Anyone Prays in Non-English?
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Peace all,
For me prayer is about my relationship with God. I don't believe that God wants to hear me repeating the words that He sent down to me for my guidance. It's always felt gratifying and fruitful to just talk to God with a completely open heart. I usually give thanks for all the wonderful people I'm surrounded by, for my health, wealth, and happiness. the more detailed I get in my gratitude, the stronger the connection feels, and the more peace I find.
Lately, I've been doing it throughout the day - random moments when I notice God's grace and beauty. There'll be more of that I'm sure now that summer's around the corner and the Earth is brimming with new life and energy.
Peace,
Tay -
As Salaamu Alaikum all,
I am sure that you all are familiar with these ayaat, but I decided to post them again anyway. Hope the ayats and comments following them help with this issue, insha Allah.
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Transliteration Inna anzalnahu qur-anan AAarabiyyan laAAallakum taAAqiloona
Literal That We descended it an Arabic Koran , maybe/perhaps you reason/comprehend
Free-Minds We have sent it down an Arabic Quran, perhaps you will comprehend.
Pickthal Lo! We have revealed it, a Lecture in Arabic, that ye may understand.
We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an, in order that ye may learn wisdom.Perhaps you may understand or comprehend it from the Arabic, since that is one of the purposes of it being revealed in Arabic.
{37}
Transliteration Wakathalika anzalnahu hukman AAarabiyyan wala-ini ittabaAAta ahwaahum baAAda ma jaaka mina alAAilmi ma laka mina Allahi min waliyyin wala waqin
Literal And as/like that We descended it an Arabic judgment/rule, and if (E) you followed their self attraction for desires/love and lusts after what came to you from the knowledge , no guardian/ally and nor protector/preserver, (is) for you from God.
Free-Minds And as such, We have sent it down a law in Arabic. And if you follow their desires after what has come to you of the knowledge, then you will not have any ally or defender against God.
Pickthal Thus have We revealed it, a decisive utterance in Arabic; and if thou shouldst follow their desires after that which hath come unto thee of knowledge, then truly wouldst thou have from Allah no protecting friend nor defender.
Thus have We revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. Wert thou to follow their (vain) desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither protector nor defender against Allah.If you want to understand this law, authority or judgement from Allah, then you need to study it from the arabic. This is how this knowledge has come to you, unless you choose to follow other's desires.
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Transliteration Walaqad naAAlamu annahum yaqooloona innama yuAAallimuhu basharun lisanu allathee yulhidoona ilayhi aAAjamiyyun wahatha lisanun AAarabiyyun mubeenun
Literal And We have known that they say "But/indeed a human teaches/instructs him, (the) tongue/language/speech (of) those who deviate, insult and defame to Him, non-Arabic/Persian (tongue/language/speech), and this (is) an Arabic clear/evident tongue/language/speech.
Free-Minds And We are aware that they Say "A human is teaching him." The language of the one they refer to is foreign, while this is a clear Arabic language.
Pickthal And We know well that they say Only a man teacheth him. The speech of him at whom they falsely hint is outlandish, and this is clear Arabic speech.
We know indeed that they say, "It is a man that teaches him." The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear.The language here is pure or clear Arabic. If you don't understand it as a native speaker, then to apply yourself to learn it is an inherent responsibility for those seeking to obey and follow the guidance therein. To not attempt to learn it, is willful neglect.
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Transliteration Wakathalika anzalnahu qur-anan AAarabiyyan wasarrafna feehi mina alwaAAeedi laAAallahum yattaqoona aw yuhdithu lahum thikran
Literal And as/like that We descended it (as) an Arabic Koran, and We laid out/detailed linguistically in it from the threat, maybe/perhaps they fear and obey, or it initiates/originates/informs for them a reminder/remembrance.
Free-Minds And it was such that We sent it down as an Arabic Quran, and We cited in it many warnings, perhaps they will become aware or it will cause for them a remembrance.
Pickthal Thus we have revealed it as a Lecture in Arabic, and have displayed therein certain threats, that peradventure they may keep from evil or that it may cause them to take heed.
