his commentary, besides mentioning other English commentaries, has also appreciated this commentary and written as follows: ‘Its Lahore Anjuman has published Maulvi Muhammad Ali's translation, first edition in 1917, which has passed through more than one edition. It is a scholarly work, and is equipped with adequate explanatory matter in the notes and the Preface, and a fairly full Index.’ ”

Famous Indian Muslim leader, Muhammad Ali Jauhar:

Read at this link in full his detailed letter of February 1918, praising Maulana Muhammad Ali’s translation, in which he writes:

“…I am impressed so far as I have read with the simplicity and precision and the adherence to the text which indicate the reverence due to God’s own Word from a true believer. … If you see Maulvi Mohammad Ali thank him for me as a Moslem who feels proud of his devoted and fruitful labours…”