Moscow : Valeria Porokhova, a renowned Russian writer, linguist, and Quran translator who played a significant role in introducing Islam to Russian-speaking audiences, continues to be remembered as one of the most influential Muslim women in modern Russian history.
Born in 1940 into a Christian family in the former Soviet Union, Porokhova studied at Moscow State University and built a successful career as an academic and translator.
Porokhova’s spiritual journey eventually led her to Islam after years of studying religion and searching for answers to questions she felt remained unresolved in her Christian upbringing.
According to biographical accounts, Porokhova became increasingly interested in Islamic teachings after reading various Russian translations of the Quran and Islamic literature.
The experience deeply impacted her and ultimately led her to embrace Islam.
“I felt that I was a Muslim in my life. When I read the Quran, I received answers to many of the questions that I had in my life although I knew nothing about Islam.” Porokhova once said.
Determined to make the Quran more accessible to Russian-speaking readers, especially women, Porokhova began working on a Russian translation of the Quran in 1981.
The assistance from respected Islamic scholars and language experts, she spent a decade completing the project.
Her translation was finished in 1991 and later submitted to the prestigious Al-Azhar for review. A committee of Russian and Arab scholars examined the work before approving it for publication.
The translation gained widespread recognition and became one of the most popular Russian-language versions of the Quran.
In 1998, it received Russia’s prestigious “Book of the Year” award, further cementing Porokhova’s reputation as a pioneering figure in Islamic scholarship.
Her contribution was also praised by Ukrainian Quran translator Mikhailo Yaqubovic, who highlighted the impact of her work on post-Soviet society.
“Porokhova’s translation was like a spark of fire which ignited the interest to the Quran in all Russian regions after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Iman Porokhova was a role model for many people and was the only woman who translated the Quran into Slavic language.” He said.
Many scholars and community leaders credit Porokhova’s translation with helping thousands of Russians learn about Islam during a period of major social and religious change following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Valeria Porokhova passed away in Moscow in September 2019 at the age of 79.
Valeria Porokhova legacy continues through her translation work, educational contributions, and the lasting influence she had on Russian-speaking Muslims around the world.
Today, she is remembered not only as a translator and academic but also as a woman whose work helped bridge cultures and bring the message of the Quran to a new generation of readers.
