What are the challenges faced while translating Holy Quran in English

The Quran, which is staunchly believed to be the heart of Islamic culture and religious text, is now revealed in English scripture. According to Islam, the Holy book of Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)by angel Jibreel (May Allah be Pleased with him). The sacred book is considered to be of highest religious worth among 2 millions of Islamic followers across the globe. The Quran is regarded as a pinnacle of religious reference among Muslims, where Prophet Muhammad has laid down the golden rules for mankind so that they can peacefully co-exist with one another and animals created by the Almighty.

Why is Quran translated?

Although the religious book is translated in different languages, especially in English, in reality they are considered to be explained keeping the essence of the Holy rules the same as discussed in the original book, which is scripted in Arabic.

English Translated Quran is of high importance among millions of non-Arabic speaking Islamic followers. Quran which has been scripted in Arabic may seem difficult to non-Arabic speaking Muslims, as 80% of the Muslim population is unfamiliar to the ancient language. Since Quran is originally scripted in Arabic, new translated versions of the Holy book is now available throughout the globe, allowing access to its golden words through interpretations which are of same value as original religious texts.

Despite its widespread recognition as a religious text of highest order, some Islamic followers who are non-Arabic may find it tough to understand the scriptures. With an aim to allow every Muslim follow the verses, Holy Quran is today available in English and various other languages. Since there is a considerable number of Muslims residing in Europe, Asia and Africa, the book has been interpreted in different native languages so that people can recite and understand the Holy verses as mentioned in the Holy book.

Since the sacred book of Islam, which has been scripted down in Arabic is interpreted in other languages, care is taken so that every symbolic meaning is adhered to in its classical form. Focus is laid mostly to gain a profound understanding of every verse. The chief objective is to rightfully explain the symbolic meanings in various target languages.

Some challenges, translators face while interpreting the sacred Quran in a different language are as follows:

• Every Arabic word can hold multifarious meanings, all of which depend on the context. Every symbol should be carefully scripted else there is chance that the meaning of every word can significantly change.
• According to Islam the Quran is preferred to be recited in its original language, Arabic. Hence every word translated in a different language should accompany a transliteration.
• The standard Arabic language spoken today is far different from the authentic Arabic leading to chances of alteration in structure of some of the words which innately changed in a passage of time. Hence a sole translator may not be adequate for the huge number of tasks involved in translating the holy book keeping the literal and symbolic meanings, intact.
• The Quran should be interpreted under historical light

The Quran should be translated keeping literal meanings of symbols and words in their true whole form. Other than these the translator may face various difficulties in transliteration of the Holy book.