INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL CONTEXT ON QUR’ĀNIC TRANSLATION: ANALYZING SOCIAL JUSTICE INTERPRETATIONS IN SURA AN-NISĀ’ VERSE 58

This paper presents a detailed comparative analysis of Sura An-Nisā’, Verse 58 in the Qur’ān, as interpreted by Marmaduke Pickthall, Muhammad Abdel Haleem, and T.B. Irving. It explores how cultural contexts shape their translations and the consequent interpretations of 'Adl (justice) within Islamic doctrine. Employing translational paradigms such as equivalence, Skopos theory, and the cultural turn, the research reveals significant nuances in each translator’s approach, reflecting their distinct cultural backgrounds. The findings illustrate the complexity of translating Qur’ānic verses and underscore the impact of cultural influences on interpreting key Islamic concepts. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of translation in shaping perceptions of social justice in Islam and highlights the need for culturally informed translations to facilitate accurate comprehension of religious texts.


BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The task of translating the Qur'ān entails an intricate blend of linguistic mastery, profound cultural awareness, and deep-seated understanding of religious tenets.The gravity of this endeavor is evident when one considers its role in shaping Islam's perceptions amongst diverse audiences, especially those unfamiliar with the Arabic language. 1A particular set of verses, which accentuate the tenets of social justice, warrant careful translation, as they encapsulate Islam's cardinal values of equity, fairness, and justice. 2 Central to this research is an in-depth analysis of translations by Marmaduke Pickthall, Muhammad Abdel Haleem, and T.B. Irving, with an emphasis on Verse 58 of Sura An-Nisā'.

LITERATURE REVIEW AND TRANSLATION THEORIES
The increasing body of literature on the cultural influences in Qur'ānic translation forms the cornerstone of this study, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives that underscore the complex interplay between language, culture, and religious interpretation.Notably, Abdel-Haleem (2018) and Gunawan (2022) have illuminated the nuanced ways in which cultural contexts shape Qur'ānic translations, revealing both subtle and significant divergences in interpretation.These studies resonate profoundly with the objectives of our research, which seeks to delve deeper into the cultural dimensions influencing translations of Sura An-Nisā', Verse 58.Building on these foundational insights, our study aims to bridge the gaps identified in previous research, particularly in terms of how cultural backgrounds of translators like Pickthall, Abdel Haleem, and T.B. Irving can lead to distinct renditions of 'Adl (justice), thereby enriching our understanding of social justice in Islamic doctrine.By synthesizing these findings, our research underscores the critical need for a more nuanced appreciation of the cultural underpinnings in Qur'ānic translation, an area that has remained underexplored in the extant literature.Gunawan (2022) explores the interplay between the translators' ideologies and the translations of the Qur'ān within the Indonesian landscape10 .Gunawan's exploration points out that the translators' belief systems color their techniques, making the translations somewhat subjective, ideological, and reader-focused.Official translations tend to mirror moderate Islamic practices, while unofficial ones might express a transnational Islamic ideology 11 .The research stresses the critical role of cultural nuance in faithfully transmitting the original text's intended message, urging translators to be aware of cultural disparities and their potential effect on the readers' comprehension 12 .
Saeed and Akbar's 2021 paper makes a case for the adoption of contextual methodologies when interpreting the ethical and legal passages of the Qur'ān 13 .They contend that this approach permits Muslims to honor the Qur'ānic ethical doctrine while accommodating contemporary exigencies and circumstances, all without forsaking core principles.They emphasize the importance of considering the historical, social, and cultural contexts in 2 QUR'ĀNIC TEACHINGS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FAIRNESS IN ISLAMIC DOCTRINE
The comprehension of fairness within the framework of Islam is pivotal, given the religion's profound emphasis on treating all individuals with justice, dignity, and respect 24 .Social justice, deeply rooted in divine revelation, is a cornerstone of Islamic belief and practice 25 .Furthermore, this discourse on social justice has been prevalent since the era of Prophet Muhammad PBUH 26 .To actualize social justice, a thorough understanding and application of fairness are indispensable 27 .
Islamic teachings on justice encompass various dimensions such as formative justice, social justice, and specialized realms like family, judicial, and military justice 28 .The Holy Qur'ān consistently underscores justice as a societal imperative, with Allah underscoring its gravity and urging believers to embody this virtue 29 .This commitment to righteousness demands abstinence from divisive actions and behaviors infringing upon others' rights 30 .
providence 32 .The tenets of social justice are profoundly articulated in the Qur'ān 33 .One potent verse asserts that any individual not adjudicating by Allah's revelations is, in essence, an unbeliever 34 .This perspective contrasts with Tjokroaminoto's stance, who championed equitable wealth distribution by referencing various Qur'ānic verses 35 .However, the Qur'ān contains a finite set of verses with explicit legal directives 36 , occasionally omitting specific terminologies associated with justice 37 .Therefore, a comprehensive grasp of the Qur'ānic verses concerning social justice remains instrumental in championing a more equitable and just society.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF CULTURAL CONTEXT ON QUR'ĀNIC TRANSLATION
The cultural milieu of a translator plays a pivotal role in shaping the translation of Qur'ānic verses 38 .This influence becomes particularly pronounced when dealing with verses centered around social justice.Such verses, abundant in both the Qur'an and Hadith, delve deeply into reflections on social justice 39 .Moreover, the Qur'ān extensively addresses the principles of social justice 40 .
An illustrative verse from the Qur'an says, "Whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed is an unbeliever 41 ".While this declaration remains profound, its literal application in contemporary times necessitates discernment.Notably, figures like Tjokroaminoto have also vocalized principles of social justice, and discernible contrasts exist in the interpretations between such figures and direct Qur'ānic teachings 42 .
Of the vast expanse of the Qur'ān, only around 200 verses pertain explicitly to legal content outside of religious rituals 43 .Among these, a subset addresses social justice, often invoking paradigms of judicial justice 44 .
In summation, the translator's cultural context undeniably exerts a profound influence on the rendition of Qur'ānic verses, underscoring the intricate interplay between linguistic fidelity and cultural nuances.

