A Comparaive Stylistics Analysis of Maki and Madni Surahs of Holy Quran in the English Translation of Pickthall and Abdullah Yusuf Ali (A.Y Ali)

Saeed, Muhammad Imran (2026) A Comparaive Stylistics Analysis of Maki and Madni Surahs of Holy Quran in the English Translation of Pickthall and Abdullah Yusuf Ali (A.Y Ali). Doctoral thesis, Asia e University, Malaysia.

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Abstract

The present research investigates the stylistic analysis of English Quranic translations. The study fills a crucial gap in existing works by carrying out a systemic comparison of the linguistic and stylistic characteristics of translations, across the surahs of Maki and Madni, in genres that have otherwise been left out in comparative stylistic literature. Although the Quran is at the center of Islamic thought and the research in the translation, there has not been much interest in how the stylistic differences can illustrate the interpretive decisions of the translators and the consequences that it has on the understanding. In order to address this gap, this paper is dedicated to Surah Yaseen (Maki) and Surah Al-Ahzab (Madni) and studying their English versions by Pickthall (1930) and Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1934) who are two of the most frequently cited translators. By applying the integrated theory of stylistic analysis model by Leech & Short (2007) along with the thematic one by Braun & Clarke (2006), the work of the research examines certain features of language use including lexicon, morpho-syntactic patterns, clausal constructions, use of adverbs, and figures of speech. We can see in the analysis that both translators use literal interpretative approach, but Pickthall is more interested in linguistic faith and classical tone, and Yusuf Ali implements contemporary stylistics features to make the text more accessible. The significant stylistic patterns are the expressions of the variability of sentence intricacy, metaphorical language, and the treatment of the Quranic motifs. The results are important to the Quranic translation practice and Quranic studies as well. The study gives an understanding of the construction of linguistic form to create theology and culture interpretation through pointing out the conscious stylistic choices of the translators. Besides increasing knowledge on translatability of the Quran, this study provides a practical advice to future translators, academicians and educators desiring to ensure that form and content of sacred text is maintained in translation across languages.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Stylistic analysis, Maki and Madni, Holy Quran, English translations
Divisions:	School of Graduate Studies
Depositing User:	Muhamad Aizat Nazmi Mohd Nor Hamin
Date Deposited:	29 Sep 2026 09:25
Last Modified:	29 Sep 2026 09:25
URI:	http://ur.aeu.edu.my/id/eprint/1531

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