This study addresses the complexities inherent in translating the Holy Qur’an into English, emphasizing the dual challenge of preserving both form and content in light of modern theories of meaning. It begins with an overview of the linguistic and structural intricacies unique to Qur’anic Arabic, such as phonetic cohesion, syntactic patterns, and rhythm, which work together to convey deeper meanings and elicit emotional responses. Modern translation theories underscore that meaning extends beyond literal interpretation, particularly in sacred texts where both form and content play significant roles in the conveyed message.
Through a qualitative approach, the study examines English translations by Abdel Haleem, Al-Hilali and Khan, and Pickthall, focusing on selected verses where the duality of form and content poses particular challenges. Analysis reveals that while the translators generally succeed in conveying the explicit message, there are limitations in capturing the intricate rhythms and layered meanings of the original text. For instance, English renderings often lose the structural beauty and rhythmic flow that enhance the Qur'anic message. The study concludes that such translation dilemmas highlight the need for strategies that maintain both linguistic and thematic fidelity, reinforcing the importance of preserving the Qur’an’s essence beyond surface-level meanings.