This study examines the fidelity of translating the Quranic Arabic homonymous words "Sawai" into English by applying Skopos Theory to evaluate how translation purpose influences strategy. It explores the challenges posed by words with multiple, context-dependent meanings that are integral to the sacred text, and investigates how translators balance literal precision with the need to convey the underlying religious and cultural nuances. The analysis underscores that translation is not solely a linguistic exercise but also a functional one, where the intended communicative goal plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate rendering.
The research findings reveal that achieving an effective balance between staying true to the original text and adapting it to meet the target audience's needs requires a nuanced, context-sensitive approach. By emphasizing a functionalist perspective, the study demonstrates that translators can better navigate the ambiguities inherent in homonymous terms, thereby preserving both the integrity of the source material and the intended impact of the translation. This work contributes important insights into the broader discourse on translation fidelity, particularly in the context of rendering religious texts.