The Translation of Ayatul Kursi in Roman English - A Comparative Analysis

The translation of the Quran into various languages has been an ongoing process for centuries, with many scholars and translators contributing to this noble endeavor. One of the most significant translations is the rendering of Ayatul Kursi, a chapter from the Quran, into Roman English by Marmaduke Pickthall in 1930.

In his translation, Pickthall has added very few notes to elucidate the text, which may be seen as a drawback. However, he is an English Muslim, a literary man of standing, and an Arabic scholar, making him well-equipped to undertake this task. The Arabic words and phrases used in the Quran are often pregnant with meaning, requiring a translator to provide explanatory notes for a full understanding.

Pickthall's translation includes fairly full summaries of each Sura or chapter, but unfortunately, he has provided no notes to accompany his text. This lack of explanation may make it difficult for readers who do not have a prior knowledge of Arabic to fully appreciate the meaning and significance of the Quranic passages.

Another notable translation is that of Hafiz Gulam Sarwar, published in 1930 or 1929. While this translation is also deserving of recognition, it has one major drawback: it was published without the accompanying Arabic text. This makes it difficult for readers to compare the English translation with the original Arabic text.

In addition to these translations, there are two other Muslim translations that deserve mention. However, while these translations are of great merit, they too have their limitations. Maulvi Muhammad Ali's translation, published by the Lahore Anjuman in 1917, is a scholarly work that includes adequate explanatory matter in the notes and preface. Unfortunately, it does not include an Arabic text.

The Qadian Anjuman also published a version of the first Surah or chapter, Al-Fatihah, in 1915. This translation was well-received by scholars and readers alike, but unfortunately, it has been discontinued due to the death of the translator.

The Ahmadiyya Sect has also been active in the field of Quranic translation. Mawlana Muhammad Sadiq Chishti's translation is a notable example, as is that of Maulvi Nur Muhammad 'Alam's. However, both of these translations have their limitations and are not widely recognized for their accuracy.

In conclusion, while there are many translations of Ayatul Kursi in Roman English available, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. A comprehensive analysis of these translations reveals that they all have their limitations, whether it be the lack of explanatory notes or the absence of an accompanying Arabic text. Ultimately, a translation of the Quran must be accurate, easy to understand, and accompanied by adequate explanatory matter in order to convey the true meaning and significance of the sacred text.

Ayatul kursi in roman english