The Interfaith Dimension of Some Recent English Translations of the Quran: A Critical Analysis

أهداف البحث: تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى البحث في البعد الخاص بحوار الأديان في مجموعة مُختارة من الترجمات الإنجليزية لمعاني القرآن الكريم؛ وذلك بهدف الإجابة على السؤالين التاليين: هل هذه الترجمات مُوجَّهة إلى القراء المسلمين دون غيرهم؟ وهل تستوعب الرسالة العالمية للقرآن الكريم وتُعبِّر عنها، وهي الرسالة التي تستهدف المسلمين وغير المسلمين على حد سواء؟ ونظرًا لندرة الدراسات حول هذا الجانب في الترجمات الإنجليزية، فقد جاءت هذه الدراسة كمحاولة لملء هذا الفراغ؛ إذ ستساعد القراء على فهم مواطن القوة والضعف النسبية في الترجمات المختلفة. منهج الدراسة: تناولت الدراسة الترجمات الإنجليزية المُختارة بالتحليل الدقيق والنقد الموضوعي من زاوية حجم إسهامها في تيسير فهم الحوار بين الأديان، حيث برزت بعض الترجمات في هذا المجال، بينما افتقر بعضها الآخر إلى هذا البعد. وعليه، فإن هذه الدراسة تجمع بين المنهجين الاستنباطي والاستقرائي. النتائج: يُقدّم هذا البحث في البداية دراسة تاريخية نقدية استعراضية لترجمات معاني القرآن باللغة الإنجليزية، وعلى وجه الخصوص ترجمات: ألكسندر روس (1649)، وجورج سيل (1734)، وج.م. رودول (1861)، وإ.ه. بالمر (1880)، وريتشرد بيل (1939)، وأ. ج. آربري (1955). ون. ج. داوود (1956)، وآلن جونز (2007)، وأ.ج. دروغ (2014). ثم ينتقل إلى لفت الانتباه إلى الملاحظات الجدلية غير المقبولة المطروحة في ترجمات المستشرقين لمعاني القرآن باللغة الإنجليزية تحت ستار دراسة مقارنة الأديان. وقد أطلق سيد أحمد خان اتجاهًا جديدًا في هذا المجال، وهو فهم الحوار بين الأديان من منظور التعددية. ونجد هذا الاتجاه بصورة أكثر وضوحًا في ترجمات معاني القرآن لكلٍ من: توماس كليري (2004)، وصافي كاسكس (2016)، وديفيد هنغرفورد (2016). ورغم زعم ج. س. رينولدز (2018) وجين ميكالف (2017) التزامهما في ترجمتهما الحديثة للقرآن باتباع منظور الحوار بين الأديان، إلا أنهما في الواقع غالبًا ما لجأا في ترجمتهما إلى الموقف الاستشراقي الجدلي الذي كان هدفه الرئيس التشكيك في القرآن، والقول بأنه تقليد هزيل للإنجيل. ويدرس هذا البحث بعض ترجمات القرآن الصادرة في القرن الحادي والعشرين مثل ترجمات: توماس كليري (2004) ، وصافي كاسكس، وديفيد هنغرفورد  (2016) ، وج. س. رينولدز (2018) وجين ميكالف (2017). أصالة البحث: هذه الدراسة هي الدراسة الأولى من نوعها التي تُقيِّم الترجمات المُختارة من حيث إعلاؤها لقيم التعايش السلمي التي جاءت في القرآن الكريم.Purpose: The objective of the paper is to explore the Interfaith dimension, if any, in select English translations of the Quran. Are these translations addressed only to the Muslim readership? Do these capture and convey the universal message of the Quran, which is directed at Muslims and non-Muslims alike? Since this aspect of the English translations of the Quran has been hardly explored, this study is an attempt to fill this gap. It will help readers realize the relative strengths and weaknesses of various translation. Methodology: Select English translations have been closely and critically analysed in terms of the quantum of their contribution to Interfaith understanding. Some translations stand out on this count while others lack this dimension. So it is based on both inductive and deductive approaches. Findings: This paper first provides a critical, historical survey of the English translations of the Quran, namely, those by Alexander Ross (1649), George Sale (1734), J. M. Rodwell (1861), E. H. Palmer (1880), Richard Bell (1937-1939), A. J. Arberry (1955), N. J. Dawood (1956), Alan Jones (2007) and A. J. Droge (2014). This paper draws attention to the unpalatable note of polemics under the pretext of comparative religion in the Orientalists’ English translations of the Quran. Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), however, set in motion a new trend in the field: interfaith understanding from the perspective of pluralism. This trend is reflected more sharply in the translations by Thomas Cleary (2004) and Safi Kaskas and David Hungerford (2016). Although in their fairly recent English renderings of the Quran, G. S. Reynolds (2018) and Jane McAuliffe (2017) promise to study the Quran from an interfaith dialogue perspective, they often revert to the polemical Orientalist stance of discrediting the Quran as a poor imitation of the Bible. This paper examines the 21st century English translations of the Quran by Thomas Cleary (2004), Safi Kaskas and David Hungerford (2016), G. S. Reynolds (2018) and Jane McAuliffe (2017). Originality: This is the first study of its kind – assessing the select translations in term of their promotion of the ideals of peaceful coexistence as spelled out by the Quran

