The Glorious Qur’an Now in Yao Language

The Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) had a very busy ending week of December 2016 as it conducted two auspicious occasions, comprising of annual Muslim gathering (Ijtima) and the launching of Yao translated Qur’an in the district of Mangochi.

The first occasion was an Annual Ijtima which was held for three days from Friday the 23rd of December to Sunday the 25th. Ijtima is an annual gathering where Muslims meet and digest issues of faith and national development. A number of schoolers from across the country deliver diverse topics during the three days. It is organised by the Council for Muslim Theologians in the country, this year’s theme was “Islam and Development.”

Commenting on the theme Guest of honor who was the Malawi’s Head of State President Peter Mutharika commended the Association for its policy to work with government of the day regardless of the party that is in leadership. “I recommend the Muslim Association for their contribution in developing this country that is why I appointed the young and energetic Atupele Muluzi a Muslim himself and some other Muslims in my government because I know that this country belongs to all of us regardless of our religions”. He said.

Speaking before the President, Chairman of Muslim Association of Malawi asked the President to consider numbers of Muslims in Cabinet and some
other government positions.

The second gathering in Mangochi was an event which brought Muslims together as the Muslim Association of Malawi was launching the Yao translated Qur’an the most eloquent Book sent to mankind.

The Qur’an has been translated into many different languages, why not in Yao? Observes Sheikh Muhammad Abdul Hamid Silika as he spoke to
Insight Bulletin before answering the question of what inspired him to translate the Holy Book into Yao.

Sheikh Silika who is Chairperson for Iftaa Sub Committee and a senior member of Ulama Council of Malawi undertook the effort to translate the Quran from Arabic to Yao for 10 years. The translation culminated into a six-month review by 14 Sheikhs under the sponsorship of Dr Uladi Mussa.

Sheikh Silika received a permission to translate the Quran from late Sheikh Khalid Ibrahim who translated the Holy Quran from Arabic into Chichewa.

Through the efforts of Muslim Association of Malawi, the printing of the Yao translated edition has been done by Dubai Charity Association with first consignment of 20,000 copies.

On the launching day, Former Malawi President Dr Bakili Muluzi became first to buy the edition when he purchased 200 copies that were donated to Muslim women who patronized the launch. However, the copies are for free. Muslims are requested to purchase and distribute for their own good. In his remarks, The Chairman of Muslim association thanked everyone who contributed towards the translation project that it is only Allah the creator that can reward them.

As the Main Donor, acting president for Peoples Party (PP) Uladi Mussa said during the launching ceremony that the translated edition would help
Muslims of Yao origins understand Quran and their religion fully “Between 60 to 70 percent of Muslims in this country are Yao, it is therefore important to have the Holy Book in a language they can understand easily. I am proud that the edition is now out
and this follows two translations to Chichewa done years ago by late Sheikh Khalid Ibrahim and late Alhajj Yusuf Kanyamula,” said Mussa.

Mussa then called on Malawians to make use of their constitutional religious rights by not allowing other denominations to dominate theirs, Mussa further asked Muslims to leave their religious difference aside and focus on developing the country, adding if Malawi was to develop there is
a need for Muslims and people of other faiths to invest more in education.