This paper presents a comparative analysis of the theological and literary foundations underlying selected English translations of the Quran, with particular reference to selected verses from Sūrat al‑Mā’idah. Adopting a descriptive‑analytical and comparative methodology, the study examines how translators’ theological commitments, especially Sunni and Shiʿite exegetical orientations, and their literary competence influence lexical selection, grammatical construction, and semantic precision. Drawing on authoritative Arabic lexicons, classical Sunni and Shiʿite tafsīrs, and linguistic analysis, the paper investigates the translation of key Quranic expressions such as walī, wa‑hum rākiʿūn, yuqīmūna al‑ṣalāh, and munkar. The findings demonstrate that Quranic translation functions as a condensed form of exegesis, wherein inadequate attention to theological premises or Arabic literary features may result in semantic reduction or doctrinal distortion. The study concludes that faithful Quran translation requires an integrated approach combining theological rigor, exegetical awareness, and literary precision in both source and target languages
مشهدی, بابک و کریمی, محمود . (1404). Comparative Analysis of the Theological and Literary Foundations of English Translations of Sūrat al‑Mā’idah. قرآن: مطالعات معاصر, 4(14), 119-140. doi: 10.22034/qns.2026.23622.1166
MLA
مشهدی, بابک , و کریمی, محمود . "Comparative Analysis of the Theological and Literary Foundations of English Translations of Sūrat al‑Mā’idah", قرآن: مطالعات معاصر, 4, 14, 1404, 119-140. doi: 10.22034/qns.2026.23622.1166
HARVARD
مشهدی, بابک, کریمی, محمود. (1404). 'Comparative Analysis of the Theological and Literary Foundations of English Translations of Sūrat al‑Mā’idah', قرآن: مطالعات معاصر, 4(14), pp. 119-140. doi: 10.22034/qns.2026.23622.1166
CHICAGO
بابک مشهدی و محمود کریمی, "Comparative Analysis of the Theological and Literary Foundations of English Translations of Sūrat al‑Mā’idah," قرآن: مطالعات معاصر, 4 14 (1404): 119-140, doi: 10.22034/qns.2026.23622.1166
VANCOUVER
مشهدی, بابک, کریمی, محمود. Comparative Analysis of the Theological and Literary Foundations of English Translations of Sūrat al‑Mā’idah. قرآن: مطالعات معاصر, 1404; 4(14): 119-140. doi: 10.22034/qns.2026.23622.1166