The Legal, Economic, Social, Criminal and Political Challenges of Video Piracy: The Nigerian Experience

In the circumstance of existing pragmatic problem of an endangering high prevalence of video piracy and dearth of empirical enquiries, this study attempted to fill the knowledge gap in the global video piracy discourse from the legal, ethical, moral, economic, criminal and political perspectives in Nigeria. The study investigated the challenges of video piracy in Nigeria from multiple perspectives. Adopting the qualitative design and the case study approach, a triangulation of the in-depth interview, focus group discussion and document analysis methods were used for data collection. While the judgment sampling method was adopted for information gathering from respondents, the interpretive and critical analytical methods were used for the data analysis. The study’s theoretical framework was the diffusion of innovation theory. A set of eight findings of this study which uniquely contribute to the body of knowledge on video piracy in Nigeria and globally include: the dangerous ethnic dimension of the video piracy trend in Lagos; the low level of awareness on video piracy amongst the Nigerian public; the poor level of monitoring of post production and reproduction processes by producers and right owners; the internal sabotage within production plants and among video marketers; poor financial and operational capacity of stakeholders, non usage of highly sophisticated technological devices to protect video works; the experience of devastating psychological trauma by video producers and marketers; unwilling resort of video producers to low quality production to reduce cost and risk; and finally, the four fundamental factors refuting the claim of video piracy’s contribution to the emergence and popularity of the Nigerian video industry. The significance of these findings includes: strategic insight and understanding of the video piracy dynamics capable of facilitating strategic planning; control; eradication of video piracy; strategic conflict prevention; knowledge update on video piracy and strategic economic and cultural development

Framework for multistage pre-treatment of anaerobic digestion for maximizing electrical energy production

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a complex process involving several dependent variables. Among critical factors are pH value, temperature and type of pre-treatment of raw material. The change in these parameters affects the overall performance of the system in terms of biogas and methane yield, resulting into varying power output. Different pre-treatments of biomass have different impact on the kinetics of AD. Therefore, the overall electrical output power varies with varying the type of pretreatment and to which extent it is used. In this regard, most of the existing approaches focused only on the multistage reactor design and economic evaluations with single pre-treatment technique. They did not consider the effect of multistage pre-treatment techniques on electrical power output. This research proposes a novel methodology of multistage pre-treatment of organic matters which has the potential to increase the power output from AD to its maximum. The modelling of most common pre-treatment techniques (chemical, mechanical and thermal pre-treatments) of organic matters is presented to calculate the effect of these treatments on the electrical energy production. A framework is developed to evaluate the whole process from pre-treatment to the power output. Multistage pre-treatment is proposed in this research to enhance the electrical energy production from AD. The first order kinetic model of AD is used to calculate the biogas and methane yields and electrical energy as existing literature illustrates that this model is a good choice acceptably for the solution of chemical reactions involved in AD. Three different pre-treatment scenarios, AD with single pretreatment (Case 1), AD with two stage pre-treatment (Case 2) and AD with three stage pre-treatment (Case 3) are considered for the application of the proposed methods. The proposed scenarios are simulated to use different possible number of combinations in all three pre-treatment cases. The highest production of electrical energy achieved was 0.62 kWh, 0.75 kWh and 0.87 kWh for 1 kg of animal wastes for Case 1, Case 2 and Case 3 respectively. The results are compared with the experimental results of pilot scale plant and Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1). This shows that biogas, methane yield and electrical energy output can be enhanced to approximately two fold by using multistage pre-treatment. The proposed technique is useful for the prediction of bioenergy yield for different organic matters as well as for other bioenergy conversion routes

