Translating the Meanings of the Noble Quran into English: A Comparative and Analytical Study of three Translations

This research deals with an important and thorny linguistic issue of the Noble Quran, namely the issue of "translating the meanings of the Noble Qur'an", through a comparative analytical study among three different translations of the Qur'anic text into English; two of the shortest Surahs were used as a sample for the study; They are: (Al-Duha/Al-Ikhlas). Though these Surahs are short but they are sufficient to reveal the difficulties that surround the translation process of this sacred text, and the disparities that may occur in translation strategies and technical, linguistic and rhetorical options that could be used by one translator and another.

The three selected translations of the Noble Qur'an are;

1- Translation of the meanings of the Noble Qur’an, by (Abdullah Yusuf Ali).
2- Translation of the Meanings of the Noble Qur’an, by (Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall).
3- The Qur’an Interpreted, by (A. J. Arbery).

This study concluded that; the three translations presented in the study are examples of serious translation efforts in the field of translating the meanings of the Qur’an into English; It shows a clear eagerness to convey as much as possible the shadows of the meaning of Qur’anic text in translation. Nevertheless, they are not flawless or weak in conveying the meaning of the Qur’anic text.

The study also recommends the presence of specialized scientific committees that include bilingual interpreters, jurists, and linguists who are knowledgeable in both Source Language and Target Language. These committees could benefit from previous translations in promoting permanent and continuous development and up-to-date translations of the meanings of the Noble Qur’an into different languages.