The Challenge of Translating Qur’anic Polysemous Terms: A Comparative Study of Selected Verses from Sūrat al-Baqarah in the Translations of Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Abdel Haleem

Abstract

The translation of polysemous terms in the Holy Qur’ān presents significant challenges due to the semantic richness and contextual layers of classical Arabic vocabulary. This study examines nine key polysemous words from Sūrat al-Baqarah, analyzing how two English translators, Abdullah Yusuf Ali (2023) and M.A.S. Abdel Haleem (2005), render these terms. Classical tafsīr by IbnKathīr (2000) and al-Ṭabarī (1987) is consulted to understand exegetical nuances, while lexical sources including Lane (1863) and Wehr (1979) provide semantic clarity. The research identifies differences between literal and interpretive translation strategies, highlighting how choices impact theological and rhetorical meaning. Furthermore, this study explores how contextual and cultural factors influence the translators’ lexical choices, showing that some words carry layered meanings that extend beyond literal definitions. By comparing translations with classical tafsīr and modern dictionaries, the research highlights how interpretive decisions can either preserve or shift the nuance of the original text. This approach underscores the importance of combining linguistic, exegetical, and semantic analysis when addressing polysemy in the Qur’ān. The study also provides a framework for future research on translation strategies in sacred texts, offering insights for translators, scholars, and students in the fields of Qur’anic studies and comparative linguistics. Findings reveal that polysemy in the Qur’ān requires translators to balance fidelity to the source text with readability in English, contributing to the broader field of Qur’anic translation studies.