The First Latin Translation of the Qurʾān

Abstract

Drawing on relevant Latin primary sources and current scholar- ship, this article provides an assessment of the first Latin transla- tion of the Qurʾān completed by Robert of Ketton (ca. 1110–1160) in 1143. The article does not purport to be a wholly new study of this earliest translation, but rather aims to provide a clear picture of the historical context for the emergence of this translation along with an overview of the text. It explores two questions: When was this translation actually produced? Why? The second part of the article examines the translation, its style, the issue of how it differs from the original text in relation to ad- ditions and omissions, and whether or not the translator can be accused of distorting the original. The appendix provides English translations of Robert’s Latin translations of sixteen short suras of the Qurʾān.