Popularity and Oblivion of Yoruba Translations of the Glorious Qur'an (1924-2024)

Abstract

Translating the Qur'an into languages other than Arabic in which it was revealed is an estimable endeavour that helps in bringing the Qur'anic message closer to man.However, producing a satisfactory rendition of the Glorious Scripture to the generality of speakers of a language remains a very challenging task due to several factors. This often results in the production of different versions of translation of the Qur'an into Yoruba Language and realised that not less than seven translations of the whole Scripture have been published. Eventually, a number of them gained wide acceptance while others became unpopular among or unknown to the majority of their potential readers. It also realised that collaboration of efficient and faithful scholars of authority in leading Yoruba Muslim groups was one of the major factors responsible for the popularity of the widely accepted works. On the other hand, inaptitude and infidelity were among the reasons for the unpopularity of other works. Adopting descriptive method, the analysis recommended collaboration and objectivity in translation.