DELVING INTO TRANSLATION THEORIES: EQUIVALENCE, SKOPOS, AND THE CULTURAL TURN
2.1 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR ANALYZING QUR'ĀNIC TRANSLATIONS Over the years, a spectrum of translation theories has been employed to dissect the intricacies of Qur'ānic verse translations.The theory of equivalence marked a significant progression in translation studies, emphasizing the fidelity of the target text to the source.However, it lacked consideration for the functional aspect of language 45 .Recognizing this gap, Katharina Reiss and Hans J. Vermeer introduced the Skopos theory, positing that the overarching purpose of a translation should supersede concerns of mere fidelity or equivalence 46 .Traditionally, translations were considered as an exact mirror reflecting the source text.This notion experienced a transformative shift with the emergence of the 'cultural turn' in translation studies, which accentuated the socio-cultural facets of translation 47 .This theoretical stance, deeply entrenched in the Functionalist paradigm and echoing the tenets of the Skopos theory, found resonance across various domains, including social sciences and biblical translation endeavors 48 .Moreover, Catford's advocacy for striking an equilibrium between equivalence and fidelity, complemented by Pöchhacker's scrutiny of functionalist paradigms and audience-centric approaches, added depth to the scholarly dialogue 49 .In aggregate, these multifaceted theoretical perspectives shed light on the intricacies inherent in translating Qur'ānic verses, furnishing insights into the aspirations and tactical choices of the translator.

INFLUENCE OF TRANSLATION THEORIES ON QUR'ĀNIC VERSE INTERPRETATION
The principle of equivalence heralded a significant shift in translation studies, positing that the translated work should mirror its source text in content and meaning 50 .However, the rigidity of this view was tested with the advent of the "cultural turn", emphasizing the sociocultural nuances of translation 51 .
A transformative perspective was introduced by Katharina Reiss and Hans Vermeer through the Skopos theory, which pivots on the idea that the intent or purpose of a translation should guide the rendering into the target language 52 .Over the years, this theory has gained substantial traction, shifting the focus of translations from pure equivalence to purpose-driven interpretations 53 .
Such an evolution is evident in target-oriented methodologies, exemplified by Pöchhacker's integration of functionalist theories 54 .The age-old emphasis on strict equivalence and unwavering fidelity has been gradually supplanted by this newer, more dynamic approach 55 .This shift foregrounds the translation's purpose over a mere verbatim reproduction of the source 56 .
As a consequence, translators have been empowered to employ innovative and contextually relevant solutions when interpreting Qur'ānic verses.This not only honors the essence of the original text but also facilitates a more profound comprehension for contemporary readers.

