Semantic Narrowing in the Sahih International Translation of ʿadhāb and Rizq: A Corpus-Based Analysis Using the Quranic Arabic Corpus

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30983/modalityjournal.v6i01.11263

Keywords:

theological terms, contextual meaning, formal-dynamic equivalence, ʿadzāb, rizq, Qur’anic translation

Abstract

Translating Qur’anic theological terms into English presents a complex semantic challenge, as each term carries layers of theological, emotional, and cultural meaning that cannot be adequately represented by a single lexical equivalent. This study examines two key Qur’anic theological terms, ʿadhāb (عذاب) and rizq (رزق), as rendered in the English translation available in the Quranic Arabic Corpus (QAC). Employing a corpus-based approach within the theoretical frameworks of Mona Baker’s (1992) contextual meaning theory and Nida and Taber (1982)’s formal-dynamic equivalence theory, the study analyzes 377 occurrences of both terms in the Qur’an. The findings reveal that QAC predominantly employs formal equivalence: ʿadhāb is rendered as punishment (318 of 322 instances), while rizq is rendered as provision (54 of 55 instances). This dominance of literalism produces significant semantic narrowing. The term ʿadhāb, which encompasses metaphysical, eschatological, and socio-political dimensions, is reduced to a purely retributive legal concept. Similarly, rizq, encompassing both material and immaterial divine bestowals, including blessings, knowledge, and spiritual tranquility, is reduced to a mere physical subsistence notion. This study recommends more contextually sensitive translation strategies, including term retention, explicitation, footnotes, and contextual description, to preserve the theological accuracy and integrity of Qur’anic meaning in the target language.

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Published

2026-10-11

How to Cite

Fathurrahman, M. A., Sudartinah, T., & Fauzi, A. (2026). Semantic Narrowing in the Sahih International Translation of ʿadhāb and Rizq: A Corpus-Based Analysis Using the Quranic Arabic Corpus. Modality Journal: International Journal of Linguistics and Literature, 6(01), 51–66. https://doi.org/10.30983/modalityjournal.v6i01.11263

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Vol. 6 No. 01 (2026): June 2026

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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Albie Fathurrahman, Titik Sudartinah, Ach Fauzi

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