Semantic Challenges in Translating Quranic Legal Terminology into English

Translating Quranic legal terminology into English presents complex semantic challenges that stem from the deep interconnection between language, law, and theology in Islamic discourse. The Quran, as the foundational text of Sharia (Islamic law), contains legal terms that are contextually and culturally rooted in classical Arabic and Islamic jurisprudential thought. These terms often lack direct equivalents in English, particularly due to the structural and philosophical differences between Islamic and Western legal systems. Key terms such as حدود ḥudūd, قصاص qisās, and ديّة diyyah exemplify the semantic gaps that arise during translation, as their meanings encompass religious, legal, and ethical dimensions not easily conveyed through literal or conventional legal translation. This study explores the semantic complexities inherent in translating such terminology, focusing on how translators attempt to preserve legal precision and religious nuance through strategies like formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and explanatory translation. The analysis underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach that combines linguistic accuracy with cultural and legal sensitivity.