Translator of the Maori Language Quran Dies
The Muslim Community in New Zealand has announced the death of Mr Shakil Ahmad Monir.
Born in Monghyr, Bihar province of India in 1932, Mr Monir was a professor in Science and Religion and a senior member of the Muslim Community in Pakistan.
Monir worked to promote the Islamic faith in a number of capacities in many different parts of the world, including the Indian sub continent, several African countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
In the late 1980s he took up the responsibility of translating the Holy Quran to the Maori language.
Monir explored several options of translation of the Quran into te reo, but came to realize that to do full justice to the translation, he would have to be in a unique position to have grasp of all three languages - namely Arabic, English, and Maori.
Monir took it upon himself to learn the Maori language for several years, finally taking over 20 years to fully translate and publish the Maori translation of the revered book. His grasp of the Maori language saw him earn the respect and friendship of many Maori elders.
Despite his achievements throughout his life, Monir remained a humble person willing to spend his time and money for the benefit of mankind.
He fully funded the translation project from his own pocket. He spent his final few years with his family in Karachi, Pakistan, and after a short illness passed away on the morning of August 1, 2017.
Source: Maori Television
