Prayer in Arabic not required

format_quote Originally Posted by Fi_Sabilillah

wa alykum assalaam.


I hope the prayers are going well for you sister. Allaah knows best, but for any act of worship to be accepted - it has to be according to how the Prophet peace be upon him performed that act of worship, and it has to be sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone.

We also know that Qur'an cannot be Qur'an unless it is in the arabic tongue, anything in another language is simply a translation. So reading a translation won't get you the reward of reciting Qur'an. A believer may get rewarded for understanding the Qur'an [by reading the translation] - but reciting the Qur'an in arabic has 10 rewards for each letter i.e. the letters Alif Laam Meem = 30 rewards, because there are 3 letters.

Adding on to this:

The prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa salaam said " Pray as you have seen me pray" and its more than obvious that he prayed in arabi.

And Allah knows best.

^ask them

its sunnah to pray in arabic wen u do your own dua you can do it in a diff language, if it suits you

Assalamu’Alaykum


The following is from islamqa.com. I just summirzed it. The link is on the bottom for source and reference.


There are 2 things regarding this issue:

• Reciting the Adhkar (i.e Allahu Akbar) during Salaah in another language.
• Reading the Quran during Salaah in another language.

• As for saying the adhkar during salaah in another language, most of the Fuqaha have said” if a non-arab speaker is able to say them then he can not say them in any other language other then Arabic. However if this non-arab speaker is not able to pronounce them in Arabic then it is OK for him to say them in his own language after it has been correctly translated. Takbeer is a rememberence of Allaah and because Allaah can be remembered in any language so therefore it any other language other then Arabic in this case is an alternative. However, there is a controversy regarding if all the adhkar of salaah could be in another language examples like the dua of qonut and tashahud and tasbeehat.

• Majority of the scholars say that readingthe quran in any other language besides Arabic during the Sallaah is not permissible. The proof they use for this is the ayah in the Quran.

“Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’aan…” [Yoosuf 12:2]

Moreover, the Qur’aan is a miracle in its wording and its meaning; if it is changed, this is no longer the case, and it is no longer Qur’aan but an interpretation (tafseer). (al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, part 5: A’jami).



According to Ibn Qudaamah (Rahimahullaah) :

“Section: It is not right to read it in any language other than Arabic, or to substitute other words in Arabic, whether the person can read it well in Arabic or not, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…an Arabic Qur’aan …’ [Yoosuf 12:2] and ‘In the plain Arabic language’ [al-Shu’ara’ 26:195]. The Qur’aan is a miracle in both its wording and its meaning, but if it is changed this is no longer the case, it is not Qur’aan or anything like it. It is only an interpretation (tafseer), and if the interpretation were like the Qur’aan itself, they would not be unable to meet the challenge of producing a soorah like it.”



“If a person cannot read well in Arabic, he has to learn. If he does not learn when he is able to, his prayers are not valid. If he is not able, or he fears that he does not have time to learn before the time for the next prayer is over, and he knows one aayah of al-Faatihah, he should repeat it seven times… If he can recite more than that, he should repeat it as much as he needs to make his recitation equivalent to the length of Soorat al-Fatihah, or he could make it up by reciting other aayaat. If he knows some aayaat he does not have to repeat, he could recite another aayah instead, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded the one who could not recite Qur’aan well to say ‘Al-Hamdu Lillaah (Praise be to Allaah)’ and other phrases, which is part of an aayah, but he did not command him to repeat it. If he cannot do anything, but he knows some of the Qur’aan by heart, he should recite whatever he can, and nothing else will do, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood from Rifaa’ah ibn Raafi’, who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you get up to pray, if you know some Qur’aan, recite it, otherwise say al-hamdu Lillaah (praise be to Allaah), and La ilaaha ill-Allaah (there is no god but Allaah), and Allaahu akbar (Allaah is Most Great).” This is more like Qur’aan, and is more appropriate (than any other words). He should also recite as much as he needs to make it equivalent in length to Soorat al-Faatihah. If he cannot recite anything of the Qur’aan, and cannot learn before it is too late to pray the current prayer, he should say Subhaan Allaah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah (Glory be to Allaah; praise be to Allaah; there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great; and there is no strength and no power except with Allaah). Abu Dawood reported that a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: “I cannot learn anything of the Qur’aan. Teach me something that will suffice me.” He said, “Say Subhaan Allaah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah.”





