JEDDAH, 30 October 2003 — Saudi TV’s Channel 1 has launched the first live translation into English of Ramadan prayers from Makkah and is beaming it around the world, an official statement said yesterday.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Propagation and Guidance brought in a team of Islamic scholars and translators to set up the service for the Taraweeh prayers after the break of the daily fast during the holy month.
The translators work at a television studio at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The ministry described the project as “historic”, adding, “the unique English translation has been noted for its clarity and adherence to the correct universally recognized interpretations of Islamic teachings.
“The translation program itself was developed by experts in both translation and Qur’anic recitation with great precision, automating the Arabic to English translation process without loss of accuracy while utilizing computers,” the statement said. “The feed is being broadcast via Saudi TV Channel 1 to various international satellite channels covering Ramadan prayers from Makkah for millions of viewers around the world.”
The service would help English-speakers “follow Ramadan prayers in the Grand Mosque closer than ever before,” the ministry said. “The step is also seen as an opportunity to open a window to a deeper understanding of Islam for an international TV audience,” it added.
