Although translation in learning a foreign or second language is frowned upon by many language practitioners, it is nonetheless used by language learners as a viable strategy. To date, few studies have investigated the effect of translation on writing. This study explored the use of translation by Iranian university students, particularly with regard to their beliefs concerning translation and using it as a strategy in writing. Forty female and male students of English at Shiraz Azad University participated. In addition to an interviewing guide, two sets of questionnaires were employed: the Inventory for Beliefs about Translation (IBT), and the Inventory for Translation as a Learning Strategy (ITLS). Results indicate the respondents believed that translation facilitated the acquisition of English writing skills. (Contains 5 tables.)