source: http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=3471&ln=eng&txt=pray%20arabic%20lang uage

format_quote Originally Posted by Fi_Sabilillah

wa alykum assalaam.



We also know that Qur'an cannot be Qur'an unless it is in the arabic tongue, anything in another language is simply a translation. So reading a translation won't get you the reward of reciting Qur'an. A believer may get rewarded for understanding the Qur'an [by reading the translation] - but reciting the Qur'an in arabic has 10 rewards for each letter i.e. the letters Alif Laam Meem = 30 rewards, because there are 3 letters.

How do you know that Quran cannot be Quran unless it is in Arabic? Is it written somewhere in Quran?

format_quote Originally Posted by Fi_Sabilillah

The way of the prophet was to recite Qur'an in arabic, and the muslims who came from Persia, Syria etc. all over the muslim world learnt arabic in order to recite Qur'an. So it may be a requirement for it to be accepted. Allaah knows best.

Holy prophet recited Qur'n in Arabic because that was the only language he knew. All other Muslims in his time knew only Arabic. Therefore they all recieted Quran in arabic. For a person who is not very well versed in Arabic, it's very difficult to find the correct puropose of the Quran if he is made to read it in Arabic only. But if you prove that it is forbidden to read or understand Quran in any language other than Arabic, then it'd mean that the message of Qu'ran was only for the Arabs.

Assalamu Alaikum

How do you know that Quran cannot be Quran unless it is in Arabic?

Maybe because it's never been changed from Arabic? Translations are only denotations of the words, possibly some connotation, but its difficult sometimes to go in depth within an ayah when all you have is the translation and not the original script.

Is it written somewhere in Quran?

Yup,

A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;- [41:3]

We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom). [43:3]

However, the Quran is not the Quran because it is in Arabic, rather it is the Quran because of the flexibility and artistic Arabic words used to make it up to give it a deeper meaning and higher status. (i.e. "Iqra" means to read or recite, "sa'a" means time, hour, period..)

Holy prophet recited Qur'n in Arabic because that was the only language he knew. All other Muslims in his time knew only Arabic. Therefore they all recieted Quran in arabic. For a person who is not very well versed in Arabic, it's very difficult to find the correct puropose of the Quran if he is made to read it in Arabic only.

That's why those who find it difficult to recite, get double the rewards. They strive to learn what has been taught and revealed for them to learn.

But if you prove that it is forbidden to read or understand Quran in any language other than Arabic, then it'd mean that the message of Qu'ran was only for the Arabs.

He didn't say that it was forbidden to read or understand it in any language. Rather, he said it should be recited in arabic, the same way it was revealed.

Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger) an Arab?" Say: "It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in their (eyes): They are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!" [41:44]

fi aman Allah
w'salaam

format_quote Originally Posted by *charisma*

Assalamu Alaikum



Maybe because it's never been changed from Arabic? Translations are only denotations of the words, possibly some connotation, but its difficult sometimes to go in depth within an ayah when all you have is the translation and not the original script.



Yup,

A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;- [41:3]

We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom). [43:3]

However, the Quran is not the Quran because it is in Arabic, rather it is the Quran because of the flexibility and artistic Arabic words used to make it up to give it a deeper meaning and higher status. (i.e. "Iqra" means to read or recite, "sa'a" means time, hour, period..)



That's why those who find it difficult to recite, get double the rewards. They strive to learn what has been taught and revealed for them to learn.


