Through a post at Ashrafia we learn that a cardinal defect in translation is the intrusion of translator's presence and and preconceived idea. On the face of it is a matter of fact information but in some situations it can ring the alarm bells. For example if it is personal in the sense that you are entrusted with reporting the sayings of your Shaikh. Islamic tradition of reporting is very robust. Narrator will not correct even the obvious mistakes of language while reporting. This is a tough act to follow. The situation is compounded if the Urdu sayings have to be reported into English. We seek refuge with Lord Most High from machinations of baser self and Satan the cursed.
