The translated version of the Qur'an leaves the United States for the first time
Journey of a "rare Qur'an" .. from America to the "Dubai Expo"
The two-volume edition is one of the treasures of the US Library of Congress.
Photography: Ashok Verma
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For the first time outside the United States, the American pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai displays the Thomas Jefferson translated version of the Holy Qur’an, issued in 1764.
The two-volume copy, one of the treasures of the Library of Congress, is on display for three months in the American Wing, after it arrived in a specially made wooden box for safe transportation.
The two volumes are considered a second edition of the translation issued in 1734 by the English orientalist George Sale, and they are the most prominent displays of the United States of America pavilion at “Expo 2020 Dubai”, under the title “Life, Liberty and the Quest for the Future”, a phrase quoted from Jefferson’s famous speech during his declaration of independence. .
Thomas Jefferson, the third American president (1801-1809), was interested in religions, and acquired a copy of the Holy Quran when he was only 22 years old.
"Thomas Jefferson was broadly interested in a variety of religious viewpoints, and our nation's history is a rich and beautiful reflection of the diverse ideas, cultures and religions of its citizens," said Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden.
The translated copy of the Holy Qur’an was transported in a wooden box specially made for transportation in a very safe and accurate manner, as a vibration sensor and monitoring of temperature changes were attached to it, and was accompanied along the way by librarians, security men, and an international shipping company specialized in dealing with the transportation of rare tools.
After the copy arrived at the US pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, specialized employees installed it in a safe display box next to the map of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, so that the visitor of the pavilion could see as soon as he left the sound and light experience that displays the founding principles of the United States of America.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, American Muslim lawmakers, who were elected members of the US House of Representatives, have asked to swear their oath on this translated Qur’an into English, and it is also the first time that this copy has been outside the United States of America since the 18th century.
The American Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai features a moving walkway, which takes guests on a trip to the main exhibitions, and visitors can experience American cuisine and experience culture in the pavilion's courtyard, which hosts live entertainment throughout the day.
• Muslim American legislators who were elected members of the House of Representatives asked to take an oath on this Qur'an.
• The two volumes are a second edition of the translation issued in 1734 by the English orientalist George Sale.