Habibollah halimi jelodar, Reza Aghapur, Mohammad Hosayn Shirafkan, Sayed Mehdi Musavy,
Volume 10, Issue 19 (9-2023)
Abstract
Translation is a skill aimed at rendering speech and conveying the meaning of a text from the source language to the target language, in a way that preserves all the objectives of the original text. To achieve a meaning close to that of the source language, especially in sacred texts like the Quran, reliance on available contextual clues and other auxiliary resources is indispensable. The discrepancy among contemporary translators regarding the translation of verse 178 of Surah al-Baqarah (the verse on Qiṣāṣ – retribution) in the two phrases "Fa Ittibāʻun bil Maʻrūf" and "Fa man Iʻtadā baʻda Dhālik" is prominent, and the main reason for this difference stems from a lack of attention to the narrations of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method, aims to evaluate the degree of conformity between contemporary translations of the verse on Qiṣāṣ and the statements of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). By examining interpretive narrations and relevant translations, it becomes clear that the phrase "Fa Ittibāʻun bil Maʻrūf," according to the narrations, refers to the Responsible (Walī) of the victim, and its meaning is the appropriate adherence of the Walī to his right of blood money, i.e., to be lenient and not harsh with the killer. Similarly, the second phrase also pertains to the Walī, and the meaning of "Baʻda Dhālik" (after that) is the transgression and greed of the Walī after forgiveness and reconciliation with the killer. Some translations, however, have interpreted this part with a general and broad meaning.
