Dogmatic Approaches of Qur'ān Translators
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Dogmatic Approaches of Qur’ān Translators: Linguistic and Theological Issues Somia Qudah-Refai Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Modern Languages and Cultures University of Leeds May 2014 Intellectual Property and Publication Statements The candidate confirms that the work submitted is her own and that appropriate credit has been given where reference has been made to the work of others. This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement University of Leeds Somia Qudah-Refai ii ‘Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; admit me by Your grace into the ranks of Your righteous servants’ (Qur’ān, 27:19). This work is dedicated to my beloved parents, Dr. Abdul-Hameed and Mrs. Nedal Al-Qudah, for their endless love and everlasting prayers. You contributed to my life far more than what I will ever be able to thank you for, to you I say: Jazakum Allah Khairan iii Acknowledgements All praise is to God for enabling me to fulfil the requirements of this study. My sincere gratitude goes to my initial supervisor Prof. Hussein Abdul-Raof and my current supervisor Prof. James Dickins. Prof. Abdul-Raof provided me with guidance and advice when I was establishing the research project and continued to do so during his time in the University of Leeds. I would not have been able to finish this work without the valuable advice, guidance, assistance and encouragement of Prof. Dickins. I am very grateful for the outstanding supervision I have received. Thanks are also due to Prof. Jeremy Munday and all the staff of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at University of Leeds for their help, support and positive suggestions. I’m thankful to Prof. Christopher Bagley for reading and commenting on my earlier and final draft of the thesis and to all my friends and colleagues who have supported me during this work. I am deeply indebted to my parents, Dr. Abdul-Hameed and Mrs Nedal al-Qudah for their continuous encouragement, support and patience during the many years I was away from home. The thought of them being here in England for my father’s PhD, thirty two years ago when I was born, was always a source of inspiration to carry on working on this thesis when I felt weak. My deep appreciation goes to my brothers and sisters, Dr. Muhammad, Israa’, Maymona, Rabi’a, Ahmad, Mahmoud and Anas, who were all been a source of support. Finally, my deepest gratitude and appreciation goes to my small family; to my beloved husband Dr. Nader Al-Refai, for his endless love, support and patience which has enabled me to finish my graduate and postgraduate studies. Without this help, after the blessings of Allah, all this would not be possible. To my dear children, Noor and Ammar, for the love and joy they have added to my life, and for always encouraging me to work on this research even when I knew that they wanted me to be with them. I’m thankful to Allah for the family I’m blessed with. iv Abstract The Qur’ān has an unparalleled importance in the Muslim’s life and daily practice. Qur’ān translations are a window onto the world of Islam and its sacred text. They are equally important to Muslims who do not understand the Qur’ān in its original language, and to communicate the message of Islam to Mankind. Given this importance, it is crucial to evaluate and enhance the accuracy and fidelity of Qur’ān translations. This research provides an insight into and a critical assessment of thirty-five different English Qur’ān translations, exploring linguistic and theological issues found in translations in the light of modern translation theories, aiming to understanding the role of the translator’s dogma and exploring whether it is reflected in their translations or not. The first chapter provides an initial evaluative survey of the chosen English translations of the Qur’ān based on how the translators present their work. The second chapter aims to investigate the principles and problems of translation, its evaluation and quality assessment. This leads to the development of a proposed evaluative model to apply to Qur’ān translations within linguistic and theological parameters. The third chapter discusses the first suggested parameter, linguistic problems, by means of a close analysis of Qur’ānic linguistic features and various problematic elements in their translation. The fourth chapter discusses the second suggested parameter, theological problems, shedding light on the exegetical and theological aspects of Qur’ānic discourse and translations. The fifth and sixth chapters apply the models and principles mapped out in the previous chapters. Linguistic and theological issues are examined with reference to the translator’s dogma. The analyses falls under three main categories: problematic linguistic issues, problematic linguistic issues with dogmatic refereance, and dogmatic and theological issues. This analysis helps in answering the main research questions, with respect to linguistic and theological issues. It also benefits from the suggested TQA model which can be further developed to draw up a similar model for assessing Qur’ān translations in different languages. v Table of Contents INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PUBLICATION STATEMENTS ........................... II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................ IV ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................................... V TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................... VI TABLE OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................... XIV ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................ XV TRANSILITERATION ................................................................................................................... XVI INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................................ 9 AN OVERVIEW OF QUR’ĀN TRANSLATIONS .................................................................. 9 1.1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2. What is Islam? ................................................................................................................................. 10 1.3. What is the Qur’ān? ........................................................................................................................ 10 1.4. Qur’ānic Sciences ............................................................................................................................. 12 1.5. Islamic Scholars’ Views of Qur’ān Translation .............................................................................. 12 1.6. History of Qur’ān Translations ....................................................................................................... 13 1.7. Overview of English Qur’ān Translators ........................................................................................ 16 1.7.1. English Qur’ān Translators’ Dogmas ......................................................................................... 17 1.7.2. English Qur’ān Translators......................................................................................................... 24 1.7.2.1. G. Sale .......................................................................................................................................... 24 1.7.2.2. J. M. Rodwell ............................................................................................................................... 25 1.7.2.3. E. H. Palmer................................................................................................................................. 26 1.7.2.4. E. M. Wherry ............................................................................................................................... 27 vi 1.7.2.5. M. Ali ........................................................................................................................................... 27 1.7.2.6. M. M. Pickthall ............................................................................................................................ 28 1.7.2.7. A. Y. Ali ....................................................................................................................................... 29 1.7.2.8. R. Bell ........................................................................................................................................... 29 1.7.2.9. A. M. Daryabadi .......................................................................................................................... 30 1.7.2.10. A. J. Arberry ............................................................................................................................ 31 1.7.2.11. M. S. Ali .................................................................................................................................