The <i>daʿwa</i> Qur'an? Exploring the Evolution of ʿAbdullah Yūsuf ʿAlī’s Translation

The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary by ʿAbdullah Yūsuf ʿAlī (1872–1953) was prepared for daʿwa purposes, to spread the message and guidance of Islam in the English language. The subsequent editorial changes to this translation made in editions published decades later problematise the use of translation in propagating a particular interpretative framework and reflect developments in the practice of daʿwa and in interpretive methodologies during the second half of the twentieth century. This article argues that these interventions in Yusuf Ali's original translation were less to do with the English rendition of the text, and more to do with the paratext that structures the text and filters the experience of the reader.