(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hotel Victoria on 1912-Jul-23 -- ABU0689)
Translating sacred writings: fidelity, access and living meaning
translation; publication of the Sacred Writings
Editorial introduction
Before any word is carried into another tongue, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asks that it be carried into conduct, so that a life becomes the clearest rendering of the teachings. On the page, He counted translation among the hardest of arts. However eloquent, it can never equal words that issued from the Source of revelation, yet it lets those without Arabic or Persian catch the fragrance of inner meanings. He asked for committees in which masters of the original and gifted writers of the new language would labour side by side, so that sense is kept and the music of the original is not lost. He also weighed timing with care, advising that the Bayán await the spread of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas so that its abrogated laws would not be mistaken for the foundation of the Faith. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, likewise asked what good speech can do for listeners who cannot understand it [1]. The work leads naturally to the preservation and authentication of sacred texts, and to the patient labour of ordering and transcribing them for every people.
Selected passages
O Persian friend of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Your letter was received. You have chosen a good title for the family. This indicates that you are arising in thanksgiving for divine favors, for gratitude is the cause of the increase of bounty. And what bounty is greater than guidance? The glances of the Eye of divine mercy are all-encompassing and the favors of the Most Holy One are perfect.
Regarding your question about the translation of the blessed verses: the translation must be in the utmost eloquence and excellence, but no matter how eloquent and excellent the translation may be, it cannot be compared to the original, for those words issued from the pure mouth while these words issue from the human pen - there is an infinite difference between them. However, since the Persian friends are not familiar with the Arabic language, translation is permitted so that they may catch a fragrance from the rose garden of inner meanings. But those who undertake the translation must be persons who have complete mastery and experience in both Arabic and Persian and who translate with a flowing talent.
Convey to all the Persian friends the Most Glorious and Most Wondrous greetings. And upon you be the Most Glorious Glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920 ca., to Mihraban Rustam Tashakkur -- AB04885)
But afterward, if thou desirest to get the translation of a Tablet from the Blessed Writings, it must be translated by a committee of two Persian translators together with two competent English writers. The Persians should translate, and the writers mould the significance into profound, musical and perfect cast of style in English, and in such wise that the musical sweetness of the original Persian may not be lost.
… In brief, translation is one of the most difficult arts. In both Persian and English utmost proficiency is necessary, that the translator be a writer and use as the vehicle of expression great eloquence and fluency of tongue.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-May-17, to Roy C Wilhelm -- AB02972)
Concerning the effect of translation, it is evident that is not as effective as the original. For instance the Tablets of His Holiness Baha'u'llah which have been translated from Persian or Arabic, the original text exerts a wonderful power, while translation may produce certain effect but cannot be measured with the original. The delicacy, smoothness and sweetness of the Words of His Holiness Baha'u'llah are beyond any human conception. It is, however, conditioned upon one's knowledge of Persian and Arabic.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-26, to Rice-Wray, Ella et al -- AB02710)
...if she were to recite the Hidden Words in Persian and Arabic and comprehend their inner meanings and truths, they would have a different splendor. No matter how eloquent a translation may be, it can never equal the original.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Aug-19, to Evelyn K Moore -- AB11334)
The Faith of God has not penetrated Paris and the fire of the love of God has not enkindled her people to the depth it should. Of certainty, there is wisdom in this. One reason is that, so far, a competent translator has not been found who not only can speak, but also has a thorough command of the language. Sometimes, a translation is better than the original. A translator must fully comprehend the meaning [and the context] of the words.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends spoken in Dec. 1907 -- ABU2232)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Tablet of the Divine Plan (U.S. and Canada III), 1916-Apr-19, to Baha'is of the United States and Canada -- AB00032)
Concerning the Tablets of the Kings. If they are translated and published it will be very useful, but one person alone cannot do the translating. A committee must be organized the members of which are well-read and erudite in both Arabic and English languages; so that such a committee may engaged in the translation and not a single individual. All the translations up to the present time have been the result of individual endeavor; therefore the results are not obtained in a befitting and behooving manner.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Oct-02, to Albert R Windust -- AB01474)