Thus have We sent this down - an arabic Qur'an - and explained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him).It is in Arabic to linguistically cite the warnings therein so that perhaps you will be aware by fearing and obeying, as well it will remind you. To ignore the importance of the arabic would be to dimish these stated purposes.
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Transliteration Wa-innahu latanzeelu rabbi alAAalameena
Literal And that it truly is descent (E) (from) Lord (of) the creations all together/(universes).
Free-Minds And this is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.
Pickthal And lo! it is a revelation of the Lord of the Worlds,
Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds{193}
Transliteration Nazala bihi alrroohu al-ameenu
Literal The Soul/Spirit , the faithful/loyal , descended with it.
Free-Minds It was sent down with the trusted Spirit.
Pickthal Which the True Spirit hath brought down
With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth-{194}
Transliteration AAala qalbika litakoona mina almunthireena
Literal On your heart/mind to be (E) from the warners/givers of notice.
Free-Minds Upon your heart, so that you would be of the warners.
Pickthal Upon thy heart, that thou mayst be (one) of the warners,
To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish.{195}
Transliteration Bilisanin AAarabiyyin mubeenin
Literal With a clear/evident Arabic tongue/language/speech.
Free-Minds In a clear Arabic tongue.
Pickthal In plain Arabic speech.
In the perspicuous Arabic tongue.The message is sent down in clear Arabic to warn, admonish and give notice.
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Transliteration Walaqad darabna lilnnasi fee hatha alqur-ani min kulli mathalin laAAallahum yatathakkaroona
Literal And We had given to the people in this the Koran from every/each example/proverb, maybe/perhaps they mention/remember .
Free-Minds And We have cited for the people in this Quran from every example, that they may take heed.
Pickthal And verily We have coined for mankind in this Qur'an all kinds of similitudes, that haply they may reflect;
We have put forth for men, in this Qur'an every kind of Parable, in order that they may receive admonition.{28}
Transliteration Qur-anan AAarabiyyan ghayra thee AAiwajin laAAallahum yattaqoona
Literal An Arabic a Koran , without/other than of bent/crookedness/indirectness, maybe/perhaps they fear and obey.
Free-Minds A Quran in Arabic, without any crookedness, that they may be righteous.
Pickthal A Lecture in Arabic, containing no crookedness, that haply they may ward off (evil).
(It is) a Qur'an in Arabic, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may guard against Evil.Again, the Quran is given in Arabic in order that you may remember/reflect; in Arabic without any crookedness in it so that you have "tawqa", or be righteous, guard against evil, be conscious of your duty, etc. When you take it out of it's original arabic, you allow for crookedness to come in.
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Transliteration Kitabun fussilat ayatuhu qur-anan AAarabiyyan liqawmin yaAAlamoona
Literal A Book its verses were detailed/explained/clarified, an Arabic Koran to a nation reasoning/comprehending/knowing .
Free-Minds A Scripture whose verses are detailed, a Quran in Arabic for a people who know.
Pickthal A Scripture whereof the verses are expounded, a Lecture in Arabic for people who have knowledge, A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;-The Quran is explained in detail in the Arabic only, any other language that it is translated to will not contain all the details. This is for people who understand by reasoning, comprehending and knowledge.
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Transliteration Walaw jaAAalnahu qur-anan aAAjamiyyan laqaloo lawla fussilat ayatuhu aaAAjamiyyun waAAarabiyyun qul huwa lillatheena amanoo hudan washifaon waallatheena la yu/minoona fee athanihim waqrun wahuwa AAalayhim AAaman ola-ika yunadawna min makanin baAAeedin
Literal And if We made it a non-Arabic/Persian Koran , they would have said "If only its verses were detailed/explained . Is (it) a non-Arabic/Persian (Koran) and an Arab (messenger)?" Say "It is to those who believed guidance and a cure/recovery/healing; and those who do not believe, in their ears (is a) weight/heaviness and it is on them blindness/confusion , those, they are being called, from a far/distant place/position ."350
Free-Minds And had We made it a non-Arabic Quran, they would have said "If only its verses were made clear!" Non-Arabic and Arabic, Say "For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, there is a deafness in their ears, and they are blind to it. These will be called from a place far away."