بشرية الأنبياء في القرآن الكريم

Purpose: The study draws attention to a pioneering work in Urdu on an interpretation of the Quran, Bashariyat-i Anbiya (Humanness of Prophets), published in 1960 by Abdul Majid Daryabadi (1892-1977), a distinguished Quranic scholar of India. The article places the views of Daryabadi in the wider context of the translation of the Quran scholars of the Indian subcontinent on the issue of the humanness of Prophets, especially of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Methodology: The study is based on the analysis of Daryabadi’s thesis and compares and contrasts his thesis with the approach of some Quranic scholars from the Indian subcontinent. The critical discussion focuses on the perception of Prophets, particularly in relation to the divine. Findings: The Quran projects Prophets as ordinary human beings notwithstanding their holding the August office of Prophethood and their being the best human being as role models to be emulated by their followers. However, Prophets are essentially human beings and totally distinct from the divine. Some Quranic scholars of the Indian subcontinent appear to blur this distinction. Originality: The humanness of Prophets has not been discussed in the Quranic scholarship. Likewise, their excessive veneration in certain quarters has gone unnoticed. This research unravels these aspectsأهداف البحث: في عام 1960، نشر الشيخ عبد الماجد دريا أبادي (1892-1977) – وهو أحد علماء الهند المبرزين في مجال الدراسات القرآنية - كتابًا مهمًا ومعروفًا باللغة الأردية حول (بشرية الأنبياء). ويهدف هذا البحث إلى إبراز محتويات هذا الكتاب الشهير، فلقد بالغ بعض مترجمي القرآن الكريم من شبه القارة الهندية في تصوير الأنبياء، وبالأخص سيدنا محمد ﷺ - عكس موقف الشيخ دريا أبادي - وأنكروا بشريته. منهج الدراسة: ينتقد هذا البحث دراسة الشيخ دريا أبادي محاكمة نقدية، من خلال مقارنتها بمترجمي القرآن في شبه القارة الهندية الذين ينتمون إلى طائفة البريلوية والذين لم يرفضوا بشرية محمد ﷺ، بل بالغوا في ذلك وادعوا أنه عالم كل شيء، بما يتعارض مع عقيدة التوحيد تعارضًا واضحًا. النتائج: إن القرآن ينص على أن جميع الأنبياء بشر، على رغم أنهم يشغلون المرتبة العليا ويستحقون أن يتبعهم أتباعهم كأسوة حسنة، ولكن كما ورد في القرآن أنه لا يوجد أي أثر فيهم للألوهية، وأنهم لا يعرفون كل شيء. ولقد طمس مترجمو القرآن البارزين من طائفة البريلوية هذا الاختلاف الأساس. أصالة البحث: لم يُبرز جانب بشرية الأنبياء في بحوث القرآن حتى الآن، كما أن طائفة البريلوية لم تعتن إلا بالغلو والمبالغة في هذا الباب. وقد نوقش كلا الجانبين في هذه المقالة

Economic Feasibility of Stand-Alone Wind Energy Hybrid with Bioenergy from Anaerobic Digestion for Electrification of Remote Area of Pakistan

Hybrid Renewable Energy systems (HRES) are gaining importance throughout the world because of the finite sources of oil and gas reservoirs. These have the great ability in the production of electrical energy and cleaning the environment. It is difficult to get grid electricity in the remote areas where no infrastructure exists. The utilization of renewable sources is the ultimate solution for the generation of electricity. In this paper, the economic modeling of Hybrid system consisting of Wind/biomass is explored for the remote area ‘Jangiah’ of Balochistan province, Pakistan. Anaerobic Digestion of biomass is used to get biogas. This source is used to complement the uncertainties in the wind production. Homer is used to simulate the hybrid model. Economic analysis is performed to get the net present value (NPV) and cost of energy. It is observed that wind/biomass alone is capable to meet the demand of community which consumes 60 kW peak daily along with the storage backup. This system is the most economical with COE equal to 0.118 US$/kWh following the hybrid biomass/wind/diesel system with COE 0.202 US$/kWh. The sensitivity analysis is carried out and shows that the proposed system is sensitive to the prices of fossil fuel and project lifespan. The net present value increases as the lifetime of the project increases from 15 years to 30 years. It can also be concluded that if the price of the diesel drops below 0.8 US$/liter, the traditional system using fossil fuels will become the most suitable system for the generation of electricity in remote areas

Aspects and Importance of Digital Media in Pakistan

Digital Media has gained importance over the years, around the world. It has created impact in Pakistan too. This paper draws comparison in usage and impact of Digital Media in developed worlds with Pakistan and identifies the flaws, the potential and scope of digital media in Pakistan. Pakistan as the world’s 7th largest country has tremendous potential for digital media. However lack of knowledge, interest and resources has held Pakistan in attaining advancement in development of digital media. Though the technology has been there since 1990s yet, fewer people properly understand aspects and importance of digital media. In fact there are hardly any research papers on digital media by Pakistani authors. In this research paper we have limited our research to the limited application of digital media in Pakistan but we have discussed in detail the upcoming trends and marketing tactics adopted by marketers

