Page 155 - Pure Life 08

An Explanatory Model of Word Selection
in the Translation of the Holy Quran

(Translation of the Chapter Al-Fātiha
based on Research Methodology)

1
Authors: Hasan Alimi Baktash (Iran) , Ahmad Kolivandi (Iran)
2
Reccive: 12/05/2016 Accept: 25/12/2016

Abstract
Translation of the Holy Qur'an has always been a
problematic and difficult issue in Islamic theology.
However, what challenges this great task, apart from
different translation types such as literal and free
translation, is a lack of the methodology of translation.
This article aims improving the ability of translating the
Holy Qur'an especially for those young scholars who
wish to carry these Islamic teachings to the English-
speaking countries. Next, the paper clarifies the
principles and distinctive features of each choice. This
research is actually the result of a term-long discussion
in Hawzah Language Center of Qom about the way of
translating the Holy Qur'an. It shows the way of
making an acceptable translation, examining the
viewpoints of Surah Al-Fātiha translators, by selecting
the most suitable English equivalent for each
word, with the reasons for every choice and preference.

1. Lecturer in Department of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa
International University, Qom, Iran, alimihasan@gmail.com
2. Researcher in Department of Persian Language and Literature,
Al-Mustafa Open University, Qom, Iran, ahmad.kolivandi@yahoo.com