Abstract: Translation is a scientific term characterised by broader dimensions. It cannot be  confined to a narrow scope or a simple definition. Translation is first and foremost a cultural work that reproduces culture and develops long-term communication at individual and collective levels. Furthermore, it  expresses general civilizations and cultures spread among different peoples.The Arabs have known translation and its importance since ancient times. Consequently, they gave attention to it since the time of the Umayyads, especially in the time of the Abbasids, by transmitting the heritage of Greece, Persia, and India. The Abbasid caliphs spent huge amounts of money on translation and those interested in it. They established scientific institutions and cultural centers, including the House of Wisdom, which was established during the reign of Harun al-Rashid.

 Abu Jaafar al-Mansur is also learnt to have been concerned and   interested in the sciences of wisdom.  Various books on medicine, astrology, geometry, and literature were translated during his reign.

These efforts were continuously pursued by the people in power and scholars in all epochs of history.

However, in present era translation have been bestowed with much attention especially in Arab States both at govt and non/-govt.levels. They established associations/centres of translation.