Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the problem of finding a proper temporal equivalent while conveying the SL (the Qur'an) into the TL (English) suggesting applicable solutions to the problems in question. Arabic and English share the general characteristics of time, tense and aspect, but often formally disagree in the methods of expressing them. This makes the problem of finding proper temporal equivalent arise to the surface during the process of translation. The linguistic concepts of time, tense and aspect are problematic in Arabic in general, and in applying them to the analysis of the Glorious Qur'an in particular. This paper attempts to approach this problematic area and suggests solutions to many temporal problems that translators are likely to face during their translation process e.g. the disagreement between form and function, translating the different categories (variations) of /kaan-a/ 'be', translating the verbs and forms expressing the attributes of Allah and the contextual tenses. This paper adopts Dr. Ali's model used in his thesis by which a translator could identify which tense is much more appropriate to be used in each case. The suggested model differentiates between two types of temporal structures: the surface or form and the deep or function. Comparing the different translations using the given model tables makes the disagreement idea between form and function clear to the reader. The paper concludes, after analyzing the selected verses, that Ghali's and Ali's translations is the most accurate in handling the problems of tenses, followed by Pickthall's comes last. The used model analyzes the given verb to help a translator identify and select the most appropriate temporal equivalent in each analyzed case.