ISSUES IN TRANSLATION OF THE QURĀN

This article analyses the meaning of the terms tarjamah, al-tarjamah al-harfīyyah and al-tarjamah al-ma’nawīyyah which are widely used in Arabic works while discussing the issue of translation of the Quran. It discusses the issue of ṣalāh in translation, as there is a common belief that it is valid with translation of the Quran, elaborates the views of the Muslim jurists in this regard, examines the importance of Arabic language in addition to its benefits and pre-requisites for translation, especially of the Quran. It highlights the uniqueness and genius of the Arabic language, exposes some of the obstacles and impediments confronting a translator, includes some of the views of the selected translators and a brief assessment of some of the translations of the Qurān into English.