Document

The Linguistic and Literary Aspects of Translating Two Surahs of the Qur'an: A Comparative Evaluation

Linked Agent
Date Issued
2002
Language
English
Extent
[1], 14, 126, pages
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