Investigating the Challenges in Translating Rhetorical Questions in the Holy Qur’an

Abstract

Rhetorical questions in the Holy Qur’an are one of the crucial rhetorical devices as they convey implicit meanings and rhetorical purposes beyond their interrogative form. This study aims at shedding the light on the linguistic challenges encountered in translating rhetorical questions in the Holy Qur’an into English. It aims to explore the difficulties that translators face in conveying the intended meaning in these questions. In order to fulfil this purpose, a qualitative method was used. The study compares four translations of the Qur’an to identify variations in rendering rhetorical questions, particularly those expressing threat, exclamation, reproach, and affirmation. The sample of this study includes four rhetorical questions selected based on specific criteria from different Surahs in the Holy Quran. The translations of the four Qur’an translators were analyzed based on the linguistic approach as a theoretical framework. The findings reveal that translating rhetorical questions is challenging, as differences in linguistic and stylistic choices lead to variations in meaning.