Document
The Linguistic and Literary Aspects of Translating Two Surahs of the Qur'an: A Comparative Evaluation
Linked Agent
Jazzar, Dr. Mohammad Riyad , Thesis advisor
Date Issued
2002
Language
English
Extent
[1], 14, 126, pages
Subject
Place of institution
Sakhir, Bahrain
Thesis Type
Thesis (Master)
English Abstract
ABSTRACT:
The present study aims at shedding some light on the analysis of various
translations into English of two selected surahs (chapters) from the Holy Qur'an
with the main focus on the comparison of related linguistic and literary aspects.
The ultimate objective of this study is to find out which translation of
these two surahs is more acceptable amongst the other versions. It includes five
chapters: an introduction, methodology, review of literature, findings and
analysis based on the various translations of the two chosen surahs, and lastly a
conclusion that sums up the work and provides some suggestions and
implementations on further researching about the translations of the meanings of
the Holy Qur'an.
The study discusses differences in various translations of two surahs given
by five well-known translators of the Holy Qur'an; (1) Arthur J. Arberry, (2)
Muhammad Asad, (3) N.J. Dawood, (4) S. Abul A'Ala Maududi and (5) The
Presidency of Islamic Research (P.O.I.R). The procedure in this study is based
on a profound analysis of various translations of two chosen surahs ( Al-
Takathur and Al-Nasr) and a careful comparison of their linguistic and literary
aspects. The outcome of my judgment is based on the famous interpretations of
The Holy Qur'an by Al-Zamakhshari, Al-Qurtubi, Ibn-Kathir, Al-Razi, Al-
Zuhaili and Al-Sabooni. Therefore, the best translation of the five is chosen and
-in some cases- a modified translation is suggested by the researcher.
In conclusion, translating the Holy Qur'an requires not only the surface
meaning of the words, but it definitely needs a more profound knowledge of
both linguistic and literary aspects of the words of Allah. Based on this, the
study concludes that no translation can replace the words of Allah in the Qur'an
and no one can even produce a single verse that could match it.
[Say, if the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the
like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof; even if they backed
up each other with help and support. Q17:88] (P.O.I.R 1985: 805).
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Identifier
https://digitalrepository.uob.edu.bh/id/5d3ae1dc-cf06-435b-8ca5-183ddaac61c3
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