Translatability of the Qur’an: an analysis of linguistic and theological elements

Hidaya, Muhammed Suhail and Solihin, Sohirin Mohammad (2019) Translatability of the Qur’an: an analysis of linguistic and theological elements. Islamic Insight, 2 (2). pp. 13-33. ISSN 2581-3269

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Abstract

Abstract: The Qur’an is a divine source of guidance not for the Muslims alone, but for the entire humanity. Since the Qur’an is revealed and has been meticulously preserved since then in Arabic, while majority of Muslims and human beings are dominantly non-Arabs, rendering its meanings into different vernaculars bears crucial importance. However, for various reasons, its translatability is considerably controversial. The present paper attempts to analyse the linguistic and theological elements related with its translatability. In order to achieve this, the study scrutinizes relevant linguistic theories related with the translatability and connects them with the viewpoints of classical and contemporary Muslim scholarship. The paper suggests that there are certain linguistic and theological elements which challenge the possibility of the Qur’an’s translation. On the other hand, the scope of the divine text beyond any specific linguistic boundary constantly necessitates the very same rendering mission. This notion is well reflected in the discourses of classical and contemporary Muslim scholarship on the topic: it is permissible, and to some extant obligatory, to translate the meanings of the Qur’an into different vernaculars. However, none of the translation can serve as a substitute for the original revealed text and a perfect translation of the Qur’an is beyond the scope of human possibility, for the word of God cannot be reproduced by the word of man.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	2318/86511
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Translatability of the Qur’an, Qur’an Translations, Inimitability Introduction Translating
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP134.S3 Quran and Science
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Qur’an and Sunnah
Depositing User:	Dr. Sohirin Mohammad Solihin
Date Deposited:	30 Dec 2020 19:09
Last Modified:	30 Dec 2020 19:09
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/86511

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