Insights into the Quran’s untranslatability: problems of communication and solutions

Abstract

This paper discusses issues involved in the translation of the Quran, highlighting that its sanctity lies in the original Arabic rendition. The language of the Quran is not Modern Standard Arabic; therefore, it makes the translation more difficult. Translation does not recreate the Quran but aims at conveying its meaning; much subtlety, however, is sacrificed to literal methods. The present study through descriptive analysis of some translations will highlight the linguistic, cultural, and theological problems that beset the hands of translators. It discusses vital concerns and offers recommendations to improve accuracy in translations from the UK and USA. It suggests that translators should not adhere to strict standard translations but should use alternative methods to retain the essence of the Quran.