He didn't say that it was forbidden to read or understand it in any language. Rather, he said it should be recited in arabic, the same way it was revealed.

Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger) an Arab?" Say: "It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in their (eyes): They are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!" [41:44]

fi aman Allah
w'salaam

So in the nutshell you mean that Qu'ran is a message for the Arabs to follow and for all others to recite in a language which they're not familiar with only to get the double reward.

And also you mean to say that if it's translated in different languages, then it's not possible to convey all the meaninging truely. Different translators may use different words of phrases of their own languages to translate Quran that could change the meanings of Quran. You sound right. Non Arabs need not worry about what it says. They should only recite it to get the double rewards.

surely if you, as most muslims, do not understand arabic - it is permitted to read qur'an in your own language, realizing that no translation can be fully accurate?
are there those that forbid this?

I seek refuge in Allah (The One God) from the Satan (devil) the cursed, the rejected

With the name of ALLAH (swt) -The Bestower Of Unlimited Mercy, The Continously Merciful


Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh (May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you)

&&

format_quote Originally Posted by doodlebug

Assalam alaykum folks,

Could someone please tell me if it is written down that it is required to pray in Arabic? Someone on another forum is saying that because it is not Sharia that the prayers need to be in Arabic that it is definitely not required.

Thanks!

----there is a verse in Quran ( Insha Allah , i will try to find out ) that says , recite from Quran in ur Salat/prayer.

So ,it's a must to recite few lines from Quran in 5 times daily prayers. It's better if u know the meaning but still if u don't the meaning u have to recite verbatim from Quran.

U are allowed to do the supplication/dua in ur mother tongue.

format_quote Originally Posted by snakelegs

it is permitted to read qur'an in your own language

Arabic is the most beautiful language to recite the Holy Koran.... with the tajweed (rules on how to read it) and tarannum (rythm used to recite it)..

You could shed tears listening to it..... I really love Egyptian recitor, Mustafa Ismail recitation of Sura Al Hajj and Surah Al Rahman..

i've heard qur'an recitations and would have to agree with you - it is very beautiful.
but there is no reason why a muslim who doesn't know arabic can't read the qur'an in his own language too, is there?

format_quote Originally Posted by iqbal_soofi

So in the nutshell you mean that Qu'ran is a message for the Arabs to follow and for all others to recite in a language which they're not familiar with only to get the double reward.

Nah, I'm saying because they are striving to learn what is foreign to them, obviously its going to be a struggle rather than one who is fluent in the language, Allah rewards them for that struggle, because they are seeking knowledge on their own, they want to learn it. Allah rewards those who struggle and seek knowledge for His sake.

If it was super easy, many would put it off for later, I mean it'd be so easy that we'd be able to learn it at any time any where, we wont need to digest its words, just as you are reading this post right now.

We can put it off while we are old when we have too much time on our hands, but rather those that are striving to learn it on their own, who are putting time into it, who try to recite every letter down to its distinct sound, who strive to memorize it and teach others what they know, these people Allah will reward immensly, because the Qurans words, the word of Allah is powerful.

You try to make it sound easy for Arabs, sometimes its not even easy for the Arabs because of how connotative it is. Some arabs, don't even know how to read and write, yet they learned quran through recitations--orally. Some western arabs may know how to speak Arabic, but wouldn't understand a word of Quran because of its dialect. Some Non-Arab speakers may know how to read and write, but cannot speak it. Glad tidings to those who pursue knowledge and share it with others, and May Allah reward them immensely ameen.

And also you mean to say that if it's translated in different languages, then it's not possible to convey all the meaninging truely.

Not just the "one" meaning, but rather there are many verses that may connotate more than one meaning. How would that be translated to convey all of those meanings without causing confusion?

Different translators may use different words of phrases of their own languages to translate Quran that could change the meanings of Quran. You sound right. Non Arabs need not worry about what it says. They should only recite it to get the double rewards.