The translation of the Surat-ul-Hykl is of the utmost difficulty. It must be translated by a committee who are exceedingly efficient both in Persian and English, exercising the closest and most minute attention. Otherwise the text would not become intelligible. … Translations will be made by a committee composed of two most erudite Persians and two learned Americans, all of them having the utmost proficiency in both languages and possessing a certain knowledge of sciences and arts. Then others from among the scholars and thinkers must assist.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909 or <, to Baha'i Publishing Society, Chicago et al -- AB01171)
Perfect translation will be made at a time when a committee of translators is organized. The members of that committee must be composed of several Persians and several Americans, all of whom must have the utmost proficiency in both the Persian and English languages. Then the Tablets will be translated through this committee. For the present the organization of such a committee is not possible. Therefore, whenever the publication of a Tablet becomes necessary, have a proficient person translate it, then circulate it and the end will be attained.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Jul-26, to Charles Mason Remey -- AB00820)
As to the translation of the Surat-el-Hykl, at present we do not find a translator who can give it its merit. God willing, in the future a committee shall be organized whose members are experts in Arabic, Persian and English. By that perfect committee, the Surat-el-Hykl will be translated, but one person cannot arise and give the translation that it deserves.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-24, to Zia M Bagdadi -- AB00643)
'Abdu'l-Baha: "Nothing has been translated well, for they have been translated by individuals. A person is needed who is well versed in Persian, Arabic and English. Then it will become good. A single individual cannot do it satisfactorily. Among those which are translated, the translation of the Iqan is not bad. It is fair to a certain extent. In future a committee will be formed. They will translate.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Latimer, Esslemont, Randall et al, spoken on 1919-Nov-22 -- ABU0305)
A committee is essential for the translation of the Sacred Writings that is expert in several languages.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some Baha'is, spoken at Kinney home on 1912-Nov-13 -- ABU3574)
...translate at least one page every day, either from English into Persian or from Persian into English, thus they may gain efficiency in this line of work. He recommended that in the future when the means are provided a committee of translators be organized of both nationalities who know the two languages well in addition to Arabic. Then the Tablets will be properly translated.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Badi Bushru'i and other students, Ramleh, 1913-Sep-19 -- ABU3175)
O maid-servant of God! Study Persian and acquire it more day by day, for by the study of this language great and boundless results are obtained.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905-Jun-11, to Beatrice Davies -- AB04430)
O thou maid-servant of God! Acquire the Persian tongue, so as to learn of the meanings of the divine words and to know the divine mysteries, to develop an eloquent speech and to translate the blessed Tablets of Baha'u'llah.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905-Jun-11, to Beatrice Davies -- AB09814)
Thou writest in thine own hand and acquirest knowledge and understanding, that thou mayest present proof and evidence to others. Make an effort to study properly, that thou mayest, God willing, translate and interpret the verses of the Divine Books for the handmaidens of the All-Merciful. If thou strivest, thou shalt attain to this most glorious station.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr-25, to Batul daughter of Muhammad Hashim -- AB08514)
What you need is to acquire complete eloquence and fluency in the English language, translation of letters sent, translation of the utterances and speeches of Abu'l-Fadl, sincere love for all, calm and dignity and steadfastness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Nov or <, to Ali-Kuli Khan -- AB01236)
God willing, you will become an eloquent translator in that language, and an incomparable writer, dictator, poet and man of letters, so that you may arise to serve the Truth and stand in servitude at the threshold of the Divine Unity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Fakhrud-Din -- AB02622)
We beseech God to make of thee to be a sign of fluency and the ensign of eloquence in the translation of the Secret of Divine Civilization into Arabic. Whereas the standard is the translation of the Ishraqat (Splendours), the Bisharat (Glad Tidings), the Kalimat (Words of Paradise), the Tajalliyat (Effulgences), and the Tarazat (Ornaments) in the most wondrous of expression and the most fluent of words.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jun-06, to Farajullah Zaki Al-Kurdi -- AB05905)
