The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has launched a seven-member committee to oversee the translation of the Holy Quran into Langi. This initiative aims to make the teachings and message of the Quran more accessible to Langi-speaking Muslims. The committee was launched in Lira City on Saturday during celebrations to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The translation project is expected to provide Langi-speaking Muslims with an opportunity to study the Quran's meanings in their mother tongue.
The committee comprises scholars and language experts, including Sheikh Sadick Ayo, Imam of Idi Amin Mosque in Lira City; Sheikh Shaban Sadam Nasser, Imam of Taqwa Mosque; and Sheikh Hafiz Nurain Maganda, a holder of a Master’s degree in Sharia. Other members include Mr Ocom Ismael, a Harvard University graduate; Mr Ogal Ismael, a consultant in the translation of learning materials into Langi; Sheikh Ali Yakub Okwir, District Kadhi; and Sheikh Abdul-Karim Omar, Deputy Kadhi. They have agreed to undertake the translation as a long-term project.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enable Ugandans to understand the Quran in languages they speak. A Luganda translation has been developed over several decades, with the translation process beginning in 1963 and editions published in 1974, 1984, and 2007. There is also a published translation of the Quran in Runyankore, titled *Amakuru Ga Kuran Eyekitiinisa Omurunyankore*. The proposed Langi translation marks an important step in making Islamic scripture more accessible to the Lango-speaking community.
Speaking at the launch, Mubaje stressed the importance of understanding the message of Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. He urged Muslims to uphold the teachings of Islam in their daily lives. The Mufti commended the scholars and language experts who accepted to undertake the task, noting that translating the Quran requires careful attention to accuracy and meaning.
The launch was supported by Haj Masoud Obeid, a Lango-born Kampala-based businessman. Obeid supported the celebrations as part of efforts to promote Islamic activities in the region. The Mufti was accompanied by senior UMSC officials, including the Second Deputy Mufti, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, and other officials.
The committee is now expected to begin the work of translating and reviewing the Quran in Langi. The accuracy and preservation of its intended meaning are expected to remain central to the process. This project is seen as a significant step towards making Islamic scripture more accessible to Langi-speaking Muslims.
The translation of the Quran into Langi is expected to contribute to a better understanding of Islam among Langi-speaking Muslims. It will also promote Islamic activities in the region and enhance the community's engagement with the Quran. The project is a collaborative effort between scholars, language experts, and community leaders.
Key points
- The Mufti of Uganda has launched a committee to translate the Quran into Langi, a widely spoken language in northern Uganda.
- The translation project aims to make the teachings and message of the Quran more accessible to Langi-speaking Muslims.
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to enable Ugandans to understand the Quran in languages they speak.