Who said they shouldn't worry about what it says? I said they should strive to learn it in arabic. This would require the translation wouldn't it? Once they can read, write, and recite (bi'idnillahi wa ta'ala) their knowledge would be more expanded to help them understand it better, to its fullest. Just like when in school you may learn how to read, write, say the word "car" and obviously your perception of a car would be an object with wheels that drives on the street, but afterwards, after you've gained the concept of what a car is and had the resources to learn more possibly through learned how to drive it and teaching others how to drive it, you would also have the capability to implement that knowledge and learn the mechanics of the car. You can obviously connect more to it (you'd learn how to fix it, add to it, take away from it), and that is just like Quran. The more you know about it, the more you will understand the deen (religion) and want to put it in practice because its the word of your Lord.

Anyways, your conclusions are illogical. How can one even strive to recite something they don't understand or don't plan to understand later on? Would you waste that much time learning an entire book, letter by letter, sound by sound, without wanting to know what the words mean?

What makes you the knower of intention to say that people only do it for the deeds to the point where you make it sound that it is a bad deed or useless deed? It is a GREAT deed. To learn the powerful words of Allah and spread it to the ignorant, to which the ignorant can do the same and strive to learn is a great deed indeed. Not only does Quran implement religious knowledge, but it influences the Mu'min to seek secular knowledge. Deeds add up, if I'm going to struggle in Quran and get double rewards for it, when on top of that, EVERY letter is counted as a reward, I'm going to read that Quran to my potential. I'd get the double reward for learning it on my own, the reward of teaching to others, rewards of those who learn from me, and rewards from those who learn from them. I don't know about you, but I'm not perfect. I'd need all the rewards I can get! Surely, I'd have to have some great intentions to be able to learn a whole language, memorize a whole book, learn to recite it correctly, learn the tajweed, teach it to strangers, to friends, to family, answer questions about it, refutate others, etc. That's not really easy!

Allah is all wise, gracious, and merciful with spreading His rewards. Those that already are knowledgable in it, can implement it and teach it to others--those are their deeds. To you, these people seem to be one step ahead of those who are still learning the Quran. However those that cannot teach it to others yet, are being rewarded for their struggle to teach it to themselves, and surely even that is a struggle in itself, especially when you don't always have the support of others to help you when you need help(in reference to the home of reverts). They take themselves to the help, rather than waiting for help to arrive. And that equalizes the reward between one who has already implemented the Quran, and one who is working to implementing it.

It takes away a heavy burden on him who is learning it. They don't have to worry about, like you said, just reciting and memorizing, but rather they can take the time to let the words sink in, and to know that they are getting reward for it, enlightens the seeker of knowledge.

format_quote Originally Posted by Snakelegs

surely if you, as most muslims, do not understand arabic - it is permitted to read qur'an in your own language, realizing that no translation can be fully accurate?
are there those that forbid this?

format_quote Originally Posted by snakelegs

i've heard qur'an recitations and would have to agree with you - it is very beautiful.
but there is no reason why a muslim who doesn't know arabic can't read the qur'an in his own language too, is there?

Absolutely not. They would have to if they couldn't understand arabic, no? Even though its not the completely accurate, its still a piece of knowledge that one can put into practice and teach to others. Some may even like a certain verse, so they memorize that verse, and try to learn that verse in its whole by learning the arabic definitions of it as well. Thats adding knowledge. Verse after verse, you would probably be able to translate other verses through the arabic text since you've gathered up so much information over time from other researched verses.

peace

format_quote Originally Posted by *charisma*

Absolutely not. They would have to if they couldn't understand arabic, no? Even though its not the completely accurate, its still a piece of knowledge that one can put into practice and teach to others. Some may even like a certain verse, so they memorize that verse, and try to learn that verse in its whole by learning the arabic definitions of it as well. Thats adding knowledge. Verse after verse, you would probably be able to translate a verse through its arabic because you've gathered up so much information over time.

peace

makes sense to me.