Lagos: Dr Daud Awwal, a Nigerian scholar and author of the 4-in-1 Qur’an, has highlighted the significance of his work in bridging the gap between different cultures, languages, and faith traditions. Awwal, who was named the Author of the Year 2025 by the International Impact Book Award, shared his insights in an interview.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the First Global English-Yoruba Qur’an 4-in-1 stands out due to its unique composition, featuring Arabic text, transliteration, and accurate Yoruba translation alongside English in a single format. Awwal remarked that no other Qur’an available globally combines these four elements into one format.
Awwal emphasized that the English-Yoruba Qur’an 4-in-1 includes additional references such as Biblical and scientific references, insights into world affairs, hadith, and commentary. This project, he stated, enhances accessibility to millions of Yoruba speakers worldwide, facilitating interfaith dialogue and understanding among different cultures and traditi
ons.
The author has also created a special edition for children called ‘My First 13 Surahs’. This edition is designed with simple English and Yoruba, suitable for children aged five to ten years old, and includes illustrations, worksheets, multiple questions, coloring, drawing, and a mobile app to enhance the learning experience.
Reflecting on historical translations, Awwal noted that Reverend Samuel Cole’s 1906 Yoruba translation of the Qur’an lacked Arabic text, transliteration, and contained numerous errors due to Cole’s lack of formal education in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Awwal spent six months reviewing Cole’s work and highlighted that his own project, which took 22 years to complete, provides Yoruba Muslim speakers with an authentic reference.
Awwal shared his academic background, mentioning his eight-year study of Arabic at Markaz University College in Lagos. In 1998, he received a scholarship from the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia to study Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies at Muhammad ibn Sa
ud University in Riyadh, graduating in 2001. He also studied Investigative Journalism at the London School of Journalism and has authored over 50 books, which have been accredited by the British Library.
The 4-in-1 Qur’an project has been presented to the Nigerian High Commission in London. Awwal also revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth had acknowledged his books and sent him several letters before her passing.