with Professor Emerita, Jyotsna Singh

Singh will discuss The Alcoran of Mahomet, Translated out of Arabique into French by Sieur Du Ryer, Lord of Malezair, and Resident for the King of France, at Alexandria. And Newly Englished (translated) for the satisfaction of all that desire to look into the Turkish vanities. By Alexander Ross.. London, 1649.

While acclaimed as the first English translation of the Holy Qur’an, Alexander Ross’s “Englished” version is a derivative translation from French, reflecting both the author’s non-mastery of the original Arabic and limited French. A questionable translation, this book is nonetheless historically significant in defining the complex responses of Christian Europe to Islam in the early modern period. For English readers, there was no Islam or Muslims, but Mahomet and “his” religion, followed by “Mahometans,” which evoked both animus and fascination. On the one hand, for Christians in Europe, Mahomet’s religion was not merely “alien” or other, but also shared some similarities with their monotheism and Abrahamic roots. Yet, Islam nonetheless posed a threat to Christianity – with Mohammad being viewed as a fraudulent Prophet.

This is the third lecture in a series given by faculty in the Department of Religious Studies who use primary sources from Special Collections in the MSU Library in teaching and research. Each presentation will include ample time for conversation. The sources will be available for viewing during the talks. Bring your lunch; coffee and tea will be provided.