Pickthal And if We had appointed it a Lecture in a foreign tongue they would assuredly have said If only its verses were expounded (so that we might understand)? What! A foreign tongue and an Arab? - Say unto them (O Muhammad) For those who believe it is a guidance and a healing; and as for those who disbelieve, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness for them. Such are called to from afar.
Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger an Arab?" Say "It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in their (eyes) They are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!"You would have complained if it was in non-arabic because you would not have been able to study it as you do now even here on Free-minds. The arabic Quran contains guidance and healing for those who will apply themselves to learn it. The same is not completely available from translations.
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Transliteration Wakathalika awhayna ilayka qur-anan AAarabiyyan litunthira omma alqura waman hawlaha watunthira yawma aljamAAi la rayba feehi fareequn fee aljannati wafareequn fee alssaAAeeri
Literal And as/like that We inspired/transmitted to you an Arabic Koran to warn/give notice to the mother/origin (of) the villages/urban cities and who (is) around/surrounding it, and warn/give notice (of) the Gathering Day/Resurrection Day, (there is) no doubt/suspicion in it, a group/party/flock (are) in the Paradise, and a group/party/flock (are) in the blazing/inflamed (inferno).
Free-Minds And thus We have inspired to you an Arabic Quran, so that you may warn the capital town and all around it, and to warn about the Day of Gathering that is inevitable. A group will be in Paradise, and a group in Hell.
Pickthal And thus We have inspired in thee a Lecture in Arabic, that thou mayst warn the mother-town and those around it, and mayst warn of a day of assembling whereof there is no doubt. A host will be in the Garden, and a host of them in the Flame.
Thus have We sent by inspiration to thee an Arabic Qur'an that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her,- and warn (them) of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt (when) some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire.Again, it is in Arabic to warn among many other things.
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Transliteration Waalkitabi almubeeni
Literal And The Book , the clear/evident.
Free-Minds And the evident Scripture.
Pickthal By the Scripture which maketh plain,
By the Book that makes things clear,-{3}
Transliteration Inna jaAAalnahu qur-anan AAarabiyyan laAAallakum taAAqiloona
Literal We (E) made it an Arabic Koran , maybe/perhaps you reason/comprehend.
Free-Minds We have made it into an Arabic Quran, perhaps you may understand.
Pickthal Lo! We have appointed it a Lecture, in Arabic that haply ye may understand.
We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).Al Quran is in Arabic because this makes things clear and plain so that perhaps we may be able to understand and comprehend its full message, insha Allah.
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Transliteration Wamin qablihi kitabu moosa imaman warahmatan wahatha kitabun musaddiqun lisanan AAarabiyyan liyunthira allatheena thalamoo wabushra lilmuhsineena
Literal And from before it (is) Moses' Book , a leader/example , and mercy, and that (is a) confirming Book (in an) Arabic tongue/speech, to warn/give notice (to) those who caused injustice/ oppression, and good news to the good doers.
Free-Minds And before this was the Scripture of Moses, as a role model and a mercy. And this is an authenticating Scripture, in an Arabic tongue, to warn those who transgressed, and to give good news to the righteous.
Pickthal When before it there was the Scripture of Moses, an example and a mercy; and this is a confirming Scripture in the Arabic language, that it may warn those who do wrong and bring good tidings for the righteous.
And before this, was the Book of Moses as a guide and a mercy And this Book confirms (it) in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust, and as Glad Tidings to those who do right.This Quran is sent in Arabic to confirm the scripture before it with Moses, and again to warn.
A person should be able to understand from all of these ayat that if they are going to Aqeemus Salaat using Al Quran, that they should use it in its revealed language. One does not have to understand the ENTIRE Quran in order to accomplish this. One can simply only use those ayats that they have studied in order to implemt Al Quran in arabic on a gradual basis. As Salaat is only incumbent upon Al Mu'minoon, so a person should have had ample time upon becoming a "muslim" to learn some of the Quranic Arabic before they have developed to the next stage of "mu'min". To learn the book in itself is a part of faith, which is required to become a "mu'min". I hope this helps someone is some way, insha Allah. Allah knows best.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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peace
a few questions
- is it forbiden to pray in any other language?
