Can a Muslim Pray in English? Shaikh Saleh Academy

The Islam is characterized by being a complete religion that clearly answers all the fateful questions related to life after death, resurrection, and the Hereafter. Also, the Quran is the last heavenly book that challenges all of mankind and jinn to come up with something like it, and no one has been able to do that in the past, and no one will be able to do it in the present. It is a living miracle suitable for all times and places.

This has led to a significant increase in the number of Muslims in recent years, and a large number of them speak English, which makes many wonder can a muslim pray in english? In this article, Shaikh Saleh Academy will answer the famous question, can you pray in English islam, and other important questions.

Can A Muslim Pray In English Instead of Arabic Language?

Some people ask: can a muslim pray in english? It varies depending on the nature of the person. If he is able to speak in Arabic, he should pray in Arabic. But if he is not able to speak in Arabic, it is important that he learns how to pray in islam in Arabic as long as he is able to do so. Until he learns, he can say the supplications of prayer in English after translating them, but Al-Fatiha is not permissible to recite except in Arabic.

He can also pray in congregation in the mosque at first, and according to some jurists, if the imam recites Al-Fatiha, that is sufficient for the follower. If he is not able to do that, he can translate it into his language, and if he is not able to do that either, he can remain silent for the time it takes to recite Al-Fatiha and then bow.

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا

Lā yukallifu Allāhu nafsan illā wus‘ahā

Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

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Is It Possible to Make Dua with English?

After answering the question can i pray in english islam, the time comes for supplication (Dua). It is possible for a Muslim to supplicate in English if he is not able to speak Arabic. But if he is able to speak in Arabic, he should supplicate in it because it is the language of revelation, as Allah SWTsaid in Surah Ash-Shu’ara:

﴿نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوحُ الْأَمِينُ * عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُنذِرِينَ * بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِيٍّ مُّبِينٍ﴾.

“Nazala bihi ar-Rūḥ al-Amīn * ‘alā qalbika litakūna mina al-mundhirīn * bilisānin ‘arabiyyin mubīn.”

“The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], that you may be of the warners, in a clear Arabic language.”

It is important for new Muslims to strive to learn the Arabic language, and they should also know islam prayer because prayer is the pillar of religion and is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman.

An issue that could fascinate you: Can You Pray with Headphones in Islam?

Can a Muslim Connect with Allah in English?

After clarifying the answer to the question: can you pray in islam in English, it is important to know that a person can communicate with Allah in any language because Allah knows everything. We must also be in constant contact with Allah so that we may obtain satisfaction and happiness in our lives, bearing in mind that learning the Arabic language is much better because it gives the individual many opportunities to contemplate the Quran in the language in which it was revealed, so the meanings become more firmly rooted.

Prayer is also the best way to be in constant contact with Allah. If you are wondering how long do prayers last in islam, it usually does not take more than a few minutes, but it gives you a lot of peace and tranquility.

The Importance of Intent when praying in English

After knowing the answer to can i pray in english islam, it is important to note that Islam is one of the greatest religions, and actions are not accepted in it unless they are purely for the sake of Allah Almighty. Intention is a basic pillar of prayer, whether it is in Arabic or English. The intention is in the heart and aims to prepare the heart to stand before Allah. A person is not rewarded without intention because it is the origin of the action. The Messenger of Allah, PBUH, said:

« إنما الأعمال بالنيات، وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوى»

“Verily, actions are only by intentions, and every person will have only what he intended.”

Is it acceptable to mix languages in prayer?

If a Muslim knows the Arabic language, he must perform the prayer in Arabic only. However, in the case of a new Muslim, he can mix his native language and Arabic in the prayer until he learns to pray in Arabic well. This is because reciting Al-Fatiha is not valid except in Arabic. However, the supplications of bowing and prostration can be said in English.

Some people wonder can muslims pray in a church? Scholars have differed on this matter. Some see it as permissible to pray in a church as long as it is clean if there is a need for it, as the Messenger of Allah, PBUH, said:

«فأينما أدركت الصلاة فصل فإنه مسجد»

“Wherever you are overtaken by prayer, then pray, for it is a mosque.”

While some scholars see that as disliked, such as Ibn Abbas and Imam Malik, because of the presence of statues and images. However, it is necessary to learn the basics of prayer in Islam so that our relationship with Allah is strengthened and we become one of His righteous servants. Also, jesus prayed like a muslim, meaning that Jesus, peace be upon him, used to prostrate on the ground during prayer, as Muslims do, which clarifies the greatness of Muslim prayer and the importance of each of its pillars.

What resources are available to learn Arabic prayers?

There are many resources available, including visual videos on YouTube, or listening to some recorded religious lessons. You can also seek help from one of the Islamic centers and mosques to learn prayer in Arabic.

Some people may wonder why do muslims pray to the east? Muslims must pray in the direction of the Qibla, which is Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām of Allah in Mecca. This makes Muslims everywhere united in their direction.

Is there a difference between Salah and dua?

After explaining the answer to the question can you pray in english islam, it is necessary to know the difference between dua and salah. This appears through the fact that it is possible during prayer to increase supplication to Allah SWT with all that we wish for, especially during Sujood because it is the closest a servant is to his Lord while prostrating. A Muslim can supplicate inside or outside of prayer. Dua may be to request something, or it may be an act of worship such as prayer, meaning that dua is more general and comprehensive.

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Can a Muslim Pray in English?