TRANSLATION OF THE QUR’AN

Question 1

Who translated Suratul Fathia into Middle Persian, making it the first translation of the Qur’an into a foreign language?

Answer 1

Salman Al-Farsi

Question 2

In what language was the Qur’an originally revealed to Prophet Muhammad?

Answer 2

Classical Arabic

Question 3

During which century was the first translation of the Qur’an into a foreign language done?

Answer 3

Early seventh century (CE)

Question 4

What is the primary challenge associated with translating the Qur’an into other languages?

Answer 4

Achieving complete accuracy is considered difficult and impossible due to the unique eloquence and literary style of the Qur’an.

Question 5

How are translations of the Qur’an viewed in relation to the original Arabic text?

Answer 5

Translations are considered “interpretations” or “translations of the meanings” and not the full equivalent of the original.

Question 6

Why are translations of the Qur’an not placed on the same pedestal as the original Arabic Qur’an?

Answer 6

Translations are human endeavors and do not possess the uniquely sacred and divine character of the Arabic original.

Question 7

What is a significant linguistic challenge in translating the Qur’an?

Answer 7

Arabic is a highly nuanced language with words and phrases that may not have direct equivalents in other languages.

Question 8

What can complicate the translation of Qur’anic verses that seem clear to modern Arabic speakers?

Answer 8

The usage of words has changed a great deal between classical and modern Arabic.

Question 9

What elements of the Qur’anic text are difficult to transfer into other languages without losing their impact and beauty?

Answer 9

Elements of poetry, rhetoric, and literary devices.

Question 10

What dilemma do translators often face when translating the Qur’an?

Answer 10

Choosing between literal translations that adhere closely to the Arabic text and interpretative translations that aim to capture the intended meaning and essence.

Question 11

What do translators often rely on to elucidate the meaning of the Qur’an’s text?

Answer 11

Scholarly interpretation and exegesis (tafsir).

Question 12

Why might there be multiple versions and translations of the Qur’an in the same language?

Answer 12

Translators aim to improve on previous translations or provide nuances and alternative interpretations.

Question 13

How many languages has the Qur’an been translated into over the last fourteen centuries?

Answer 13

Over 170 languages.

Question 14

Which languages spoken in Nigeria have translations of the Qur’an?

Answer 14

Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nupe.

Question 15

What is the significance of “The Qur’an” published in 1910 by Mirza Abul Fazl?

Answer 15

It was the first translation of the Qur’an into English by a Muslim.

Question 16

Who authored a translation of the Qur’an in 1917 from an Ahmadiyyah perspective?

Answer 16

Muhammad Ali

Question 17

What is one of the most influential modern English translations of the Qur’an, published in 1980?

Answer 17

“The Message of The Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad

Question 18

Which 2019 English translation of the Qur’an is specifically targeted towards children?

Answer 18

“The Easy Qur’an” by Tahir Mahmood Kiani

Question 19

What is recommended for those who rely on translations of the Qur’an for understanding?

Answer 19

To consult multiple versions and supplement their study with commentary and explanations (tafsir).

Question 20

According to Islamic belief, how was the Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad?

Answer 20

Verbatim (word for word) by God.

Question 21

Which verse of the Qur’an states, “The revelation of this Book is from Allah—the Almighty, All-Wise”?

Answer 21

Qur’an 45:2

Question 22

Which verse of the Qur’an states, “Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions”?

Answer 22

Qur’an 4:82

Question 23

Why might non-Muslims be skeptical of the Qur’an’s internal claims of divine origin?

Answer 23

Because nearly anyone can quote passages from their scripture claiming it is a revelation from God.

Question 24

What method is proposed for identifying the most probable author or source of the Qur’an?

Answer 24

An elimination process to discard unacceptable alternative candidates.

Question 25

Name one of the alternative authors or sources of the Qur’an suggested by some non-Muslims

Answer 25

Muhammad, Some Arab poet(s), or Satan (among others)

Question 26

What was the first fully attested complete translation of the Qur’an into?

Answer 26

Classical Persian

Question 27

Which emperor ordered the translation of the Tafsir al-Tabari into Persian?

Answer 27

The Samanid emperor, Mansur I

Question 28

In which century did the first fully attested complete translations of the Qur’an take place?

Answer 28

Between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Question 29

Translations in how many languages of the Qur’an were known by 1936?

Answer 29

Translations in 102 languages were known.

Question 30

Which English translation of the Qur’an, featuring extensive annotation, was published in 1934?

Answer 30

Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation.