Is It Permissible During Salah to Internally Say the Meaning of an Ayah After Reciting It in Arabic?
Question
Asalaamualaykum,
Is it permissible in salah to say the meaning of an ayah after reciting it in Arabic internally for the sake of memorising the meaning?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This question concerns the validity and integrity of salah, the distinction between recitation and remembrance, and what is permitted internally (in the heart) versus verbally (on the tongue) during prayer.
1. The Shar‘i Context
Salah is an act of worship whose essential components are fixed. The Qur’an must be recited in Arabic during prayer, as this is how it was revealed and how the Prophet prayed.
Allah says:
“So recite what is easy for you of the Qur’an.”
Surat al Muzammil 73:20
The scholars are agreed that the verbal recitation in salah must be the Qur’an itself, in Arabic, and that replacing it with translation is not permissible., except for Imam Abu Hanifah, he permitted if the person doesn’t know Arabic.
2. Internal Reflection vs Verbal Addition
There is a critical distinction between:
- Internal reflection (tafakkur and tadabbur)
- Verbal speech added to the prayer
Internal thoughts, reflections, or reminders do not invalidate salah, because they are not spoken and are not considered additional acts within the prayer.
The Prophet said:
“Allah has pardoned my ummah for what they think within themselves, as long as they do not speak of it or act upon it.”
Sahih al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Thinking about the meaning of an ayah, even deliberately, falls under internal remembrance, not alteration of salah.
3. Is This Allowed for Memorisation Purposes
Yes. Internally recalling or reviewing the meaning of an ayah after reciting it in Arabic, without speaking and without delaying the pillars of prayer, is permissible.
This is similar to:
- Reflecting on the meaning of al Fatiha
- Bringing humility to the heart
- Increasing khushu
4. What Is Not Permissible
It is not permissible to:
- Recite the translation aloud in salah
- Replace Qur’anic recitation with translation
- Add spoken commentary during prayer
This would constitute speech outside the legislated form of salah and would invalidate the prayer.
5. Relevant Usul Principles
الأصل في العبادات التوقيف
The default rule in acts of worship is restriction to what is legislated.
This means the spoken form of salah cannot be altered.
ما لا يُقصد لا يُؤاخذ به
What is not intended as an act is not held accountable.
Internal thoughts are not counted as additional acts of worship.
Final Ruling
It is permissible during salah to internally think about or recall the meaning of an ayah after reciting it in Arabic, including for the purpose of memorising and understanding the meaning.
This does not invalidate the prayer and can increase presence of heart.
However, it is not permissible to verbally say the translation or add spoken meanings during salah. The recitation must remain Qur’an in Arabic.
And Allah knows best.