Tradition of English translation of Holy Quran: An analysis of causes and motives

Abstract

The first English translation was made by Alexander Ross in 1649, based on French translation of the Holy Qur’an by Du-Ryer. Afterwards, many translations of the Holy Qur’an were published in English language directly. The publication of successive translation of Holy Qur’an in a same language encourages to find out the motives and causes that encouraged translators or they feel necessity of a new translation. Although there are many research papers on Linguistic, Stylistic and historical aspects of English translation of the Qur’an but, the causes and motives every new English translation were not considered. This study is to find out the causes and motives for different English translation. For this purpose, the prefaces of English translations of the holy Qur’an from the 16th and 21th centuries have been discussed. This research indicates that the motives behind the translation of Qur’an are not only to understand the Quranic teachings. There are many other factors behind it like as language and tries to disgrace the Islamic teaching. This practice will also help out to understand the reason behind the difference among the English translation of Holy Qur’an. Moreover, this study will also indicate to the eloquence of the Qur’anic words.