The Accuracy of Chatgpt In Translating The Qur’an: A Comparative Analysis With Authoritative Translation

Abstract

The emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT has opened up new dimensions in text translation, including complex sacred texts like the Qur’an. However, the capability and accuracy of ChatGPT in translating Qur’anic verses remain in need of critical evaluation, as any distortion of meaning can have significant implications for the understanding of the Muslim community. This study was conducted to assess to what extent ChatGPT translations, both free and paid versions, can be compared to authoritative translations that have undergone expert verification, such as Tafsir Pimpinan al-Rahman Kepada Pengertian al-Quran by Abdullah Basmeih. This study employed a qualitative research design with a content analysis approach, focusing on four selected surahs: al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, al-Nās and al-Kauthar. The findings show that ChatGPT version 4.0 demonstrates better accuracy in meaning compared to version 3.0, particularly in terms of the clarity of terminology and sentence structure. Nevertheless, both versions still exhibit weaknesses in maintaining subtle interpretive nuances, consistency of style, and a tendency to add or omit elements that require expert review to preserve the intended meaning. In conclusion, ChatGPT should only serve as an initial reference tool and cannot fully replace the role of authoritative translations grounded in the discipline of Qur’anic studies. This study recommends that future research expand the scope to include longer and more complex verses, as well as develop clear guidelines for the use of AI in translating sacred texts within Islamic education and research contexts.