“This is just an opinion based on facts and circumstances. What if Imams can supplement Surah Al-Fatiha and other Surah’s with Translation before, in, or after Salah?”
I start with my self. I am a Ph.D. holder. I really don’t know the whole Quran with its meaning in any language I know (English, Urdu, or Kashmiri). I also know, I am not alone. I guess more than 99% of people (Muslims) offering Salah daily are sailing in the same boat. When we know, the holy Quran is a message from Allah to people (all) for Hidayah (guidance), and is way of life, and when we don’t understand this message (Quran) in totality. What is the solution? Yes, to learn its meaning. If I try, I may learn. But, what about my father, brother, or mother and what about everyone’s father, brother,or mother, who can’t even read Quran. It’s translation? Here comes my opinion. One of the greatest paradoxes in the Muslim world today is that while the Quran is meant to be a guide for humanity, a vast majority of its followers do not understand its language. This issue is most evident in the daily Salah, where millions of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims recite Surah Al-Fatiha and other Quranic verses without comprehending their meaning. While the tradition of reciting the Quran in Arabic is deeply rooted in Islamic practice, it is worth contemplating whether supplementing it with translation—especially in congregational prayers—could bridge this gap and enhance spiritual engagement.
Quran Is A Message For Understanding: The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that it is a book of guidance (hidayah) for humanity. In Surah Sad (38:29), Allah says:“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding may take heed.” If reflection (tadabbur) is a fundamental purpose of the Quran, can it be fully achieved if the meaning remains obscure to the worshipper? Millions of Muslims pray five times a day, reciting Al-Fatiha at least seventeen times, yet for many, it remains a set of memorized words rather than an internalized supplication.
Argument for Arabic Language Only In Salah: The recitation of Quranic verses in Arabic during Salah is a nearly unanimous consensus among Islamic scholars. The reasons for this are both theological and practical. Arabic is the language of revelation, and preserving it in Salah ensures uniformity across the Muslim world. It also prevents the risk of misinterpretation that may arise if people begin praying in various translations. However, does maintaining Arabic as the language of Salah mean that its meaning should be inaccessible during prayer? Some Islamic scholars argue that understanding the Quran is a separate responsibility, to be fulfilled through study and reflection outside of Salah. But is that approach truly effective when, for many Muslims, their main and perhaps only daily engagement with the Quran occurs within the framework of prayer?
A Middle Ground: Rather than replacing Arabic recitation in Salah, a potential middle ground could be supplementing it with translations in congregational prayers. This could be done in multiple ways:
- After reciting Al-Fatiha and other Surah in Arabic, the Imam could follow it with a brief translation before proceeding with the next portion of the prayer. This approach would ensure the preservation of Arabic while also conveying the meaning to the worshippers.
- Before leading prayers, imams could make it a practice to briefly explain the meaning of Al-Fatiha and any other verses they intend to recite. This would set the stage for a more conscious and reflective prayer experience.
- The Friday sermon and Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan provide ideal opportunities to include translations of commonly recited Surah’s so that the congregation develops a deeper understanding over time.
“By allowing translations to supplement Arabic in congregational prayers, we could move closer to a more conscious and reflective practice of Salah. This is not a departure from tradition but an effort to uphold its very essence: the pursuit of understanding, devotion, and divine guidance. Would such an approach be acceptable within the broader Islamic framework? That is a conversation worth having—one that prioritizes both reverence for tradition and the necessity of comprehension.”
Addressing Theological Concerns: Some may argue that introducing translations within Salah could set a precedent that might eventually lead to demands for reciting the entire prayer in local languages. However, this concern seems unfounded if the approach remains supplementary rather than substitutive. Historically, Islamic jurisprudence has recognized the need for accessibility; for instance, some early scholars allowed non-Arabic speakers to recite translations of the Quran in prayer until they learned Arabic. This indicates that the emphasis is on comprehension rather than rigid linguistic adherence. Additionally, there is no prohibition against verbalizing translations outside the core components of Salah. Many mosques already incorporate supplications (duas) in local languages after prayers. Extending this practice to include Quranic meanings within a structured format could be a natural and beneficial development.
The Spiritual, Intellectual Benefits: If implemented thoughtfully, this approach could have profound impacts.
- When worshippers understand what they are reciting, their prayers become more heartfelt and engaged. Al-Fatiha, often called the essence of the Quran, is a direct conversation between the believer and Allah. Imagine the impact if every Muslim deeply understood and felt this connection rather than merely uttering words.
- Regular exposure to translations during prayer would gradually build familiarity with Quranic vocabulary and themes, fostering a culture of deeper engagement with the text.
- In a world where younger Muslims often feel disconnected from religious traditions due to language barriers, this small but significant step could make prayers more meaningful and relevant.
A Thoughtful Reform, Not A Radical Change: The idea of supplementing Arabic with translations in congregational prayers is not a call for radical reform but rather a means of revitalizing the spiritual experience of Salah. It aligns with the Quran’s own emphasis on understanding its message and does not violate the established rulings of Islamic worship. In fact, it could serve as a practical way to strengthen faith, enhance devotion, and bridge the gap between ritual and meaning. At a time when many young Muslims struggle with religious literacy and engagement, this initiative could be a step toward making Islam’s core practice more accessible and fulfilling. The goal is not to change the language of prayer but to ensure that its purpose—guidance and connection with the Divine—is truly realized.
Conclusion: If the Quran is a message from Allah to humanity, then its meaning must not remain locked behind linguistic barriers. By allowing translations to supplement Arabic in congregational prayers, we could move closer to a more conscious and reflective practice of Salah. This is not a departure from tradition but an effort to uphold its very essence: the pursuit of understanding, devotion, and divine guidance. Would such an approach be acceptable within the broader Islamic framework? That is a conversation worth having—one that prioritizes both reverence for tradition and the necessity of comprehension.
(The author a freelancer is also teacher and a researcher based in Gowhar Pora Chadoora. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
