Semantic analysis on the translation of some surahs of the Holy Quran

ABSTRACT

Language plays an important role in human beings life used as a means of Communication, it possesses a very significant role in human beings life activities especially for fulfilling their needs. Linguistics is the science of languages and semantic is one of branches of linguistics which studies about meaning. Arabic is one of the major languages in the world which is still used in daily life communication for the Arabs as well as formal meetings among Arabs and Islamic countries. Al-Qur’an is called prominent miracle of the end messenger of Allah SWT(Muhammad SAW), gives guidance and messages.

The writer chose the translation of the Holy Qur’an into English language by Marmaduke Pickthall as the subject of her study because Pickthall’s explanatory translation of the Holy Qur’an is the only English translation which has received the approval of the Supreme Islamic Authority of Al-Azhar in Cairo. The study is limited only some surahs they are Al-Fatihah, An-Naas, Al-Falaq, Al- Ikhlas, and Al-Lahab, because they are usually needed by Muslims for certain purposes, one of which is to be recited while Muslims are performing prayers either obligatory or optional prayer. In addition, they contain practical teaching needed by Muslims as a guide in their social life. And this study is intended to the descriptions of the meanings involved in Pickthall’s translation of some surahs of the Holy Qur’an as well as the messages found in the surahs. The data are obtained by reading the translation of some surahs used as sources of data in this study. Then the writer crosschecked with the informants to maintain the validity of the data found. Since this is qualitative research, the data are analyzed using snowballing technique, namely, the conclusion and collecting of data are done simultaneously and several times which are in accordance with categories made.

The finding shows that Pickthall involves lexical, sentential, and discourse meaning in his translation of some surahs of the Holy Qur’an. Relate to lexical meaning, denotative, synonymy, antonymy, and figurative are included. Related to sentential meaning some entailments are applied. Discourse meaning is not found in a single verses; nevertheless, it is found in combination of verses which use conjunctions and pronouns as cohesive devices.

The messages of some surahs of the Holy Qur’an are seeking Allah protection from both internal and external factors, Allah is the only God to whom worship is due, the general lesson of sustained craft and cruel wrong-doing recoiling on the wrong- doer’s head, every man should humble him self before Allah, confess his human frailties, and seek Allah grace; attributing any success that gets in his work, not to his own but to the goodness and mercy of Allah, and Allah alone must we turn in adoration and thanksgiving, in sacrifice.

Based upon the result and the researcher’s experience during the research, suggestions are offered to the Muslims for improving the quality of their life because the content of some surahs in the Holy Qur’an is very important to practical teaching needed by Muslims as a guide in social life.

The writer is aware that this study far from being perfect; therefore, the writer also suggest that the other researchers conduct similar study with broader scope and more complete discussion.