The short answer
The formal prayer, salah, includes recitation of the Qur’an, which Muslims believe is God’s word in Arabic; reciting a translation would be reciting a human interpretation. The Arabic phrases needed for prayer are few and are learned early, with their meaning, so that a Muslim in Jakarta and one in Lagos pray in the same words.
A little more context
Outside the formal prayer, Muslims speak to God in whatever language they think in. Supplication, du‘a, has no required language, and most Muslims’ most heartfelt prayers are in their mother tongue. Understanding what one recites is strongly encouraged, which is why translations and classes exist everywhere.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 73:20 Recite what is easy of the Qur’an.
- Qur’an 2:186 God answers the one who calls.
- Qur’an 14:4 Every messenger sent in the language of his people.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.