I'm seriously considering converting to Islam. I want to try performing the salat but I am intimidated at having to do it in Arabic. Does it have to be recited in Arabic?
May Allah materialize your serious considerations. ameen
Listen, in these early stages, don't stress about the Arabic and about all the "requirements" of Islam. Technically, there is no requirement to be a Muslim except that you say, "La ilaha ill-Allah, Muhammad-ar-Rasoolu-lah," and believe in it.
Right now is all about perfecting your intentions. You want to connect to God, and prayer is the easiest way to do it. In fact, prayer on time is maybe Allah's most favorite deed. So make the intention to connect with God and pray like you know how. When you pray, you can totally recite in English, and it will actually help you internalize the meanings. You can even hold the Qur'an in your hand and read from it, then set it down beside you (not on the ground) when you bow and prostrate.
Allah is so merciful, you don't even know what you're in for. But along the way, if you need ANYTHING, you have a whole community here online and around the world ready to serve your needs. Over time, if you stay committed to connecting to Allah, then He will guide you to everything that you need. And He is with the patient.
We cry because we are so happy to have you with us
You shouldn't be intimidated,in fact you should be happy that you are about to walk onto the correct path of religion,Islam. Many converts have this issue,at first it may seem a little difficult,but you know that we all had to learn Arabic,and how to read it,let it be alone or with a teacher. I would suggest you perhaps try to find an local Imaam in your mosque(if you are a brother) to teach you,or if you are a sister then perhaps try to find a female teacher. Insha'Allaah learning Arabic is not as difficult as some may think it to be,rather Allah has made Islam easy to practice:
Insha'Allaah Allah will ease your struggles in learning Arabic as Allah wills you wil slowly but steadly continue to learn the Arabic language and say your prayers in ease,ameen.
Allah Says in the Noble Qur'aan;
"And We have made indeed the Qur'an easy to understand and remember; then is there any who will remember (or receive admonition)?" [The Qur'an; Chapter 54 (Al Qamar - The Moon) : Verse 17]
Allahalso Says in the Noble Qur'aan that it is easy to practise Islam;
"Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult." [The Qur'an; Chapter 2 (Al Baqarah - The Cow) : Verse 185
As for your original question; Can the salat be recited in English?Muslims are required to perform prayer in Arabic with few exceptions, as in case of new converts until they become able to say their prayers in Arabic, according to the Hanafi Juristic School.
Insha'Allaah Allah will ease your struggles in learning Arabic as Allah wills you wil slowly but steadly continue to learn the Arabic language and say your prayers in ease,ameen.
My knowledge of Islam is quite weak, as I am a lapsed muslim who is rediscovering Islam.. But I have been reading up a book on Hanafi fiqh on this matter [Hanafi fiqh = Interpretation of basic worship and day to day behaviour according to Imam Abu Hanifah]
You must recite the surahs in arabic, although you can make the duas in English if you like.
The reason for the requirement to recite the salat [obligatory prayer] is because this is how Allah revealed the message and the surahs recited as they were revealed hold so much power and weight.
You should understand also that the salat is very different from the Christian or Jewish prayer, a prayer is when you put your hand up and praise Allah and ask for forgiveness and his blessings, Christians commonly do this before eating food at the table, in Islam we call it dua.
Salat is very different, Salat is extra prayers that the prophets were required to do Muhammad, Jesus, Moses peace be upon them used to pray like that. I'm not very knowledgeable in Christian teachings, but the brother on answering-christianity.com presented some verses from the bible about Jesus "burying his face into the ground to pray to the Lord".. he raised up this verse to explain how Jesus cannot be the Lord if he prostrates down to the Lord to ask for help. Anyways, it is also strong evidence that jesus performed the salat like us as well.
The reason why we muslims have this extra privelage of having the ability to perform Salat, and is required for us to do this is because we are guardians for the revelation, of which there will be no more after prophet Muhammad (saw), therefore no more revelation, and also to be witness to all the prophets, like for instance Jesus will ask the Muslims as witness that he did not teach his followers to worship him and to worship Allah.
Now to answer your question, I can understand how it can be intimidating, however you do not need to pray out loud, in fact you must pray salat quietly, unless leading prayers [which you will not be required to do because the Imam has to be the one with the most knowledge of the Quran an d Shariah].
It is permissible for you to read the surahs from a book during the salat if you do not know the surahs by heart. You can even read the transliteration in English if you do not know the arabic alphabet, but you must strive diligently outside of the salats to learn the Surahs, you only need a handfull. Surah fatehah is compulsury, and then if you want you can learn the short surahs like takasar and nas, which are just 4 sentences..
A concern that reverts may face is that the arabic does not resonate with them becasase they do not understand it, so the best thing to do is while you're studying to memorise the surahs, also get an exhaustive tafseer [translation and detailed analysis, significane, meaning etc of the surahs]
Yes,brother there are probably many various amount of ways in which your friend can learn the Surahs despite being in the condition he is in. Many in the world,probably go through a similar phase. My suggestion would be to contact your local Imaam and ask him,insha'Allaah may Allah ease the path for your friend and others who struggle,ameen.
i've read stories of converts before who started by praying with the quran in their hand - in english or with the transliteration, then continued to learn, but yes, people would usually be ordered to pray - even if they accepted Islam on the battlefield.
Assalaam Alaikum brothers. I appreciate your taking the time out to answer my query, Alhamdulillah.
After much cajoling, I've managed to convince him to read some books on "salah for beginners" and very soon I will be sending him some surahs with tajweed in mp3 recited by Qari Minshawi. Insha-Allah, he will be on his after that.
Also, I live in London UK and he is in Holland, so the only way we communicate is through MSN. He's a lovely lad and I have faith in Allah that HE guides whom HE wills... I see Allahs hand in this matter, we are but the vessels that propagate the delivery of practice in a way my brother from Holland can digest. Alhamdulillah.
May Allah shower HIS mercies on you all on this glorious day of Eid, and continue to do so throughout your lives, Ameen.
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