IMPLICATIONS OF TRANSLATION THEORIES ON READER PERCEPTIONS OF ISLAMIC JUSTICE
The influence of translation theories on reader perceptions is particularly significant in the realm of Islamic justice, an aspect that has been illuminated in the studies of Qur'ānic interpretation (Abdel-Haleem, 2018; Gunawan, 2022).Historically, translation paradigms have leaned towards notions of equivalence and fidelity, as Catford (1965) notes, aiming to produce texts that mirror their source 57 .This approach suggests translations should act as precise counterparts to the original.
However, this traditional approach faced scrutiny with the advent of Katharina Reiss and Hans Vermeer's Skopos theory, aligned with the functionalist school of thought.This theory posits that the overarching purpose or intent behind a translation should be prioritized over rigid adherence to the source text 58 .Consequently, the cultural turn in translation studies reinforced this shift, advocating for the subjugation of strict fidelity and equivalence in favor of the Skopos principle 59 .
However, the resultant impact on the understanding of Islamic justice is multifaceted, as the following case studies demonstrate.

Case Study 1: Surah An-Nisā' Verse 58:
One illustrative example is the diverse translations of Surah An-Nisā' Verse 58, pivotal in discussing Islamic justice ('Adl).Pickthall's translation, which closely follows a formal equivalence approach, presents the verse as: "Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye restore deposits to their owners, and, if ye judge between mankind, that ye judge justly" (Pickthall,  1930).While linguistically close to the Arabic text, this rendition may not fully capture the contemporary implications of 'Adl.Contrastingly, Abdel Haleem offers a more dynamic interpretation: "God commands you to hand back your trusts to those to whom they belong, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice" (Abdel Haleem, 2004).This version, slightly more interpretive, conveys the essence of justice in a manner that is potentially more relatable to contemporary audiences.

Case Study 2: Surah Al-Ma'idah Interpretations
Another case in point is found in the translations of Surah Al-Ma'idah, which centralizes the concept of justice.Abdullah Yusuf Ali, following a more traditional equivalence approach, translates it as, "And judge in righteousness between them" (Ali, 1934).In contrast, the translation by Saheeh International, which adopts a contextual approach, reads: "And judge, [O Muhammad], between them by what Allah has revealed" (Saheeh International, 1997).This variation not only reflects different perceptions of the role and scope of prophetic judgment but also significantly influences readers' understanding of the application of justice within an Islamic framework.
These case studies underscore how varying translational strategies, from formal equivalence to more contextual translations, lead to distinct interpretations of key Islamic concepts like 'Adl (Abdel-Haleem, 2018; Gunawan, 2022).Such differences in translation not only shape reader perceptions of Islamic justice but also highlight the need for acknowledging the cultural and temporal contexts in which these translations are interpreted.
Given this evolving landscape, translation theories play a cardinal role in shaping reader perceptions.They determine not just the words and phrases chosen, but the very essence and nuance of the translated text.
As a result, the portrayal of justice in Islam, as gleaned from translated texts, is deeply influenced by the theoretical framework underpinning the translation process 60 . 58

Deepened Interpretations through Cultural Contexts:
As highlighted in our research, understanding the cultural background provides depth to the interpretation of the Qur'ānic verses.This is not to confine the verses within a specific cultural framework, but rather to recognize the richness and layers of meaning they contain 67 .
Importance of Pre-Translational Text Analysis: Pre-translational text analysis emerges as a valuable tool to ensure that translations resonate with the essence of the original verses, acknowledging their cultural intricacies 68 .Incorporating text analysis in translator training can be instrumental in preserving the authenticity of translated verses 69 .
The Interplay of Modern Techniques: Modern methodologies like network analysis, polysome gradients, and extension inhibition provide insights into the mental processes underlying translation.These techniques offer ways to delve deeper into the intricacies of translating sacred texts, ensuring fidelity to the original meaning while making them accessible to a global audience 70 , 71 .
Revised Translations and Descriptive Studies: Analyzing revised translations can highlight the shifts in interpretation over time or across different cultural contexts.Descriptive translation studies, particularly when using a corpus linguistic approach, can pinpoint these shifts, offering insights into how cultural contexts influence translation choices 72 .
The Distinctions of Qur'ānic Verses: The Qur'ān contains verses that carry specific historical, societal, or cultural references.Recognizing these references and understanding their significance within the broader message of the verse is paramount.Translators, equipped with a profound understanding of both the source and target cultures, are better positioned to render translations that are both accurate and relatable.

