The Linguist

10 The Linguist Vol/63 No/4 ciol.org.uk/thelinguist FEATURES interpretation among translators can lead to significant discrepancies, while efforts to preserve the original's poetic qualities often prove elusive. APPROACHING A SACRED TEXT Several factors underscore the translation process. Chief among these is the sacredness of the text, which necessitates a meticulous approach to ensure its meanings are preserved. For instance, Ali's translation begins with a discussion of the Qur'an's significance in Islam, emphasising its divine origin. Translators frequently incorporate footnotes or commentary to elucidate ambiguous verses, as exemplified by the work of Taqi-ud- Din al-Hilali and Muhsin Khan, which retains Arabic terms alongside English explanations. They transliterate ا ل م ت ق * as Al-Muttaqun and use an explanatory note in parentheses: 'the pious believers of Islamic monotheism who fear Allah much'. ا ل غ ي ب is transliterated as Ghaib with the footnote 'literally means a thing not seen'. However, this word includes vast meanings: belief in Allah, angels, holy books, Allah's messengers, the Day of Resurrection and Al-Qadar (divine pre-ordainment). The impetus to give a sense of solemnity, grandeur and respect may have informed Pickthall's translation. Influenced by the King James Bible, he uses 'Thee', 'Thou', 'Thine', 'hath', 'ye', 'Lo' and the inflection 'eth' for the third person singular (as in 'belongeth'). Like Ali, he used biblical spellings for prophets – David, Solomon, Abraham, Noah, Job, Joseph, Moses, Aaron – most likely to make the Qur'an more accessible to English- speaking audiences, especially those from Judeo-Christian backgrounds. Moreover, this strategy highlights the continuity between the Abrahamic faiths, the shared lineage of the prophets and the Qur'an's message that it confirms previous revelations in the Torah and the Gospel. Later translations have focused on further improving accessibility. For example, Saheeh International's 1997 translation employs straightforward language. The desire to enhance global accessibility is also evident in the proliferation of digital translations. The website Quran.com, for instance, offers the text in multiple languages. LINGUISTIC NUANCES The linguistic nuances and features inherent in the Arabic language present a further challenge. Arabic is rich in idiomatic expressions, homonyms and intricate grammatical structures that often lack direct equivalents in other languages. For instance, the term ج ه ا د ('jihad') encompasses a spectrum of meanings, ranging from personal, spiritual struggle to broader social and political efforts; while ف ت ن ة ('fitnah') refers to civil strife or temptation and carries various connotations depending on the context. Such terms require careful consideration to ensure that the depth and subtlety of the original message are preserved; failure to do so may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Translating the rhyme and rhythm of the Qur'an is also tricky, as the text is characterised by distinct musicality and metrical patterns that are challenging to replicate. This intricate structure is integral to the Qur'an's emotional and spiritual impact, with the rhythmic flow often reinforcing the meaning of the verses. The Chapter of ا ل ر ح م ن (Al-Rahman) employs a repetitive refrain: "So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?" This creates a melodic cadence that deepens the verse's impact and invites contemplation. Another example is the Chapter of ا ل خ ل ص (Al-Ikhlas), noted for its brevity and rhythmic simplicity, which emphasises the oneness of God through its concise and balanced phrasing. When attempting to render these qualities, translators face the dilemma of either preserving the sound and meter, potentially compromising meaning, or conveying the intended message while sacrificing the lyrical qualities. They may not always be able to replicate the feelings evoked by the original. For instance, with its intricate phrasing, the first verse of the Opening Chapter, ا ل ف ا ت ح ة (Al- Fatiha), captures a sense of supplication and reverence that may feel diluted in translation. In the Qu'ran the past tense is sometimes used to indicate future events, a rhetorical device known as 'prophetic past' or 'past for the future'. This emphasises the certainty and inevitability of events – as if they have already occurred. An example can be found in the Chapter of The Moon: "The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has split." The verb 'has split' ) ا ن ش ق ( is in the past tense but it refers to a future event: the splitting of the moon as a sign of the Day of Judgment. Although this is a prophetic sign of the end times, the past tense emphasises that the event is assured and that God's decree is certain. THEOLOGICAL CONCEPTS Theological concepts also pose significant challenges, as they often encompass profound ideas that require contextual understanding. For example, ت و ح ي د ('Tawhid'), or the oneness of God, is central to Islamic belief and has multiple implications regarding divinity and creation that can be difficult to encapsulate in a single term in other languages. Similarly, ا ل خ ر ة ('Akhirah'), which refers to the afterlife, involves intricate beliefs about judgment and resurrection that demand careful explanation. Cultural specificity adds another layer of complexity, as many Islamic texts include references to historical events, social customs and religious practices unique to the Arab world. ز ك ا ة ('zakat') refers not only to alms- giving but also to a comprehensive system of social welfare rooted in Islamic tradition, which may require extensive elaboration in translation. Another example is ع ي د (Eid), which signifies important religious festivals SPREADING THE WORD 15th-century painting by Jean Le Tavernier depicting Bertrandon de la Broquière giving a Latin translation of the Qur'an to Duke Philip (right); and (far right) a 19th-century illustrated page of the first chapter of the Qur'an, inscribed by Muhammad ibn Mustafa Izmiri The text is characterised by distinct musicality and metrical patterns that are hard to replicate

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