Abstract
An engineer by profession, Syed Shamim Rajaz (1921-2012) although not very famous has left at least one dozen writings in Urdu poetry and prose which are considered by some to be masterpieces. Most of his poetry work covers theological themes out of which “Mathnavi Abe Rawan”, a rhymed Urdu translation of the Qur’an can be considered an inspiring effort by him. The poet in this work has tried to transfer the exact meaning of the Book of Allah into Urdu poetry (mostly couplets) for readers, in which he has not been very successful, neither can he be, as according to latest theories, it is impossible to transfer exact meanings of one language to another while fully accommodating its eloquence, style, rhetorical sciences and other linguistic beauties even in prose, especially in the case of translating from Arabic language. Any how this translation is a good effort which was started in 1952 and accomplished in 1965. The translator kept on reviewing it till 1985, the year in which a complete version of it was published. Second version of the work appeared in 2005. The present article presents a brief description of the life and works of Syed Shamim Rajaz alongwith a critical review of his translation which he carried out in 16899 verses.