Overview of the Book Al Qira'at ur Rashidah (القراءة الراشدة) is a famous three-volume textbook of classical Arabic, compiled by Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali al-Nadwi. It is widely used in Islamic seminaries (especially in South Asia) to teach Arabic literature, grammar, and moral stories through graded lessons.
English Translation Availability
Full English Translation of All 3 Volumes:
There is a complete English translation by Mohammed Mohiuddin Siddiqui, titled:
"Al Qiraat ur Rashida: Arabic Text with English Translation & Notes" (published by Darul Ishaat, Karachi/India).
Partial/Adapted Translations:
Some publishers have released the first volume only under titles like "The Right Way to Read Arabic" or "Al Qira'ah al-Rashidah: Book 1 (English Translation & Exercises)." al qirat ur rashida english translation
Key Features of the English Translation:
Where to Find It
Important Note
The English translation is not a single widely standardized text; different publishers have slightly different titles and formats. The most complete and reliable translation remains the 3-volume set by Mohammed Mohiuddin Siddiqui. Overview of the Book Al Qira'at ur Rashidah
There is no single "official" translation published by a major Western press. However, several high-quality versions exist, primarily produced by Indian, Pakistani, and Western Islamic seminaries.
To appreciate the value of the translation, here is a famous passage from Lesson 9: The Speech of Abu Bakr (RA) after being elected Caliph.
Arabic (Transliterated): "Ayyuha an-nas, qad wullitu 'alaikum wa lastu bikhayrikum. Fa-in ahistu fa-a'inuni, wa-in zigh'tu fa-qawwimuni..." Full English Translation of All 3 Volumes: There
English Translation (Literal Word-for-Word):
"O people, I have been put in charge of you, and I am not the best of you. So if I do well, then help me; and if I deviate, then correct me."
English Translation (Fluid Prose):
"O people! I have been appointed as your ruler, though I am not the best among you. If I act rightly, support me; if I go astray, set me straight. Truth is a trust; falsehood is treachery. The weak among you shall be strong in my eyes until I restore their rights; the strong among you shall be weak until I take justice from them."
In the English translation, you see the rhetorical power of classical Arabic oratory. Without the translation, a learner might spend 20 minutes on grammar and miss the sheer force of Abu Bakr's humility.
For years, teachers had to verbally translate every line from Arabic into Urdu or English. This slow process frustrated students. The English translation was developed to: