The English Translations of the Qur'an by Jews: A Critical Study of Nessim Dawood’s Translation "The Koran"

Abstract

The research aims to examine the English translation of the Qur’an by Jews. To fulfill the aim of the study, the researcher used the analytic method to scrutinize how the translator achieves the purpose of the source text or misrepresents it. Thus, the study discusses the translator’s competence comprehensively, gives a selective and detailed analysis of each translation, and compares the target text with the holy source text, accurately identifying the translation errors resulting from the impacted background of the translators. The research concludes with a more accurate translation and sound explanation/interpretation of the mistranslated verses. It clarifies the biography of N.J. Dawood, features of his translation, objectives, sources, readership, motives, structure, and his method. The merits and demerits of Naseem’s translation will be tackled. The study attempts to explore the negative effects of impacted translation of the Qur’an and how to avoid them. The study exposes how the mindset of the translator contributed to producing the target text. It refers to the responsibility of the translator and the rules that should control his work, e.g., transferring the meaning honestly, avoiding any ideological impact on the target text, using accurate and proper equivalent words, and relying on authentic sources. In conclusion, the selected translation proved to be influenced by certain ideological impacts. Under such an influence, the translator uses his own special strategy to convey his prejudiced ideas to the readership.