ABSTRACT
Qur’an translation can be tackled from many different angles. In this chapter, we approach it from two complementary perspectives. The first is historical and attempts an overview of the various contextual conditions of Qur’an translation from the earliest times to the most contemporary. Along the way, the broad lines of the main positions between the acceptability of translating the sacred text and its prohibition will be exposed. The second perspective will focus on the translation studies dimension whereby the originality of the sacred text is problematized not only in light of the jurisprudential discourse, but also regarding the representation of the Arabic language as original in relation to all other languages. These two perspectives – the religious interpretations of translating the sacred text and the imaginary of the Arabic language – constitute a brief summary of a centuries-long debate that could shed light on some of the challenges of our time, including the relationship between religion and politics, the Arab (de)centrism and the conditions of another Arab renaissance.
