The study, titled "Translating the Untranslatable: Issues in the English Rendering of Quranic Concepts," was conducted by translation experts Asim Mahdi Al-Hilali and Dua’a Hafidh Hussein from the Translation Department, Faculty of Arts, University of Wasit, Iraq. Published in the International Journal of Advance Social Sciences and Education (IJASSE), the findings are crucial as they highlight how language limitations can impact the spiritual understanding of millions of non-Arabic speaking Muslims and global audiences.
The Core Issue: Between Human Language and Divine Word
For Muslims, the Qur'an is not merely a literary text but the literal word of God revealed in Classical Arabic. Al-Hilali and Hussein explain that any attempt at translation is essentially an act of human interpretation, not a replacement of the sacred text itself.
The research employed a qualitative approach, using critical linguistic analysis of key terms found in Sūrat Al-Fātihah and Sūrat At-Tawbah. The researchers compared the original Arabic text with several popular English translations to identify where the nuances of meaning often vanish.
The team from the University of Wasit identified three primary challenges:
- Linguistic Challenges: The structural differences between Semitic (Arabic) and Germanic (English) languages.
- Cultural Challenges: The absence of 7th-century Arabian social and historical concepts in a modern Western context.
- Theological Challenges: The doctrine of I’jaz (inimitability), which holds that the linguistic beauty and arrangement of the Qur'an cannot be replicated by human effort.
Case Analysis: When 'Praise' and 'Heart' Fall Short
The study highlights specific concepts that often lose their "soul" when rendered into English:
The Dual Nuance of "Al-Hamd"
In Sūrat Al-Fātihah, the word Al-Hamd is commonly translated as "Praise." However, Al-Hilali and Hussein note that in Arabic, Al-Hamd encompasses two dimensions simultaneously: praise for God’s perfection and deep gratitude for His blessings. English lacks a single word that captures this combination, meaning English readers may miss the emotional weight of acknowledging divine favors.
The Complexity of "Qalb" (Heart)
The word Qalb is frequently translated as "Heart." Yet, in the Quranic context, Qalb is not just the seat of emotion, but also the center of intellect, decision-making, and spiritual perception. The study refers to an analysis of Sūrat At-Tawbah, where translators like Pickthall, Abdel Haleem, and Khan & Al-Hilali vary in capturing the nuance of a "rejecting heart" or a "doubting heart." Literal translations often fail to show that "heart" actions in the Qur'an are conscious cognitive processes, not just feelings.
Semantic Density
Arabic’s "root system" (usually three letters) allows a single word to generate dozens of related terms with highly specific meanings. This creates an extraordinary density of meaning. English translators often must use long sentences or multiple words to explain a single Arabic term, which unfortunately disrupts the original poetic rhythm and power.
Impact on Society and Education
The findings from the University of Wasit have significant implications for religious education and interfaith dialogue. Inaccuracies in translating concepts like Taqwa (God-consciousness), Jihad (striving), or Sharia (religious path) can lead to systematic misunderstandings of Islamic values.
For instance, the word Jihad, often oversimplified as "Holy War" by media and some translators, actually encompasses a broad struggle including internal spiritual reform and social justice. This simplification, the researchers argue, risks distorting the original theological substance.
The Future of Translation: Collaboration and Technology
To address these gaps, Al-Hilali and Hussein propose several strategic steps:
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Forming teams of linguists, Islamic scholars, and native speakers of both languages to bridge cultural voids.
- Technological Integration: Developing interactive translation apps that allow readers to view etymological roots and various interpretations via hyperlinks.
- Prioritizing Conceptual Equivalence: Encouraging translators to focus on conveying the underlying ideas rather than seeking word-for-word (literal) matches.
"English translations are vital bridges for accessibility, but they remain mere interpretations," the researchers conclude. The "untranslatability" of certain concepts serves as a testament to the unique linguistic depth of the original text.
Author Profiles
- Asim Mahdi Al-Hilali: Lead researcher and faculty member at the Translation Department, College of Arts, University of Wasit, Iraq. Expert in translation studies and Arabic-English linguistics.
- Dua’a Hafidh Hussein: Researcher at the University of Wasit focusing on the cultural and theological challenges in translating religious texts.
Research Source:
Al-Hilali, A. M., & Hussein, D. H. (2026). Translating the Untranslatable: Issues in the English Rendering of Quranic Concepts. International Journal of Advance Social Sciences and Education (IJASSE), Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 19-36.
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