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Question
I have been convert to Islam since July 2003. I want to be a very good Muslim, but I can't find the help I need. I search on line, but I don't have much time because I attend school and work. I'm single, have not entered a mosque, and will wait until I'm married. I pray the 5 daily prayers. Am I going in the right direction? I would prefer to have the prayers in English so I will understand them. Where can I find the prayers in English?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Praise be to Allah who guided you to the right path. We ask Him to make you steadfast on this path and strengthen your belief. We recommend you to learn at least what is obligatory upon you such as the method of Taharah, prayers, fast and the like which are individual obligations. In this regard, you have to contact an Islamic Centre or a mosque in your area. They will surely provide you with the necessary material.
As for prayers it is better for a woman to perform them in her house for the saying of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) that he said: “Do not prevent women slaves of Allah from going to mosques but their houses are better for them.”
As for using English language in prayers, recitation of Qur'an, Takbeer al-Ihram (first Takbeer) and other integral parts of the prayers cannot be performed in any language other than Arabic. Qur'an is a miraculous in its Arabic terms but when translated the meaning is conveyed but the miraculous nature disappears. Therefore, it cannot be transferred to any language. If it is translated it loses its miraculous nature.
However, some scholars like al-Shafiyyah and al-Hanabilah are of the opinion that if a person is not able (at all) to say the obligatory acts in Arabic like first Takbeer, the last Tashahhud, and invoking blessing on the Prophet, he may say them in another language.
The non-obligatory words that are uttered in the obligatory prayer are of two kinds; words of Du’a (supplications) during the prayer and words that are not Du’a.
As for the words of Du’a in the prayer one may use its translation only if he does not know Arabic; otherwise, his prayer is not valid. As for the other Azkar which are not Du’a like al-Tashahhud, invoking blessing on Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), glorifying Allah in Ruku’ and Sujud if one is not able to say in Arabic he may say them in another language.
However, we advise you not to use any other language during your prayer since it is better and safest. After completing your prayer you may turn towards Allah the Almighty and can make as much supplication as you wish in your language. Surely, Allah will respond your supplications.
Allah knows best.
