Sumera Naqvi’s translation of Syed Muhammad Taqi’s book praised for accuracy, style

The launch ceremony of an English translation of intellectual and formed Jang editor Syed Mohammad Taqi’s book ‘Karbala: Tehzeeb Ka Mustaqbil’ was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan on Friday.

Speakers at the event termed the translation, titled ‘The Future of Civilization’, by Taqi’s granddaughter Sumera Naqvi a literary achievement. The event was told that the book was originally written in 1980 and it took two years for Sumera to translate it into English.

Taqi was the elder brother of the renowned poet Jaun Elia and well-versed in history and philosophy. He was himself a prolific translator, having rendered numerous seminal works in philosophy, economics and sciences into Urdu.

The session was moderated by journalist Munnaza Siddiqui.

Speaking via video link from Islamabad, renowned poet Iftikhar Arif praised the translation, noting Taqi’s ability to convey profound ideas in remarkably few words. “He used very few words to say very big things, and Sumera has done justice to his book’s English translation,” he said.

Arif added that while several notable books on Karbala had been published over the past five to six decades, “Taqi’s book stands out as distinctively different.”

Scholar Dr Nomanul Haq also lauded the translation, calling it highly accessible and readable. Recalling his interactions with Taqi, he described him as a “giant intellectual.” What makes this translation special, he said, was how smoothly and naturally it read. He said that someone who did not know the book was originally written in another language might not even realise that it was a translation.

He said Sumera’s strong English skills and deep understanding of her grandfather’s thoughts and ideas made the book feel like it was written in English from the start. He said the translator’s clear writing, graceful style and accurate explanation of difficult ideas showed how talented she was.

Habib University President Wasif Rizvi offered a philosophical reflection on the book. He said he had read it with great dedication and highlighted how people often drew unnecessary binaries between divinity and philosophy. “Taqi’s book speaks to the beauty of divinity,” he remarked.

Educationist Abbas Hussain noted, “We don’t seem to recognise our greats when they are among us.” He fondly recalled his time with Taqi in his youth and expressed deep admiration for his intellectual brilliance.