Challenges and Strategies in Translating Qur’anic Cultural Expressions: A Comparative Study of Abdullah Yusuf Ali and M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

Abstract

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Translating the Qur’an poses unique challenges due to its rich linguistic, cultural, and theological depth. Among these challenges, the translation of culture-specific expressions is particularly complex, as these lexical items carry nuanced meanings embedded in the historical, social, and religious context of classical Arabic. This study critically examines the challenges and strategies involved in translating such culturally embedded Qur’anic expressions into English, focusing on a comparative analysis of the translations by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. By analyzing selected examples, the research highlights how each translator negotiates semantic, cultural, and contextual difficulties, the strategies they employ to preserve meaning, and the impact of their choices on the target-language readership. The study aims to provide insights into effective translation strategies for culture-specific Qur’anic terms and to contribute to the broader field of Qur’anic translation studies by evaluating the comparative strengths and limitations of these two widely referenced translations. The study concludes with key findings regarding the effectiveness of various strategies and offers recommendations for future translators aiming to balance accuracy, clarity, and cultural integrity in rendering Qur’anic expressions into English.