Celebrating islamic culture in aboulela's "the translator"

Abstract EN

There has always been a widely shared commonsense thinking vis-à-vis Arab culture in general and Islamic culture in particular as being unchanging, backward and fundamentalist.

As a result, many writers with Muslim background undertook the challenge to dispel these stereotypical views.

In fact, through their writings, they defied any misconception and spoke articulately to the uniqueness and splendidness of their culture.

Among these writers is the British Sudanese writer Leila Aboulela.

In her debut novel 'The Translator', the author gives fascinating insights into the world of Islam through an authentic portrayal of a devout Muslim widow called Sammar.

The latter lives in Aberdeen where she works as a translator of Islamic texts and articles from Arabic to English.

Despite her direct exposure to Scottish culture, Sammar resists any kinds of assimilation as she clings to her faith, customs, traditions and religious values.

Hence, the present paper attempts to examine Aboulela's celebration of Islamic culture through an analytical study of the protagonist's allegiance and adherence to hijab, Arabic language, prayers, fasting and reading the Qur'an.