Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar (1938-2020)
Laleh was a renowned Iranian-American Scholar, lauded for Islamic spirituality and Quranic critical thinking. Dr. Bakhtiar dedicated more than 50 years of her life to the study of the mystical or Sufi dimensions of Islam and to revisiting Islamic texts from a Muslim woman’s perspective. Dr. Bakhtiar was the Founder and President of the Institute of Traditional Psychology.
Lauded for her pioneering work in Islamic spirituality and Quranic critical thinking, Laleh lived a rich and fulfilling life as a scholar, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a mentor, a counselor, an activist and a global citizen.
Her work has been featured in the NY Times, Chicago Tribune, London Times and she was a keynote speaker or lecturer at major conferences around the world including The Aspen Institute. Laleh spoke up against domestic violence against Muslim women at conferences in NY, Chicago and Atlanta and shared the stage with notable human rights activist such as Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi.
Referring to Dr. Bakhtiar's translation of the Sublime Quran, scholar Reza Aslan says: "For 14 centuries the translation and interpretation of the Quran has been the sole purview of men. Only men have been empowered to define the meaning and message of the Quran, and it is no coincidence that their interpretation has often been misogynist or worse. Laleh Bakhtiar's incredible achievement has changed all that. For the first time a woman has been able to reengage the scripture from a different point of view, thus producing a gender neutral translation that is far more consistent with the message and spirit of the Quran than any previous translation."
American novelist Dave Eggers said he relied on Laleh's translation as part of the research for his best selling book Zeitoun and recommended it on Oprah.com as a translation that is "beautiful and accessible."
Lauded for her pioneering work in Islamic spirituality and Quranic critical thinking, Laleh lived a rich and fulfilling life as a scholar, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a mentor, a counselor, an activist and a global citizen.
Her work has been featured in the NY Times, Chicago Tribune, London Times and she was a keynote speaker or lecturer at major conferences around the world including The Aspen Institute. Laleh spoke up against domestic violence against Muslim women at conferences in NY, Chicago and Atlanta and shared the stage with notable human rights activist such as Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi.
Referring to Dr. Bakhtiar's translation of the Sublime Quran, scholar Reza Aslan says: "For 14 centuries the translation and interpretation of the Quran has been the sole purview of men. Only men have been empowered to define the meaning and message of the Quran, and it is no coincidence that their interpretation has often been misogynist or worse. Laleh Bakhtiar's incredible achievement has changed all that. For the first time a woman has been able to reengage the scripture from a different point of view, thus producing a gender neutral translation that is far more consistent with the message and spirit of the Quran than any previous translation."
American novelist Dave Eggers said he relied on Laleh's translation as part of the research for his best selling book Zeitoun and recommended it on Oprah.com as a translation that is "beautiful and accessible."
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Laleh’s Body of WorkLaleh had translated, written and edited more than 100 books on Islam, focusing on many aspects of the Quran including how the Quran teaches critical thinking, Quranic psychology, and Sufism. Her translation of the Quran, published in 2007 called The Sublime Quran, is the first critical translation of the Quran into English by a woman.
Laleh's translation takes on previous translations in presenting alternative meanings to many Arabic terms. Where the context allows, she translates kāfirūn as “those who are ungrateful” instead of the common translations “unbelievers” or “infidels.” She also translates the Arabic word ḍaraba in Chapter 4, Verse 34, concerning treatment of a husband towards a rebellious wife, as “go away” instead of the common “beat” or “hit.” The English words “God” and “Mary” are used instead of the Arabic Allāh and Maryam. Bakhtiar believed these translations will bring greater interfaith understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. |
Update From Laleh's Family
As we approach the one year anniversary of Laleh's death on October 18th, we reflect on what we’ve lost and take strength from what we’ve gained. Our beloved mother, Laleh Bakhtiar, is now a bright star in the universe. Her legacy transcends the precious years she graced us with in person. Looking ahead, we hope to ensure that her legacy, much like Laleh herself, will transcend national borders and cultural expressions.
It is with a profound sense of love and duty, that we share this tribute video with you. On November 15, 2020, Daisy Khan, Founder of WISE, Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality, honored Laleh with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This video offers reflections by Daisy, Laleh's children, Mani, Iran Davar and Karim, as well as some of the remarkable scholars who collaborated with Laleh.
It is with a profound sense of love and duty, that we share this tribute video with you. On November 15, 2020, Daisy Khan, Founder of WISE, Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality, honored Laleh with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This video offers reflections by Daisy, Laleh's children, Mani, Iran Davar and Karim, as well as some of the remarkable scholars who collaborated with Laleh.