Semantic-Literal Translation of Anthropomorphic Qur’ānic Verses: An In-depth Rationale for Sheikh Abdul Rauf al-Singkili’s Translation Approach in Tarjuman al-Mustafid

Al-Muslim Mustapa; Wan Nasyrudin Wan Abdullah; Wan Hilmi Wan Abdullah; Nur Syazwina Mustapa; Safinah Ismail

doi:10.32350/jitc.162.04

Authors

Al-Muslim Mustapa Department of Arabic Language Unit, National University of Malaysia , Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3272-5500
Wan Nasyrudin Wan Abdullah National University of Malaysia , Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2820-4315
Wan Hilmi Wan Abdullah National University of Malaysia , Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0245-0809
Nur Syazwina Mustapa National University of Malaysia , Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6182-0233
Safinah Ismail Selangor Islamic University , Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6822-9993

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.162.04

Keywords:

anthropomorphism, semantic-literal, translation, tafwīdh, Ta’wīl

Abstract

Texts related to anthropomorphism have been a subject of polemic. Additionally, these texts have become one of the main factors in shaping the sectarian landscape in the Muslim community. This polemic also influenced the Malay world of Nusantara. There were works by Malay scholars who directly engaged with texts related to anthropomorphism. In general, Ahl al-Sunnah holds that such texts can be dealt with through the methods of ta'wīl or tafwīdh. However, there are claims that the semantic-literal (SL) translation approach is not permissible because it is considered to liken Allah to created beings. The current qualitative study aimed to examine Sheikh Abdul Rauf al-Singkili's translation approach to the anthropomorphic verses in his Tarjuman al-Mustafid. Furthermore, the study also employed textual and thematic analysis. Data was extracted from 20 selected verses representing 11 anthropomorphic attributes. The findings revealed that Sheikh Abdul Rauf (d. 1693) applied a SL translation approach to a small number of Qur’ānic verses related to anthropomorphism. A literature review indicated that although this approach is not prioritized, it has a solid basis for practice. It aligns with the views of certain scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah, and has been practiced in the Nusantara by many figures. This approach also accommodates strategies for translating figurative language and the linguistic knowledge background of the Malay community. The study concluded that Sheikh Abdul Rauf (d. 1693) demonstrated intellectual maturity in filtering and selecting appropriate scholarly opinions rather than merely following popular views, while still preserving the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah among the general Malay Nusantara society.

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