You wrote about printing the translation of the Iqan - this is very acceptable, but you must bring it to Istanbul so they can refine the text in eloquent Ottoman Turkish, for Ottoman Turkish is very sweet. Then print it.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jun-24, to Muhammad Thabit Maraghihi -- AB01697)
Your former song was translated into Persian verse by the maidservant of God, Taereh Khanum. It is done with great beauty and eloquence.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Dec-19, to Louise Waite -- AB04788)
Go, and eat this candy. Rest assured, the Blessed Perfection will enable you to translate the Arabic into English. Rest assured that as time goes on you will be assisted to translate from the Arabic much more easily than from the Persian.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ali-Kuli Khan spoken in 1900 -- ABU2864)
O dear daughter! Your letter arrived and it became known that you have exerted the utmost effort in translating some of the utterances.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Jun-29, to Alice Schwarz -- AB12465)
You are the first person who translated some of the Tablets and words of the Ancient Beauty and became the cause of the unveiling of truth. This virtue will remain forever established among the Baha'is and will not be forgotten throughout centuries and ages. Be assured that it will be inscribed in golden letters in future centuries and will spread far and wide, and this is fitting.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul ca., to Tumanski Sahib -- AB03227)
God willing, you will succeed in learning the language mentioned and will translate the verses of God into that language, so that the people of the West may become informed of the Dayspring of Divine Revelation and what hath been sent down from His presence.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-08 [1876-Aug], to Dr Muhammad Khan Munajjim -- BH06448)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Oct-30, to Ali Akbar Nakhjavani -- AB04798)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Oct-01, to Ali Akbar Nakhjavani -- AB03676)
Jinab-i-Ali Quli Khan has translated the Kitab-i-Iqan and it was sent with him so that it can be published and circulated in that land.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1901-Jul-20, to Khurasani, Hasan et al -- AB00339)
The Ishraqat, Tajalliyat, Kalimat, Bisharat, and Tarazat - such Tablets which consist of counsels and exhortations - should certainly be translated and disseminated.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Mar-22, to Mustafa Rumi -- AB10258)
He said:-
"Translate the hidden words, the words of Paradise, Tajalleyat, Tarazat, the Baha'i proof[s] and other small pamphlets containing short historical accounts."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr and Mrs Stark and Mr Moore, spoken at Ritz Hotel on 1913-Apr-15 -- ABU2357)
Therefore it has become necessary and obligatory that some Tablets be translated into Hindi and published, including the Essay, Tajalliyat, Bisharat, Kalimat, Tarazat, Ishraqat and others. If you can, translate these Tablets with utmost speed and eloquence and publish them, and send some to Aqa Mirza Mahmud-i-Zarqani.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jan-22, to Mustafa Rumi -- AB03380)
You had written that you intend, together with the friends in Calcutta and Bombay, to undertake the translation of some of the Tablets into the Hindi language. This purpose is most acceptable, however at present it should be those letters which this servant has written about the oneness of the human world and the teachings of Baha'u'llah that were written regarding good character and kindness to humanity and conduct according to divine good-pleasure - those letters should be translated, and after some time the Glad Tidings and Splendors and Words and Ornaments, each letter of which is greater than a hundred letters of this servant and others like this servant....
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Dec-15, to Siyyid Abdur-Rashid -- AB02910)
There is no harm if the letters that 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote to the Parsis are translated into Gujarati and given to some of the Parsis, but the names should be written down.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Aqa Javanmard et al -- AB05660)
The Hidden Words which he has translated into Esperanto and sent a copy of - truly he has rendered service to the Kingdom of God and likewise done great service to the Esperanto language.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1918-Dec-16, to Lotfullah S Hakim -- AB00925)
There is no objection to properly translating the talks given in London and Paris and to translating and publishing some of the Tablets in Esperanto.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Mar-22, to Anna Kostlin -- AB12456)
You had written that you had translated several treatises and tablets into Danish and sent them to Europe during the days of the war, but no word has yet been received about them. Since it was wartime, therefore the response from Europe was delayed. Now that war has been transformed into peace, it is hoped that the translation of those tablets and treatises will be published in Denmark.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-22, to Emily Olsen -- AB08302)
Praise be to God that the horizon of Germany is illuminated with the effulgence of the Sun of Ya Baha El Abha.
