A Hermeneutic Approach to the Study of Quranic Translation Ideology - Lessons from Muslims and Orientalists

Oct 21, 2026

This study applies a hermeneutic approach to analyze ideological dimensions in Quranic translation by Muslim and Orientalist translators, focusing on how ideological stance relates to translation techniques. It examines how translators’ backgrounds and practices shape translation ideologies, using Molina and Albir, Van Leuven-Zwart, and Nord’s translation theories. Results show Quranic translation as subjective and reader-driven, reflecting cultural and religious background; Muslim and Orientalist renderings differ in their Islamic ideological framing, informing cross-linguistic translation considerations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Literature Review

Hermeneutic Approach to Quranic Translation

A Hermeneutic Approach to the Study of Quranic Translation Ideology: Lessons from Muslims and Orientalists Ali Mohammed Saleh Al-Hamzi1,2 · Djatmika1 · Ida Kusuma Dewie1 · Zita Rarastesa1 · Nur Saptaningsih1 · Donie Fadjar Kurniawan1 Accepted: 29 June 2025 / Published online: 4 August 2025 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025 Abstract This study employs a hermeneutic approach to examine the ideologies of Muslim and Orientalist translators in Quranic translation. While there is extensive research on Quranic translation, little attention has been given to the translator’s ideological stance, particularly in terms of translation techniques. The study investigateshow translators’ backgrounds and practices influence their translation ideologies. To analyze the data, Molina and Albir, Van Leuven-Zwart, and Nord’s translation theories were employed. The findings indicate that Quranic translation is a subjective and reader-driven process influenced by the translator’s cultural and religious background. The Muslim representative translated the text with a moderate Islamic perspective, while the Orientalist translator incorporated a global Islamic ideology. These translations reveal the translators’ ideologies and suggest that Quranic translation can be carried out across languages with consideration for the translator’sand reader's interests and socio-cultural background. Keywords Hermeneutics · Ideology · Orientalists · Quranic translation · Translation · Translation techniques 􀀍 Ali Mohammed SalehAl-Hamzi [ali.m.s_2022@student.uns.ac.id](ali.m.s_2022@student.uns.ac.id); [ali.al-hamzi@su.edu.ye](ali.al-hamzi@su.edu.ye) 1 Universitas Sebelas Maret, Kota Surakarta, Indonesia 2 Al-Mahweet University, Al-Mahweet, Yemen Introduction The Quran is considered the most sacred and central text in Islam. Muslims worldwide turn to it for guidance on how to live their lives, seek spiritual enlightenment, and connect with their faith. Therefore, the translation of the Quran into different languages is crucial for Muslims living outside the Arabic-speaking world to understand the Quran’s message (Abdo & Mousa, 2019) . However, the process of translating the Quran is not straightforward. The Quranic text is complex, multi-layered, and deeply embedded in the Arabic language, culture, and history (Abdo & Mousa, 2019; Afrouz, 2019; Chiapello & Fairclough, 2002; Clas, 2003; Hatim & Mason, 2005; Mohaghegh & Pirnajmuddin, 2013; Mustafa, 2019; Spier, 2018; Venuti, 2017) . The role of ideology in translation can significantly impact the meaning of the text, particularly as it relates to Muslims and Orientalists. Thus, this study aims to investigate how Muslim and Orientalist translators arrive at different meanings for individual synonyms in their translations of the Quran. The study adopts a hermeneutic approach, which is a philosophical method that emphasizes the interpreter’s role in understanding the text’s meaning. The hermeneutic approach recognizes that the translator’s ideology shapes their understanding of the text and their translation choices. Therefore, the study aims to trace the translator’s ideology not only through their personal background and socio-political context but also through the translation procedures themselves (Rahman, 2009; Zainol et al., 2018; Harrison, 2010) . To analyze the translation ideologies of orientalists and Muslim interpreters regarding their hermeneutical interpretation of Quranic verses, it is essential to examine their personal, cultural, and historical contexts. This necessitates an analysis of their biographies, histories, and motivations, alongside an exploration of the impacts of colonialism on orientalists and the influence of Islamic promotion on Muslim scholars. Ideological stances can be differentiated here. Muslim interpreters endeavour to reconcile traditional beliefs with contemporary issues, whereas orientalists are shaped by Western intellectual

FAQs

What method does the study use to examine Quranic translation ideology?

The study employs a hermeneutic approach to interpret how translators understand meaning and how that understanding shapes translation choices.

Which translation theories guide the analysis?

The analysis uses Molina and Albir, Van Leuven-Zwart, and Nord’s translation theories.

How do the findings describe Quranic translation outcomes?

Quranic translation is presented as subjective and reader-driven, shaped by the translator’s cultural and religious background, with differences between Muslim and Orientalist ideological perspectives.

Oct 21, 2026

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