The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has praised Ilorin-born scholar and media practitioner, Dr. Daud Awwal, for translating the Holy Quran into Yoruba and English, alongside producing a transliteration version to aid non-Arabic speakers.
The monarch gave the commendation on Monday while receiving Dr. Awwal at his palace in Ilorin, where the scholar formally presented copies of the newly completed work.
The project comprises a complete translation of the Holy Quran from Arabic into Yoruba and English, as well as a transliteration edition designed to help readers who cannot read Arabic script recite the Quran with proper pronunciation.
Describing the achievement as a significant contribution to Islamic scholarship, the Emir said the project would preserve the Islamic heritage of the Ilorin Emirate and make the Quran more accessible to Yoruba and English-speaking Muslims.
“This is a landmark achievement that will go a long way in preserving the Islamic cultural heritage of Ilorin Emirate and making the divine message of the Holy Quran accessible to a wider audience, particularly our people who are more proficient in Yoruba and English,” the Emir said.
Sulu-Gambari also described Dr. Awwal as a worthy ambassador of the Ilorin Emirate and a distinguished member of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom. He noted that the translation aligns with the Emirate’s long-standing tradition of scholarship and would help strengthen faith while promoting religious and cultural values among younger generations.
The Emir prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and blessings upon the scholar and urged other sons and daughters of Ilorin, both at home and abroad, to contribute to the development of the community and the promotion of Islamic values.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Awwal said the project was inspired by the need to bridge language barriers and enable Yoruba and English-speaking Muslims to better understand, recite and reflect on the teachings of the Holy Quran.
He explained that the transliteration edition was specifically produced to assist people who cannot read Arabic script but wish to recite the Quran accurately. He added that proceeds from the project and its distribution would support Islamic education, dawah activities and Qur’anic schools, with plans to distribute two million copies across Africa and one million copies each in Europe, Asia and the United States.
“It took me 22years to complete the project and I used 150 biros”, he added.
The visit concluded with the formal presentation of the translated Quran manuscripts to the Emir of Ilorin.
