In a recent address, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasized that the fall of Al Andalus was not merely a territorial loss but signified “the first defeat for Arabs and Muslims.”
During a telephone interview on the “Direct Line” program with Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, His Highness discussed a significant cultural, historical, and religious initiative involving the first known translation of the Holy Quran by an Englishman, Robert of Ketton, under the influence of Christian leader Peter the Venerable in 1142 AD.
Reflecting on the fall of Al Andalus, His Highness remarked, “Many Muslims view Al Andalus as a lost land, but it represents much more. It was the initial defeat for Arabs and Muslims. This inspired my play ‘The Case,’ though its deeper message was not widely understood at the time. We hope, God willing, that such setbacks will not continue.”
A Peaceful Approach
His Highness elaborated on his extensive research and publications about the circumstances leading to the decline of Islam in Al Andalus and the brutal practices of the Inquisition courts. He recounted the story of Tariq Ibn Ziyad’s peaceful entry into Toledo in 711 AD. Instead of attacking, Tariq negotiated with the city’s inhabitants, securing a peaceful surrender that allowed Islam to flourish in Toledo for 374 years. This period ended with the siege and eventual takeover by Alfonso VI, also known as Alfonso the Brave, who starved the city’s Muslim population into submission.
The Offensive Translation of the Quran
His Highness shed light on a lesser-known historical event: the translation of the Holy Quran by Robert of Ketton, commissioned by Peter the Venerable to cast Islam in a negative light. This translation, completed in 1142 AD and printed in 1162 AD, included numerous offensive remarks aimed at discrediting Islam and its followers. The printing press in Basel, Switzerland, which produced the translation, was ordered not to disclose its name due to the controversial nature of the content.
Addressing Historical Misrepresentations
His Highness mentioned his efforts in 1979 to produce an accurate translation of the Holy Quran, resulting in “The Recorded Quran” project. He collaborated with translators Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, although the latter’s translation contained 37 errors. Despite resistance to correcting these errors within the original text, His Highness ensured that corrections were added separately and distributed widely.
Continuing the Legacy
Currently, His Highness is working on reviewing the offensive translation by Robert of Ketton. He faces challenges in presenting this work due to its slanderous content against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, he highlights the importance of understanding historical narratives and adversaries through his publications.
A Message of Forgiveness
Concluding his statement, His Highness remarked, “We must not forget… we forgive, but we do not forget what happened to us.” This sentiment underscores the importance of remembering history while fostering a spirit of forgiveness and understanding.
