An analytical and comparative study of selected Qur'anic texts, translated into English

Abstract

The dissertation is divided into three chapters. The first chapter, Historical Development of Qur’anic Translations, is dedicated to a brief survey of the earliest attempts of the Qur’anic translation works. The types and purposes of these works are also examined in this chapter. Chapter Two, the central part of the dissertation, is designed for evaluating the four translations within the scope of a few selected verses or surahs which describe apocalyptic scenes. I have compared and analysed this material trying to find out he most adequate translation(s) among our four versions. I have sometimes recommend another alternative when it was felt that all the four translations do not convey the meaning of the original text. In this section, I throw some light on few cultural themes and traditions which are included in the apocalyptic scenes using other related verses trying, also, to find out how the four versions could convey these subjects and to what extent they are faithful to the source text. For the purpose of limiting the scope of the study, I have divided this topic into three sub-titles. Admonition for Resurrection Day, Threatening from this Day and the Scenes of Doomsday and the Day of Judgement. Chapter Three, The Inimitability of the Qur’an is concerned with few verses from the Qur’anic text which carry subtle meanings, precise and concise use that makes the Qur’an highly admired and appreciated by eloquent Arabs. In addition, I have examined here few synonymous terms for the comparison of Qur’anic usage and how they differ in their translations. Some other subjects are fully described in this part, I have concluded this chapter with the characteristics of successful translation work and the problematic aspects of Qur’anic translation. Finally, the conclusion examines the most common features of the four translation works and what are the specific pitfalls that were involved by each of our translators. It also includes a general assessment of this dissertation. Furthermore, few outlines have been suggested for the future studies of similar nature.