A rendering of the Islamic scripture that provides the English equivalent for each Arabic term is a direct, literal interpretation. This contrasts with idiomatic translations which prioritize conveying the meaning of phrases or sentences in natural English. For example, a direct rendering would present each Arabic particle with its closest English equivalent, even if the resulting sentence structure is unconventional.
The value of such an approach lies in its accessibility to those seeking to understand the original Arabic text’s structure and vocabulary. It facilitates in-depth linguistic study and allows readers to grapple directly with the nuances of the original language. Historically, these renderings have served as valuable tools for scholars and students aiming to decode the scripture’s meaning on a fundamental level and to analyze the semantic range of individual terms. The accuracy it portrays is far beyond translation that prioritizes readability.
