TRANSLATION OF THE QUR’AN Flashcards
Who translated Suratul Fathia into Middle Persian, making it the first translation of the Qur’an into a foreign language?
Salman Al-Farsi
In what language was the Qur’an originally revealed to Prophet Muhammad?
Classical Arabic
During which century was the first translation of the Qur’an into a foreign language done?
Early seventh century (CE)
What is the primary challenge associated with translating the Qur’an into other languages?
Achieving complete accuracy is considered difficult and impossible due to the unique eloquence and literary style of the Qur’an.
How are translations of the Qur’an viewed in relation to the original Arabic text?
Translations are considered “interpretations” or “translations of the meanings” and not the full equivalent of the original.
Why are translations of the Qur’an not placed on the same pedestal as the original Arabic Qur’an?
Translations are human endeavors and do not possess the uniquely sacred and divine character of the Arabic original.
What is a significant linguistic challenge in translating the Qur’an?
Arabic is a highly nuanced language with words and phrases that may not have direct equivalents in other languages.
What can complicate the translation of Qur’anic verses that seem clear to modern Arabic speakers?
The usage of words has changed a great deal between classical and modern Arabic.
What elements of the Qur’anic text are difficult to transfer into other languages without losing their impact and beauty?
Elements of poetry, rhetoric, and literary devices.
What dilemma do translators often face when translating the Qur’an?
Choosing between literal translations that adhere closely to the Arabic text and interpretative translations that aim to capture the intended meaning and essence.
What do translators often rely on to elucidate the meaning of the Qur’an’s text?
Scholarly interpretation and exegesis (tafsir).
Why might there be multiple versions and translations of the Qur’an in the same language?
Translators aim to improve on previous translations or provide nuances and alternative interpretations.
How many languages has the Qur’an been translated into over the last fourteen centuries?
Over 170 languages.
Which languages spoken in Nigeria have translations of the Qur’an?
Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nupe.
What is the significance of “The Qur’an” published in 1910 by Mirza Abul Fazl?
It was the first translation of the Qur’an into English by a Muslim.
Who authored a translation of the Qur’an in 1917 from an Ahmadiyyah perspective?
Muhammad Ali
What is one of the most influential modern English translations of the Qur’an, published in 1980?
“The Message of The Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad
Which 2019 English translation of the Qur’an is specifically targeted towards children?
“The Easy Qur’an” by Tahir Mahmood Kiani
What is recommended for those who rely on translations of the Qur’an for understanding?
To consult multiple versions and supplement their study with commentary and explanations (tafsir).
According to Islamic belief, how was the Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad?
Verbatim (word for word) by God.
Which verse of the Qur’an states, “The revelation of this Book is from Allah—the Almighty, All-Wise”?
Qur’an 45:2
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”?
Qur’an 4:82
Why might non-Muslims be skeptical of the Qur’an’s internal claims of divine origin?
Because nearly anyone can quote passages from their scripture claiming it is a revelation from God.
What method is proposed for identifying the most probable author or source of the Qur’an?
An elimination process to discard unacceptable alternative candidates.
Name one of the alternative authors or sources of the Qur’an suggested by some non-Muslims
Muhammad, Some Arab poet(s), or Satan (among others)
What was the first fully attested complete translation of the Qur’an into?
Classical Persian
Which emperor ordered the translation of the Tafsir al-Tabari into Persian?
The Samanid emperor, Mansur I
In which century did the first fully attested complete translations of the Qur’an take place?
Between the 10th and 12th centuries.
Translations in how many languages of the Qur’an were known by 1936?
Translations in 102 languages were known.
Which English translation of the Qur’an, featuring extensive annotation, was published in 1934?
Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation.
