Laleh Bakhtiar

Laleh Bakhtiar, born on July twenty-ninth, nineteen thirty-eight, is a distinguished Iranian and American scholar known for her profound contributions to Islamic and Sufi studies. As a linguist, translator, writer, and psychologist, she has dedicated her life to exploring the intersections of language, culture, and spirituality.

One of her most notable achievements is her gender-neutral translation of the Quran, titled The Sublime Quran, published in two thousand seven. This groundbreaking work marked a significant milestone as it was the first translation of the Quran by an American woman. Bakhtiar's translation challenges traditional interpretations, particularly her critical examination of the Arabic word 'daraba,' which has often been translated as 'beat.' She argues that this interpretation has been misused to justify the abuse of Muslim women.

Through her scholarly work, Bakhtiar has not only contributed to the understanding of Islamic texts but has also advocated for a more equitable interpretation of religious teachings. Her efforts have sparked important conversations about gender and spirituality within the Muslim community and beyond.