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...The Qur'an cannot be translated. ...The book is here…

“...The Qur'an cannot be translated. ...The book is here rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language. But the result is not the Glorious Qur'an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to…” quote by Pickthall M. Marmaduke
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““...The Qur'an cannot be translated. ...The book is here rendered almost literally and every effort has been made to choose befitting language. But the result is not the Glorious Qur'an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to present the meaning of the Qur'an-and peradventure something of the charm in English. It can never take the place of the Qur'an in Arabic, nor is it meant to do so...””

Pickthall M. Marmaduke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage acknowledges the Qur'an's linguistic inimitability, stating translations are mere attempts that cannot replace the original Arabic.

In simple terms: Translations are limited; the original Arabic is irreplaceable.

Key Takeaway

Respect the Qur'an’s unique linguistic beauty.

Themes

Religion Translation Language Respect

Mood

respectful thoughtful

Type

theological academic

When to use this quote

  • Religious study
  • Interfaith dialogue
  • Literary analysis
  • Education

Key Concepts

Linguistic nuance Cultural authenticity Spiritual depth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape sacred experience?
  • What value does the original hold for believers?
A Different Perspective

Readers may over‑estimate translation fidelity.

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