Theological Ideologies in Translation: Rendering Interfaith Qur’anic Verses into Tolaki between Fidelity and Context

Abstract

Although extensive scholarship has explored Qur’anic verses on interfaith relations, limited attention has been paid to how theological ideologies—namely exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism—are mediated through translation strategies. This study addresses this gap by examining how these theological ideologies are represented in the Tolaki-language translation of the Qur’an, a regional language spoken in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The present study employs thematic content analysis of the Tolaki Qur’an translation complemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A systematic identification and classification process yielded 95 Qur’anic verses directly related to interfaith relations. These verses were categorized into three primary theological orientations: 49 verses reflecting exclusivist, 40 representing inclusivist, and 16 promoting pluralist. The textual analysis further examined the specific translation techniques applied to these verses. The findings indicate that seven core translation techniques are employed: established equivalence, borrowing, modulation, transposition, adaptation, compensation, and reduction. Among these, established equivalence and borrowing are the most frequently used. Their predominance suggests a strong translational preference for preserving the formal structure and core semantic content of the Arabic source text, reflecting a foreignization-oriented approach that prioritizes fidelity to the original. Concurrently, the notably limited use of domestication strategies indicates a cautious and restrained engagement with local Tolaki cultural expressions. This caution is motivated by the sacred status of the Qur’anic text and prevailing concerns over theological distortion or misinterpretation. These findings collectively demonstrate that Qur’an translation functions as a vital ideological and interpretive site in which foundational theological meanings are actively negotiated and recontextualised, rather than as a purely technical or neutral linguistic activity. The study contributes theoretically to translation studies by foregrounding the role of ideology in religious translation and to Islamic studies by elucidating the concrete mechanisms through which macro-level theological orientations are shaped and disseminated via micro-level translation choices. Practically, the findings have clear implications for Islamic education, particularly in developing curricula that promote theological literacy, translation awareness, and intercultural sensitivity. Furthermore, the study highlights the dual role of local-language Qur’an translations in supporting thoughtful interfaith engagement while simultaneously sustaining local languages as meaningful and dynamic resources for Islamic communication and education.