Meaning of the Holy Qur'an

Biography of ‘ABDULLAH YUSUF ‘ALI 'ABDULLAH YUSUF ‘All was born in 1872 A.C./1289 A.H. into a family of the Bohra community in Surat India. His father, a merchant, was a very religious man who made sure that his son learned Qur'an before anything else. When young 'Abdullah's completed the memorization of the entire Qur'an to memory, his father celebrated the occasion with a grand banquet, thus showing to his son the significance of his achievement, and the importance of the Qur'an. In addition to his regular schooling, 'Abdullah continued to receive lessons in Arabic language and never ceased in his studies of the Qur'an. He was a superior student who excelled in academic achievement and won the much-coveted Indian Civil Service Award, a prestigious honor awarded in a very competitive entrance examinations for high positions in the Indian Civil Service; which well- to do families aspire that their sons receive. 'Abdullah was adept in leaning English literature and was considered to be among the best of his fellow compatriots in written English. Many of the leading scholarly magazines in India published his works and expressed their appreciation for his beautiful literary style. Later, 'Abdullah left India for Europe, touring many European capitals and finally resided in London for a considerable period. In London he was exposed to many translations of the Qur'an and continued to have a keen interest in it and its studies. He then began to closely study the Qur'an with a focus to the various interpretations, both old and new. After studying what was written about the Qur'an in both European and Eastern languages, he returned to India and took up new residence in Lahore where he became the Dean of the Islamic College. He then began his monumental work of translating and commenting on the Qur’an. He passed away later in London on December 10th 1952 A.C./1372 A.H.