Alexander Ross and his translation of the Holy Qur’an Introduction and Critical Analysis

Abstract

During and after the renaissance English were keenly interested in the Holy Qur'an and its contents because they were increasingly coming into contact with Muslims through trade and political relations. It is historical fact that the translation of the Holy Qur’an by Alexander Ross was the first-ever English translation that allowed the English reader to know about the Qur'an and its teachings. Ross was a priest and keen to explore the reasons of the progress and supremacy of the Muslim world and in particular Ottoman Empire during the Middle Ages. Therefore, he did the translation of the Qur'an for which he faced opposition from the Christian clergy. It is important to find out the reasons for opposition to translate the Qur’an. In response to this opposition, he seems compelled to write a “Caveat” for English readers to warn them about the heretic message of the Qur’an, in his opinion. Thus, it becomes an academic need to analyze his translation, learn about its format, and identify the reasons for which he has got hostile views and consider the Qur’an as heresy. We will further evaluate it for omissions, additions, and mistranslation in his translation if any.