Lexical Errors in the Qur'anic English Translation by Arthur John Arberry

Abstract

The translation of the holy Qur’ān by A. J. Arberry is in such a style that the summary of each five verses is given in the form of paragraphs. Arberry has tried his best to make the gist of divine theme and scheme. Arthur John Arberry himself says: “I have been at pains to study the intricate and richly varied rhythms which - apart from the message itself - constitute the Koran's undeniable claim to rank amongst the greatest literary masterpieces of mankind.[i] Arberry's translation deserves the exceptional remarks for having the following distinctive qualities: i) Additions are not found therein except a few due to his comprehensiveness.ii) Summarizing style has, even, been appreciated by Muslim scholars.iii) Its beautiful selection of the words and arrangement of sentences are really commendable.iv) Arberry's and Pickthall's are the only translations that have been made direct from the original Arabic text.v) This translation has, even, been declared by the Western scholars as 'the greatest literary distinction'. [i]. Arberry, A.J., The Koran Interpreted, Oxford World's Classics, Oxford University Press, U.K. p. x.