A Critical Comparative Study of Two Influential English Translations of Metaphorical Verses in The Holy Quran

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine, explore and compare the translation of metaphor in the Quran into English by two familiar translators, namely, Abdullah Yusuf Ali, and M. M. Pickthall. It endeavours to regulate the extent to which these translations have succeeded in conveying the connotative meaning in the carefully chosen Quranic verses. In terms of evaluation, the study adopted important exegeses. The research targets the works of the two translators; its objectives are to pinpoint cases that appear to be problematic in Quran translation. The results showed that partial rather than complete equivalence could be achieved when translating metaphorical expressions in the holy Quran from Arabic into English.