Performing Salah in a language other than Arabic


A: It is not permissible to perform Salah in non-Arabic languages, if a person is able to offer it in Arabic. A Muslim should learn in Arabic the indispensable matters of religion such as Surah Al-Fatihah, Tashahhud (testification recited in the sitting position in the second/last unit of Prayer), Tasmi` (saying: "Sami`a Allahu liman hamidah [Allah listens to those who praise Him]")," when standing after Ruku`), Tahmid (saying: "Al-hamdu lillah [All praise is due to Allah]"), Tasbih (saying: "Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]") in (Part No. 6; Page No. 402) Ruku` (bowing) and Sujud (prostration). He should also learn the saying of "Rabby Ighfir Le" (O my Lord, forgive me) between the two prostrations and salutation. As for those who are unable to speak Arabic, they should recite all that is mentioned in their tongue except for Al-Fatihah and other surahs of the Qur'an which are not valid to be recited in non-Arabic language. So, they should replace them with glorification, praising, saying "La Ilaha Illa Allah" (no deity worthy of worship but He) and Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]"). It is reported on the authority of `Abdullah ibn Abu Awfa (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, "I can not memorize anything from the Qur'an, so teach me something which is sufficient for me." He (peace be upon him) said, "Say 'subhana Allah' (glory be to Allah), 'Al-hamdu lillah' (praise be to Allah), 'La Ilaha Illa Allah' (there is no god but Allah), Takbir (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]"), and 'la hawla wa la quwwata Illa billah Al-`Aly al-`Azhim' (there is no might and no strength but in Allah, the High, the Greatest)." The Hadith is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa'y. It was classified as Sahih Hadith by Ibn Hibban, Al-Daraqutny and Al-Hakim. Allah (Exalted be He) says: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: When I command you to do anything, do of it as much as you possibly can. They may do so till they learn the Arabic Language and they have to hasten to do so.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


Tags: