Abstract
This study addresses the phenomenon of contextual synonymy in the translation of religious texts, focusing on the Holy Qur’an as a complex linguistic and rhetorical model that demands a high level of precision when rendered into English. The study aims to analyze how synonyms are employed in the Qur’anic text and to assess the success of English translations—specifically those by Al-Hilali & Khan and George Sale—in conveying these subtle distinctions in a way that preserves the original rhetorical and religious meaning.
The study adopts a comparative analytical methodology, selecting five clear cases of Qur’anic synonymy: (عبد / عباد / عبيد, نجّى / أنجى, قتل / ذبح, خلق / برأ, فلا تقربوها / فلا تعتدوها). These cases are analyzed in light of the interpretation of Imam Muḥammad Mutawallī al-Shaʿrāwī, who provides a precise explanation of word meanings within their religious and rhetorical contexts. The interpretations are then compared with the formulations used in English translations.
The findings reveal that synonymy in the Qur’an is not a random linguistic phenomenon but serves specific rhetorical and exegetical purposes that vary by context. The study shows that many translations overlook these distinctions, often unifying meanings or using synonyms that fail to convey the intended semantic charge, leading to a weakening of the text’s impact or distortion of its rhetorical objectives. The analysis highlights the importance of employing contextual explanation or reconstructing meaning rather than relying on literal or lexical translation.
The study concludes with several key recommendations, including: the necessity of employing contextual exegeses when translating religious texts; training translators in the semantic structure of Qur’anic texts; supporting translations with explanatory footnotes; and revising existing translations using rigorous linguistic and rhetorical criteria.
Keywords: synonymy, religious translation, Qur’an, al-Shaʿrāwī, context, rhetoric, Al-Hilali and Khan, George Sale, semantic nuance, exegesis.

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