Faithfulness in the Translation of the Qur'anic Arabic Homographic Word Kataba (كَتَبَ) into English: Revisiting the Equivalence Theory

Abstract

Translating homographic words in Qur’ānic Arabic, particularly the verb kataba (كَتَبَ), presents considerable challenges that have long engaged linguists, interpreters, philologists, translators, and scholars. The complexity arises from the rich semantic range and the context-dependent meanings that such words carry within the Qur’anic discourse. Unlike ordinary language, Qur’ānic Arabic employs terms like kataba in multifaceted ways, often embedding layers of theological, legal, and literary significance that are difficult to render accurately in English. This study aims to critically examine these translational challenges through the lens of Equivalence Theory, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining meaning and effect between the source and target texts. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, this research moves beyond mere frequency counts or quantitative analysis to delve deeply into interpretive perspectives on translation strategies. The investigation focuses on how prominent translators—including Abdel Haleem, Pickthall, and Al-Hilali & Khan—navigate the tension between literal faithfulness and dynamic equivalence when translating kataba. The findings indicate that these translators often employ a blend of free and faithful translation techniques in an effort to capture the nuanced connotations embedded in the original Arabic. However, the reliance on literal, word-for-word renderings at times limits the conveyance of intended meanings, thereby risking misinterpretation of critical Qur’ānic messages. Such findings underscore the inherent difficulty in balancing linguistic accuracy with the cultural and spiritual dimensions that a term like kataba encompasses, suggesting that translators must exercise nuanced judgment in order to bridge semantic gaps and honor the text’s profound significance.