Discourse Differences in the Theories of Untranslatability of the Holy Qur’ān

Abstract

Translation of the Qur’ān has always had its own opponents and proponents. Some scholars have held that translation of the Qur’ān originates from the very age of the holy Prophet. Some others have considered the Qur’ān untranslatable. Regardless of the arguments of the two groups, discourses prevalent in the society have had their own influence in raising these views. These influences have sometimes been affirmative. However, in most cases, they have been in contrast to another discourse, hence negative and defensive. Discourses in the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries were mostly jurisprudential and theological. In contrast, in the 14^th century, sectarian and socio-political discourses predominated due to the wide cultural and ideological challenges towards Muslims. Emergence of the view holding untranslatability of the Qur’ān based on different discourse approaches can be emanated from different sociological and contextual factors of these two ages. Concentrating on maintaining the verbal form of the Qur’ān for conveying its meanings, concern over instrumental use of translation, and finally, the duty of safeguarding religion gave rise to presentation of the theory of untranslatability of the Qur’ān by Muslim scholars in order to prevent religious deviations.