7 Common Errors in Quran Translations

The Holy Quran is the sacred text for Muslims worldwide. Quran Translation from the original classical Arabic into other languages like English is an extremely challenging task. There are many linguistic and contextual factors translators must consider to avoid errors that could inadvertently distort the meaning.

Overly Literal Word-for-Word Translation

One of the biggest mistakes Quran translators make is opting for literal word-for-word translation without giving importance to the context or essence of the verses. This changes the original meaning entirely in places.

Quranic Arabic often uses allegories, metaphors, and rhetorical devices that cannot be directly translated. Excessive adherence to literal translation removes intended connotations, nuances, and depth, greatly altering the message.

Inability to Preserve Linguistic Uniqueness

Arabic has unique linguistics like word morphology, syntax, phonetics, semantics, and grammar. For instance, a single word can convey multiple complex meanings difficult to translate.

Losing these distinct Arabic features like sentence structure, conjugations, tense, gender, plurality, etc. during translation also leads to incorrect renditions not reflecting the original text accurately.

Lack of Commentaries and Exegesis

Relying solely on direct translation without referring to Hadiths and established tafseer or exegesis by Islamic scholars is a common pitfall. This additional context is critical for accurate interpretation as per intended meanings.

Lack of commentary risks incorrect translations, gaps in meaning, and overlooking symbolism in Quranic messages. Exegetical material must supplement translation efforts.

Inadequate Understanding of Historical Context

Quranic revelations occurred in a specific historical context. Lack of knowledge regarding societal conditions, customs, norms, events, and beliefs during those times can lead to erroneous translations.

For instance, without understanding pagan Arab practices, it’s impossible to accurately translate verses revealed to prohibit those customs.

Insertion of Translators’ Biases

Some translators deliberately or inadvertently insert their own agendas or biases into translations, corrupting meaning. For example, certain translators gave distorted anti-female renditions of verses speaking about gender roles and rights.

Such manipulation of translation is unethical. Translators must avoid projecting personal biases and present the verses’ meanings truthfully.

Improper Command over Classical Arabic

Quranic Arabic has unique vocabulary, expressions, and complexity, unlike Modern Standard Arabic. Insufficient grasp of the nuances of classical Arabic leads to incorrect translation like overlooking multiple implied meanings of words in certain contexts.

Translators must have mastery over the early Arabic lexis, grammar, and figures of speech to avoid errors in understanding verses before translating them.

Over-Reliance on Previous Translations

Some Quran translators borrow heavily from earlier English translations without analyzing the Arabic source text directly. This perpetuates any errors or inconsistencies in those referenced works.

Translators should utilize existing works judiciously but mostly rely on the original Quranic text for translation to minimize such errors.

To conclude, translating the divine Quran into another language like English is an immense responsibility. Keeping these common pitfalls in mind will enable contemporary translators to produce more accurate renditions for studying the Holy Book.

Read more about the Quran Translation course at eQuranekareem Online Quran Academy.