Thomas Irving: Pioneer of Quran translation in North America

Thomas Ballantine Irving, also known as Al-Hajj Ta’lim Ali Abu Nasr, was a key figure in translating the Quran into English in North America. Born in 1914 in Preston, Ontario, he converted to Islam in the early 1950s. In 1985, Irving produced the first American English version of the Quran, a major milestone in the history of Quranic translations in the region.

His work, The Qur’an: First American Version, was the result of over two decades of study and effort. With advanced degrees in modern languages and Near Eastern studies, Irving aimed to present a translation that respected the beauty and integrity of the Arabic text, addressing biases he saw in earlier European translations.

Irving was also a prolific author and Islamic scholar, writing several books and serving as a professor and department head at various American universities. His translation project was supported by Muslim community donations, including contributions from a major halal company founded by Levantine immigrants.

Irving’s work marked a turning point, helping to free Quranic translations from European colonial influence and supporting the rise of an independent Islamic publishing industry in North America.