Bridging Cultures Through Translation: Aisha Bewley’s Role in Modern Islamic Scholarship and the Global Dissemination of Classical Texts

Abstract

This study explores the pivotal contributions of Aisha Bewley, a distinguished Islamic scholar and translator, to the field of Islamic studies and cross-cultural intellectual discourse. Renowned for her translations of classical Arabic manuscripts into English, Aisha Bewley has addressed a wide array of topics, including Quranic exegesis, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, mysticism, and the sciences of logic. Her works have significantly broadened access to Islamic scholarship for non-Arabic-speaking audiences, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation of Islamic traditions globally. This research analyzes her approach to translation and scholarship, highlighting the methodologies that underpin her work. Additionally, it advocates for a broader engagement with her intellectual contributions by translating her works into multiple languages, aiming to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers. The study underscores Aisha Bewley’s enduring influence on contemporary Islamic thought and her role in shaping a more inclusive and diverse academic landscape.