IS IT POSSIBLE TO TRANSLATE THE QUR’AN LITERALLY?

Translation is to translate a word or text into another language. In addition to the great importance and many advantages of translations, it is extremely difficult to find words that convey the characteristics in the meaning of a word, and express these characteristics identically in another language. Although to a certain extent it may be possible to translate a text written in a plain term that addresses the mind and logic alone almost accurately, it is almost impossible to translate such a book or text containing the subtleties of literature and splendor into another language literally. Especially when the Book is the Holy Qur’an, a miracle in every aspect, it is impossible to translate and convey its exact meaning and splendor.
In these few paragraphs, we will attempt to give an explanation for the reasons why an exact translation is not possible:
Firstly, a language does not simply consist of an overall pattern of letters and words. The language of a nation is a reflection of the culture, character, history and the region in which that nation lives. The equivalent of any word in another language can never reflect the exact expression, and the effect it has on those who speak the original language.
For example: The meaning of the word “Qur’an” is “read.” However, when we say “Qur’an,” it is impossible to translate its entire meaning that comes to mind into another language in a single word. No word or infinitive in any other language, or for example the English words “reading” or “recitation,” is an exact equivalent of the word Qur’an. A language is not a lifeless element, but is rather an expressive element which undergoes changes and adaptations together with the history of its users.
Secondly, Arabic is a totally grammatical language. Its principles are distinct, and are established. Particularly in terms of lexicalization, Arabic is the richest language in the world. For instance, in Arabic, there are 35 forms known as the infinitive pool, in other words 35 different infinitives are formed from one verb and each of these expresses a different meaning and connotation than the other.
To give another example: The past tense, present tense and future tense in one language are not always identical to those in other languages. For instance, in particular when the Qur’an mentions the facts and events of the Hereafter, it uses the simple present tense, whereas in terms of the history of humanity this is a forthcoming event. Such usage in the Qur’an, besides expressing the certainty of the past in Arabic, also has many other pretexts and expression of meaning.

 

Akgul, Muhittin. Tafsir: An Introduction to Qur’anic Exegesis. Tughra Books Press, Inc. 2013