3. Recitation of the Fatihah

(1) Saying: Allahu Akbar - (Allah is the Most Great), this is called takbeerat-ul-ihram (The opening Takbeer). The majority of fuqaha' (M+S+A) say that if the non-Arab can speak Arabic, he should not recite Takbeer in any other language. The evidence for this is that the texts instruct this particular wording, which is Arabic, and that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not do it any other way. But, if a non-Arab cannot speak Arabic and is unable to pronounce it, then according to the majority of fuqaha' (S+A) it is permissible for him to say the Takbeer in his own language after it has been translated from Arabic, for takbeer is remembrance or mentioning of Allah, and Allah can be remembered or mentioned in every language, but the person has to learn how to say it in Arabic. That applies to all takbeer, but the rest of takbeer is not of the pillars. For (M), the takbeer may not be done in any other language, and for one who absolutely can't say it in Arabic, it is not mandatory upon him to make takbeer. As for (H), they allowed the translation of takbeer to a different language even for one who is capable of saying it in Arabic. The position of the majority (S+A) is strong. Making concessions for one who is new is consistent with the Shariah's objectives. Also, having the essential parts of the prayer recited in one language is a means to our unity as Muslims; wherever you go as a Muslim, you may walk into any masjid and perform your prayer with the congregation regardless of their language or national background. That unity is an Islamic duty and an Islamic beauty. (2) The Fatihah must be said in Arabic, and there is no controversy regarding this. The recitation of the Quran may not be in any language other than Arabic. The evidence for this is many proofs including this verse: "Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran…" [Yoosuf 12:2] 173 International University in Latin America The Quran is a miracle in its wording and its meaning; if it is changed, this is no longer the case, and it is no longer Quran but an interpretation (tafseer). In the following ahadeeth, our most beloved, the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) will tell us what to do until we learn al-Fatihah Abu Dawood reported from Rifaa'ah ibn Raafi' that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "When you get up to pray, if you know some Quran, recite it, otherwise say al-hamdu Lillaah (praise be to Allah), and La ilaaha ill-Allah (there is no god but Allah), and Allahu akbar (Allah is Most Great)." In another incident, Abu Dawood reported that a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: "I cannot learn anything of the Quran. Teach me something that will suffice me." He said, "Say Subhaan Allah wa'l-hamdu Lillaah wa Laa ilaaha ill-Allah wa Allahu akbar wa Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah." (Glory be to Allah; praise be to Allah; there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great; and there is no strength and no power except with Allah). He should also recite as much as he needs to make it equivalent in length to Surat al-Fatihah. He may choose one dhikr if he can't remember all; if he only knows how to say Allahu Akbar, he can say it for takbeerat-ul-ihram and repeat it in place of al-Fatihah until he remembers it. It would also be acceptable for him to read al-Fatihah from a paper - preferably without him carrying it - since it is a condition of necessity, but once he learns it, it is not allowable to recite from a paper in the mandatory prayers. It remains to be said that for the non Arabic speakers, they may hold the translated copy of the Quran and look at the translation while praying voluntary (sunnah) prayers, particularly the taraweeh in Ramadan when the recitation is long and it may be hard to stay connected with it without understanding the meanings. Al-Nawawi said: "…If he looks at a written scripture which is not the Quran and repeats it within his mind, it does not invalidate the salah, even if done for a long time, however, it is a disliked act. Ash-Shafe'ee clearly stipulated it in al-Imla'." If it is a disliked act for no good 174 International University in Latin America 4. Bowing (rukoo')