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I have read your answers regarding the reading of the Quran from your hands while attending a taraaweeh prayer.

My question is can a person read the translation of the Quran to understand what he is saying in his prayer? For example, will it be permissible if I join the taraaweeh that is performed on TV and read the English translation while praying? I find it very satisfying to not only listen but understand with translation what the Imam is saying and I find that my taraweeh prayers are much more meaningful and enriching. My first language is not Arabic. 



Question number: 1259
Date posted: 2008-09-20

Answer:

Salah in Islam has been fixed and cannot accept any modification or change. While one can offer du’as (supplications) in any language one chooses, the readings of salah, especially the Qur’an, must be in Arabic; and while at it, we are not allowed to look in a translation. I know of no scholar who permits this.


Coming to the issue of following an Imam relayed on TV leading taraaweeh, it is also not considered as recommended; in other words, you are not allowed to pray simply by long distance relaying of prayer; I do not know of any reliable scholar permitting such an action. So you are better advised to refrain from it. 


This, however, is not intended to discourage you from following the recitation of the imam relayed through TV in translation as long as you do so outside the salah.


Having said this, I must rush to point out: If you are a new Muslim, and you do not know to read or follow the Qur'an in Arabic, then you may read the translation until such time that you have mastered enough of the Qur'an in Arabic to read in the salah. May Allah guide us all to the ways of rectitiude in thought, words and actions-aameen.