Chartered Institute of Linguists
WINTER 2024 The Linguist 9
FEATURES
T
he translation of the Qur'an has
played a pivotal role in fostering
understanding between diverse
cultures and religions, enabling non-Arabic
speakers to engage with its profound
messages. Early Islamic scholars exhibited
reluctance towards translating this sacred text,
but the escalating demand for comprehension
became increasingly apparent as Islam
spread across various regions.
Produced by George Sale, the first
complete English translation was published in
1734. It paved the way for notable works such
as Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall's The
Meaning of the Glorious Koran (1930), which
aimed to provide a literal yet accessible
rendering, and Abdullah Yusuf Ali's
translation in 1934, celebrated for its poetic
style and extensive commentary. Sale's work
drew influence from earlier translations,
notably Robert of Ketton's Latin version from
Arabic, completed in 1143. This foundational
endeavour laid the groundwork for
subsequent translations aimed at conveying
the Qur'an's teachings to a broader audience.
The formidable challenges cover linguistic,
cultural and theological dimensions.
Composed in classical Arabic, the text is rich
in nuances, idiomatic expressions and
sophisticated rhetorical devices, making it hard
to convey its precise meaning and tone in
other languages. Furthermore, its references
to the historical and social context of 7th-
century Arabia complicate comprehension for
those unfamiliar with that era.
As the Qur'an is regarded by Muslims as the
literal word of God, the translation process
demands a delicate balance between fidelity
to the original text and accessibility for non-
Arabic speakers. Additionally, variability in
ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION
Self-portrait of Mir Sayyid Ali writing a tafsir
(exegesis/commentary of the Qur'an) in
Lahore, 1555-1556, under the Mughal empire
Eyhab Bader Eddin considers the challenges, choices
and approaches for translators working on the Qur'an
WORD OF GOD