Aspects and Importance of Digital Media in Pakistan

Digital Media has gained importance over the years, around the world. It has created impact in Pakistan too. This paper draws comparison in usage and impact of Digital Media in developed worlds with Pakistan and identifies the flaws, the potential and scope of digital media in Pakistan. Pakistan as the world’s 7th largest country has tremendous potential for digital media. However lack of knowledge, interest and resources has held Pakistan in attaining advancement in development of digital media. Though the technology has been there since 1990s yet, fewer people properly understand aspects and importance of digital media. In fact there are hardly any research papers on digital media by Pakistani authors. In this research paper we have limited our research to the limited application of digital media in Pakistan but we have discussed in detail the upcoming trends and marketing tactics adopted by marketers

Fractal-like kinetics for adsorption of Pb (II) on graphene oxide/hydrous zirconium oxide/crosslinked starch bio-composite: Application of Taguchi approach for optimization

This study deals with the decontamination of Pb (II) from aqueous environment using graphene oxide/hydrous zirconium oxide/crosslinked starch bio-composite (GZS-BC). Various instrumental techniques were used to characterize the GZS-BC. The main factors of Pb (II) sorption were optimized by Taguchi method. Under optimum conditions, (adsorbent dose: 40 mg, contact time: 180 min and initial Pb (II) concentration: 50 mg/L) maximum removal efficiency (98.50%) was achieved at pH 6. Various isotherm models were tested to fit the adsorption data and Freundlich isotherm model was the best fit model with high R2 values (0.9977–0.9983) and low values of χ2 (0.01–0.02) and APE (0.90–1.14). The kinetic data were investigated using classical and fractal-like kinetic equations. The fractal-like mixed 1,2-order kinetic model was the best fit model which pointed towards heterogeneous surface of GZS-BC with more than one type of sorption sites. Thermodynamic study shows that Pb (II) sorption onto GZS-BC was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The values of ΔG° indicated that physisorption together with chemisorption was responsible for uptake of Pb (II).The authors are highly thankful to Department of Chemistry, AMU assisted through UGC DRS-SAP, DST-PURSE and DST-FIST programs for providing necessary facilities. The authors extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2023R266) King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the support.Publicad

The modelling of wind farm layout optimization for the reduction of wake losses

The objective of the present research is to find out the optimized dimensions of the wind farm area and turbines layout to reduce the overall cost per unit power. The velocity deficits caused by the wakes of each turbine were calculated by using Jensen's wake model. The optimal positions of wind turbine placement are evaluated by using genetic algorithm, while sustaining the obligatory space between adjacent turbines for operation safety. The research on the wind farm area dimensions and fully utilization of upstream wind velocity is currently lacking in literature. The logical application of area dimensions and genetic algorithm improved the overall efficiency of the wind farm. It is concluded that proposed duel level optimization method outperforms the existing ones. The total wind farm area (2km × 2km) was divided into 100 identical cells, with each cell having dimensions 200m × 200m . The performance of the proposed method is compared with the results from previous studies. The simulation results showed that power output of the wind farm was increased by using same area with different dimensions. It was observed that by using the same number of wind turbines, the total efficiency of wind farm was increased by 7 %

Feasibility and Optimization of Standalone PV/Biogas Hybrid Distributed Renewable System for Rural Electrification: A Case Study of a Cholistan Community

Now-a-days, electricity has become the most significant part of human life. For this purpose, renewable energy sources as the emergent sources are introduced in the system. In Pakistan, in spite of having abundant renewable sources and favorable climate conditions, there are some remote areas where the extension of national grid is still absent. In this research paper, one of the remote area of Pakistan, Chak 6-DRB, a village of Cholistan, is considered for the hybrid renewable sources. This research has been implemented on HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric and Renewable) software, in which two renewable sources; solar and anaerobic biogas have been implemented in terms of COE (Cost of Energy), NPC (Net Present Cost), costs of different equipment used and then find an optimal size and costs of the system. This HDRP (Hybrid Distributed Renewable Power) system contains anaerobic biogas, and solar system which yield most accurate and inexpensive results and are quite feasible for this remote area. This standalone generation and distribution model is also analyzed through HOMER including sensitivity parameters. In future, this role model of proposed hybrid renewable system would be very effective and helpful for other remote areas of the country for implementatio