Translation in the Islamic Field
Translation in general, is a skill that requires a knowledge of two languages, cultures, and information of the topic and field to be tackled. Translation in the Islamic filed is even more challenging for it does not only require the understanding of a specific field of science nor two cultures or languages. Since Islam is a complete way of life and is a living religion and compromises rules that have been set even before the prophethood of Mohammad, peace be upon him (pbuh), it lives on with the miraculus Quran that continues to surprize scientists, and the meaning of which carries many hidden secrets that modern science is yet to explain.
To fully undertake the task of translating the meaning of a text written in Arabic into English requires special traits in the translator. She need not only have a good command in both languages, but should also be knowlegable in Islamic related issues, understands both cultures and can therefore read between the lines. Often does the translated text rendered seem irrelevent or vague if the translator does not realize what can be read into the material that the reader may not be aware of. So this often requires some research and clarifications on the side of the translator.
Students are expected to learn to be sensitive to the text they are translating, understand the vocabulary involved and the different interpretations that it may carry. Be able to do thourough research and be resourseful in order to find support for extra material and information. They learn to realize that words may have different meanings in different contexts. They should be able to categorize words, find different methods of translating Islamic terms, and realizing the acceptable translations of certain Islamic terms. So the effort here is going to be considered as a beginning but no way a complete thorough study that this matter deserves.
This work will concentrate on the issues tackled and discussed in a translation course at university level and will use examples of verses from the Quran, Hadith, passages from Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudense), and other books and articles discussing Islamic issues.