Bulgarian University Scholar Embraces Islam after Translating Quran
Prof. Dr Svetan Teofanov works in the Department of Classic Arabic Literature at the Sofia University, giving lectures in Quran and Quranic exegesis.
He has until now several published books as well as publishing as a Quran interpretation. Prof. Teofanov has finished his specialization doctorate at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies as well as second doctorate at the Moscow Oriental Studies Institute.
As part of the specialization work, Dr. Teofanov said, “Many years ago, on the request of the state-owned publishing house, I began to translate the Holy Quran. This was the socialist period. Rather than being service to Muslims, this was more concerned with assimilation policies in regards to Turkey. Shortly after the work began, there was the democratic transition in 1989, the state publishing house went bankrupt, and thus the Bulgarian translation of the Holy Quran was not published in that year. However, I continued to work on the translation of the Holy Quran and this is where my life changed. I began to better understand our exalted book and wanted it from my heart.”
Dr. Teofanov who has continued to teach focusing on the Arabic language at the university said that converting to Islam has led to many doors opening for him.
“When I started working, I was looking at it as if it was an ordinary book. Over time I began to understand the Quran and with a deeper meaning from texts. In college I read the Quran interpretation and meaning, but felt their sincerity, while I was completing the actual translation. Finally, I accepted Islam and I am now a Muslim.”
Source: Pak Observer
