Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelconvert  Im trying to learn Arabic, but for the time being can i pray in english? I know all the positions and words in english. I was also wondering what it means for a prayer to be silent. I looked at some site to learn to pray and it says that some prayers are silent and some are aloud. In the silent prayer do you say nothing at all?
salaam |
well this is something all us non-arabic speaking converts go through. it's really excellent that you already know the words in English masha'Allah. the first thing you need to memorise in Arabic is 'al fatiha'. don't worry by saying it 17 times a day (if you do the 5 prayers) you will get it in no time insha'Allah. and take the rest bit by bit, the words said while bowing and prostrating are quite short and easy, the words said while sitting after the second rakah and the last rakah I found quite hard but even I got there in the end.
I was given some excellent advice which I will pass on to you. while it is very important to learn to say the prayer in arabic, it is perhaps even more important to connect with our creator in prayer. even Muslims with perfect pronounciation and able to recite long surahs in the prayer, are trying hard for that connection and may not achieve it. if at any time while praying you forget the proper words then just say words of praise to God, whatever comes to your heart, but don't 'lose' the prayer because of struggling to remember words.
you mentioned 'silent' prayers - these are not completely silent you still need to say the words but not out loud, ie just move your lips. if I am wrong I hope someone may correct me.
may Allah ta'ala make everything easy for you and reward you abundantly for your efforts, and continue to guide you (and me) ameen.
