Op-ed | Dr. Haruna is one of the most significant translators of specialized islamic texts in this era
By: Salawu Ahmed
Dr. Haruna Umar Farouq has accomplished what many leading institutions and scholars considered impossible, a definitive English translation and critical analysis of the controversial dialectical text “’An Saheehi Al-Bukhari.” This huge feat came has a surprise to the entire Islamic scholars globally.
This immense contribution to Islamic scholarship has not only established Dr. Haruna as one of the most significant translators and commentators of specialized Islamic texts in the 21st century but has also transformed the West African Islamic intellectual tradition.
Dr. Haruna’s extraordinary abilities were evident in his masterful handling of the complex theological debate between Sheikh Adam Yahya Al-Fulani and Dr. Abdur-Rahman Ahmad Al-Imam, a discourse that explores fundamental questions about hadith authentication methodologies that lie at the heart of Islamic jurisprudence.
What differentiates this translation is not merely linguistic accuracy, but his extraordinary incorporation of critical contextual frameworks that make accessible the multidimensional intellectual currents underlying the original Arabic discourse.
The extraordinary impact of Dr. Haruna’s work was immediately recognized by leading academic institutions nationwide like Usman Dan Fodio University’s Department of Islamic Studies; Department of Religious, Islamic Studies Unit, University of Ilorin; and Summit University, Offa.
The aforementioned universities have all incorporated his translation as mandatory reading in their graduate programs.
The media has also taken notice of Dr. Haruna’s exceptional contributions. His translation of the book was the subject of a special one-hour documentary broadcast by Radio Nigeria’s Harmony F. M’s education division.
Also, Al-Hikmah University Online radio broadcasted a feature story of the author’s exceptional qualities as an academic and a seasoned administrator.
Perhaps most salient of Dr. Haruna’s extraordinary ability is the unprecedented consensus his work has generated among traditionally opposed schools of thought. At the International Conference on Hadith Studies in Kano, Nigeria, scholars representing both traditional and reformist perspectives unanimously acknowledged his translation as a definitive contribution to cross-cultural understanding of hadith methodology and recommended its adoption in Islamic departments in other universities nationwide.
According to Professor S. B. Suraju, Head of Department Islamic Studies, Al-Hikmah University, “this translation represents the highest achievement in Islamic textual studies I have witnessed in the past decade, and the author has single-handedly created a new methodological paradigm for translating specialized Islamic dialectical texts that will influence generations of scholars.”
He added that, this feat didn’t come as a surprise because the author is unquestionably a scholar of truly extraordinary caliber whose contributions will endure for centuries.
Similarly, the immediate past head of the Information, Protocol and Public Affairs (IPPA) Unit, Al-Hikmah University, Shittu Adefowope Luqman emphasized that Dr. Haruna is a brilliant academics and administrator.
Mr. Shittu who revealed that he worked with Dr. Haruna when he was the Acting Director of Centre for Part-Time and Professional Studies (September 9 2020–January 10, 2023) highlighted some of his achievement as: Initiating the development of new part-time undergraduate and professional diploma programs tailored to market needs in education; successfully expanded the program portfolio by introducing at least three new courses, increasing enrollment by an estimated 60% over three academic sessions; establishing Al-Hikmah University feasibility by partnering with campus to other institutions to have study centres in Abeokuta, Ogun and Oyo State; digitised the center’s registration, admissions, and student record systems to enhance operational efficiency and reduce paperwork; introduced performance-based administrative tracking systems for staff, improving response times and departmental coordination; launched strategic marketing and community outreach campaigns and strengthened partnerships with local employers and professional bodies, enhancing the relevance and employability of the programs.
Mr. Shittu pointed out that till date Centre for Part-Time and Professional Studies is yet to get a director with such passion, dedication and professionalism as Dr. Haruna.
