The Role of Translation in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers and Its Impact on Understanding Islamic Sciences

دور الترجمة في تعليم اللغة العربية للناطقين بغيرها وأثرها في فهم العلوم الإسلامية

Abstract

This study examines the role of translation in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, with particular emphasis on its significance in facilitating the understanding of Islamic sciences. Given that Arabic is the primary language of the Qur’an, Hadith, and classical Islamic scholarship, non-native learners often face linguistic barriers that hinder their direct engagement with foundational Islamic texts. The research aims to explore how translation can function as an effective pedagogical tool that supports language acquisition while enhancing conceptual comprehension of Islamic knowledge.

The study seeks to answer several key research questions: How does translation contribute to developing linguistic competence among non-native Arabic learners? To what extent does translation aid in understanding core Islamic concepts? What are the potential limitations of relying on translation in religious and linguistic education? The social value of this research lies in its contribution to improving access to authentic Islamic knowledge for diverse Muslim and non-Muslim communities, thereby promoting intellectual inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.

The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, drawing on contemporary theories of second language acquisition, translation studies, and Islamic pedagogy. Selected educational models and instructional practices are analyzed to assess the effectiveness of translation-based approaches in teaching Arabic for Islamic purposes. The findings highlight that, when used strategically, translation serves not as a substitute for language mastery but as a bridge that supports gradual immersion into Arabic texts. The study concludes that integrating translation within structured language programs can significantly enhance both linguistic proficiency and meaningful engagement with Islamic sciences.