Title: Variation in Recitations/Supplications of Non-fixed parts of Salah Question/Comments: I would like to state that I agree with your point of view that Salah has generally become a mechanical phenomenon in Muslims. This would explain its apparent inability in bringing about a change in character and habits of the prayer. The method you suggest could be very useful in combating this problem. I have a few queries regarding this approach. You did not mention reciting a part of Qur'an after Surah Al-Faatihah in the 'fixed and prescribed parts of Salah'. Does this mean that we can omit reciting this part or replace it by its translation or recite that part followed by its translation or say some other supplication or even come up with a supplication of our own in any language we may please? Is there any evidence that the Prophet or any of his companions encouraged/allowed this practice (especially reading the non-fixed parts in one's own language, in non-Arabic speaking Muslims)? If there were no such evidence, would the absence of any clear prohibition of this practice be sufficient grounds for doing it? Are you aware of this practice in a group of Muslims at any point of time in history? If this is not the case, is it not surprising that Muslims have not thought of this very useful method previously, or could it be that they never faced this problem on account of being (may be) more familiar with Arabic? I would be grateful if you can clarify the above points. I must congratulate you and your team for establishing this marvelous web site. Kind regards Bilal Firdaus United Kingdom Answer: It is obligatory to recite a part of the Holy Qur'an after Surah Al-Fatiha in prayers in which the Imam recites loudly (i.e. first two Rak`ats of Fajr , Maghrib and ` Isha prayer). In third and fourth Rak`ah nothing is generally recited except Surah Al-Fatiha . By analogy we need to do the same in Zuhur and `Asr prayer and when praying individually. Mr. Moiz Amjad has explained this in one of his earlier responses to a similar query titled: Regarding the Recitations during Prayers [1] . The Holy Prophet (pbuh) taught different supplications to be made in other parts of the prayer. This entails that recitations in these parts are left upon the choice of the reader and one can chose either from the ones approved or recommended by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) or any other supplications in any language. You have asked: Is there any evidence that the Prophet or any of his companions encouraged/allowed this practice (especially reading the non-fixed parts in one's own language, for non-Arabic speaking Muslims)? The Prophet (pbuh) did not teach prayers to non-Arabs and, therefore, it was not necessary for him to express this allowance. As for the later expansion of Islam to the non-Arab world during the times of the companions, this expansion was generally accompanied by the introduction of the Arabic language in the area as well, thereby, making it unnecessary for the people to make supplications in a different language. Nevertheless, we do not find an instance in which the Companions stopped any person from offering supplications in his own language. You write: If there were no such evidence, would the absence of any clear prohibition of this practice be sufficient grounds for doing it? That is precisely the point. You ask: Are you aware of this practice in a group of Muslims at any point of time in history? If this is not the case, is it not surprising that Muslims have not thought of this very useful method previously, or could it be that they never faced this problem on account of being (may be) more familiar with Arabic? I am not aware of this practice among Muslims. However, it would only be conjecture to ascribe reasons for the lack of this practice among Muslims. It would only be right to consider an opinion on its merit and accept or reject it on its own strengths and weaknesses, rather than try to determine why that opinion was not held by anyone in history [2] . I hope this helps. Regards, Tariq Mahmood Hashmi May 4, 2003 [1] May be accessed at: Regarding the Recitations during Prayers [2] This answer has been edited by Moiz Amjad.