… However, the work is difficult because the Divine Tablets are not yet sufficiently translated into the German language.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Oct-09, to Alma Knobloch -- AB12209)
Respecting the translating of Miss Barney's book, in which thou hast engaged thyself, it is very agreeable; but thou must communicate concerning this with Miss Barney herself. She will assist thee in its publication and spreading.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1915 or <, to Emily Olsen -- AB05987)
Together with a group of friends you have undertaken the printing and translation of heavenly treatises and are striving to spread the divine fragrances so that the banner of clear verses may wave over the mountains and hills of that land. I beseech God to grant great success and make you a clear standard.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Feb-21 ca., to Abbasally Butt -- AB02566)
If possible, please assemble the translations of the tablets of Tajalliyat, Kalimat, Ishraqat, Bisharat and Tarazat along with translations of some of my detailed letters regarding the oneness of mankind and the unity of the East and West and send them to Lord Curzon along with the original-language texts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Apr ca., to Yuhanna Dawud -- AB01509)
Regarding the Tablets with translation that you wrote should be sent from here - we have absolutely no translator here who can translate even one line of the Sacred Writings. … Therefore, whatever Sacred Writings are suitable to Western tastes - those that are all about universal peace and wellbeing, love and faithfulness toward all human beings, truthfulness and reconciliation and friendship between all peoples, absence of corruption, accord and unity, and the way and conduct of the people of God - have those Tablets translated in Tehran through skilled translators with perfect eloquence and excellence and in the finest style, and then print them.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB05427)
Yet there were souls who were gladdened by the glad-tidings of God and attracted by the fragrances of God. Had they known Persian and understood Arabic, they would have been greatly moved. Nor were the means provided for these Tablets to be properly translated---a complete translation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-24 in Haifa -- ABU0561)
Observe that when the Qur'an was printed, they used it to wrap medicines in apothecary shops. Likewise observe how much it was printed and published and fell into the hands of other peoples who recited it - have you ever heard of anyone, whether Christian, Jewish or from other groups, becoming a believer in the Messenger of God (may my spirit be sacrificed for Him) through reading the Qur'an?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Aqa Muhammad Ardikani -- AB01826)
Regarding what you wrote about translating and publishing the divine Tablets, this is not advisable at present, for it would slacken the people's thirst. First souls must be made thirsty, then the sweet and flowing water be offered. If the sacred writings were now translated, published and distributed, everyone who obtained a Tablet would be content with reading it and say, "I am now familiar with the foundations of this community and need investigate no further." Yet the Tablets must be expounded by an expounder - that is, the expounder must first establish the foundation, and after presenting the proofs, then recite a Tablet; only then will it have effect.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mahmud Zarqani -- AB03760)
As regards the translation and publication of the Bayan, there are laws in the Bayan which have been abrogated by the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Baha'is are bound by the laws of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. Were the Bayan to be published and translated, the peoples of the other countries -- and indeed even the Persians -- would think that the basis of the religion of the Baha'is was those severe laws which are found in the Bayan. Whereas according to the explicit text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas those laws are not applicable.
Therefore, the Bayan must be published in all parts and corners of the world after the publication of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, so that readers may know that those severe laws have been abrogated and canceled.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB06330)
The "Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah" ordained, in the days of His corporeal existence (i.e. during His lifetime), that the Holy Book of Laws and Ordinances (Kitab-i-Aqdas) should not be translated into other languages. It is in the Arabic language, the holy language of Prophecy, the mystic language of Revelation, written in the first instance for the peoples of the East. The time will come one day when the International House of Justice will decide when and into what western languages the "Holy Book" of the "Most Exalted Pen" (Baha'u'llah) may and should be translated.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1910 -- ABU0200)
...Regarding Some Answered Questions of 'Abdu'l-Baha, write to Mr. Dreyfus to send its English and French versions to Iran - this is very good and appropriate, even necessary, and they should send many copies. But sending the Persian version is not wise at present - it will be sent later.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jun ca., to Ahmad Yazdi son in law of Abdu'l-Baha -- AB02909)
O herald of the Covenant! Regarding what you wrote about printing the Writings in the government press, a response was previously sent to the chief of photographers and has surely arrived by now. If it is agreeable and if the Hands of the Cause of God deem it advisable, it may be submitted with utmost wisdom to His Imperial Majesty that some of Blessed Beauty's Writings have been requested from foreign countries to be printed together with their translations and sent to foreign lands, including Ishraqat and Tajalliyat. Since there are many seekers in Europe, great benefits would result if permission for printing is granted.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB11671)
Regarding the printing of the Tablets that you had written about - if it is possible and wisdom permits, explicitly seek permission from His Imperial Majesty or His Excellency the Prime Minister, saying that they have requested from Europe and America for the Tablets of Ishraqat, Tajalliyat and Bisharat to be translated into English and French with utmost eloquence, and for the original and translations to be printed and sent to those regions, as there are many seekers and countless buyers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB11829)
The time has not yet arrived, even in those countries (America), to spread Tablets and Epistles with the utmost freedom, but it will soon come.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Nov-11, to Mamie Agnew -- AB11579)
However, the Teachings of Baha'u'llah have been spread all over the world and you can obtain the translation of some of His Tablets from America, as well as copies of the talks that I delivered in America and Europe, some of which are printed in newspapers and some have already been compiled and published."
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Aug-01, to Roberto Assagioli -- AB04781)
(Bahá’u’lláh -- BH01888)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- What forms of fidelity matter besides reproducing individual words?
- How might different kinds of expertise help a translation preserve both meaning and literary force?
- What can readers learn by distinguishing historical advice to particular recipients from a general principle?
- How do preservation, authentication, and awareness of changing laws affect responsible translation?
- What does Paul’s concern for shared understanding add, and where does his setting differ from the translation of scripture?
- How could study of a translated text become a change in conduct without overlooking the care owed to its wording?