'ADL' IN FOCUS: ANALYZING SURA AN-NISĀ' VERSE 58 IN MARMADUKE
PICKTHALL'S RENDITION Marmaduke Pickthall's translation of verse 58 from Sura An-Nisā' reads: "Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye restore deposits to their owners, and, if ye judge between mankind, that ye judge justly.Lo! comely is this which Allah admonisheth you.Lo! Allah is ever Hearer, Seer.". 73ickthall's methodology leans towards a literal and formalistic rendition) 74 .He intricately weaves phrases like "return of deposits to their owners" that underscore pivotal notions of Each translator brings to the fore a distinctive lens to the translation process, invariably shaping the manner in which readers perceive social justice.As expounded by Mohseni (2014), Pickthall's literalistic approach magnifies core ethical principles 79 .In contrast, Abdel Haleem's balanced rendition and Irving's functionalist methodology make the Qur'ānic teachings on justice more attuned to contemporary sensibilities, emphasizing the practical essence of these directives 80 .
Furthermore, a translator's cultural milieu deeply informs their rendition of justice in the Qur'ān, leading to accentuations that mirror varied perspectives on justice within the Islamic framework."fairly," Irving underscores the idea of balance, implying that justice is not just about adherence to the law but also about fostering equity.Despite their distinct approaches, all three translations emphasize the Qur'ānic mandate to uphold justice.Their nuanced differences highlight:

Translations of 'Adl': A Comparative Overview
Literal versus Contextual Translation: Pickthall's literal approach contrasts with Irving's contextual methodology, with Abdel Haleem seamlessly integrating both.This distinction outlines the range of possible translation techniques, each with its inherent merits and limitations.
Impact of Cultural Backdrop: Each translator's cultural context leaves an unmistakable mark.The British linguistic tradition of Pickthall, Abdel Haleem's blend of Egyptian and British cultural experiences, and Irving's American perspective play pivotal roles in shaping their respective renditions of 'Adl.
Universal Significance: While Pickthall's translation may appeal to those seeking a more traditional interpretation, Abdel Haleem and Irving's versions emphasize the enduring applicability of Qur'ānic directives, highlighting the perpetual significance of its teachings.

5
CONCLUSION This research endeavored to decipher the influence of a translator's cultural milieu on the rendition of Qur'ānic verses, particularly focusing on Surah An-Nisā', verse 58.The interpretative frameworks provided by Marmaduke Pickthall, Muhammad Abdel Haleem, and T.B. Irving were meticulously scrutinized.
Key insights emerging from this scholarly exploration are as follows: • The cultural underpinnings profoundly shape a translator's methodological choices, linguistic preferences, and articulation of the tenets of social justice.
• Pickthall's approach demonstrates a proclivity towards a direct and orthodox translation, laying emphasis on integrity, equitability, and the essence of justice.
• Abdel Haleem adopts an equilibrium, preserving the sanctity of the original text while ensuring its contextual relevance for today's readers.
• T.B. Irving's adaptation foregrounds the pragmatic dimensions of Islamic social justice, tailored to resonate with contemporary paradigms.
• The socio-cultural antecedents of the translators play a decisive role in their interpretation and delineation of key Islamic concepts of justice, leading to diverse but interconnected interpretations.
These revelations accentuate the pivotal role of cultural sensitivities in translational endeavors.They also underscore the spectrum of methodologies translators deploy, enriching our comprehension of the challenges and intricacies inherent in translating principles of social justice.It becomes imperative, thus, for translators to remain astutely aware of their cultural predispositions to ensure their translations echo authentically within the Islamic ambit.

CALL TO ACTION AND FUTURE RESEARCH:
-Expanding research to include more verses and translations for a comprehensive understanding.
-Investigating the influence of diverse cultural perspectives on the interpretation of Islamic teachings, especially in a global and multicultural context.