- is it unacceptable to pray in any other language?
- is it unclear if we pray in any other language?
- do we say something else that is not glorifying or praising God if we pray in any other language?
so what if we pray in some other language, God sees what is in our hearts, He understands what we are saying.
and sure for other thing we may need to learn arabic to understand them better
but not for praying. we can praise and glorify God in any language and He will understand what we are saying.and it was revealed in arabic because muhammad lived in arabia, if he lived in europe the qur'an would be in some europen language.
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As Salaamu Alaika nerspi,
peace
a few questions
- is it forbiden to pray in any other language?
- is it unacceptable to pray in any other language?
- is it unclear if we pray in any other language?
- do we say something else that is not glorifying or praising God if we pray in any other language?
so what if we pray in some other language, God sees what is in our hearts, He understands what we are saying.
and sure for other thing we may need to learn arabic to understand them better
but not for praying. we can praise and glorify God in any language and He will understand what we are saying.and it was revealed in arabic because muhammad lived in arabia, if he lived in europe the qur'an would be in some europen language.
It was revealed in Arabic because that is what Allah chose, not because Muhammad lived in Arabia or spoke arabic. If Allah wanted it revealed in another language, He would have put Muhammad in another area with another language or chosen a different messenger that spoke a different language.
Confusing As-Salaat with Ad-Dua is the reason for a lot of these questions. As-Salaat is a prescribed, written timed ritual of worship given to us by Allah and detailed in Al Quran. It contains elements of which one is Ad-Dua. Ad-Dua is calling on Allah for different reasons be it help, fear, want, etc. Ad-Dua can be in arabic, or in any language spoken by the speaker because Allah did not give specific details on its timing or restrictions such as washing, etc. As-Salaat on the other hand is an ordered function with instructions as well as restrictions are given. One of the instructions of As-Salaat is to recite Al Quran. Al Quran is the arabic book, not any translations into any other language on earth that people come up with. So if you are not reciting it in Arabic, you are only reciting someone elses words, not Allah. Whose speech can be better than Allahs?
There are some "duas" given in Al-Quran given in arabic, but clearly the context gives permission to call on Allah in any way that one needs to. If you can not see a difference from Al Quran between Ad-Dua and As-Salaat, then maybe what I am saying will not make any sense to you. Allah knows best.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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peace
So if you are not reciting it in Arabic, you are only reciting someone elses words, not Allah.
that's wrong. just because i say "Most Exalted is God" in english, doesn't mean i made up those words. God said it Himself. so He said it in a specific language and saying those words in any other language doesn't change the meaning of the words.
and since salat is detailed, could you list me a detail of what language we're supposed to do salat in. the ones you listed before have nothing to do with salat.
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God chose a Man among the Arabs to be his Prophet, their language was Arabic and so it was revealed in Arabic
4144
"If we made it a non-Arabic Quran they would have said, "Why did it
come down in that language?" Whether it is Arabic or non-Arabic,
say, "For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for
those who disbelieve, they will be deaf and blind to it, as if
they are being addressed from faraway."We should be familiar with the original text so that we don't have to rely on translators' opinion.
Salam
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No offense but I think it is very inconsiderate for native arabic speakers to tell non-arabic speakers that Arabic is the only 'legal language' to use in prayer. Learning another language is not easy and most people do not have time to learn any other language except his/her own mothertongue.
For example I think it is also very inconsiderate for Americans to insult Mexican immigrants because they do not speak English because the fact is that most of them cannot find the time to learn the language because they have to work 12 hours a day or even more.
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peace
- is it forbiden to pray in any other language?
- is it unacceptable to pray in any other language?
- is it unclear if we pray in any other language?
- do we say something else that is not glorifying or praising God if we pray in any other language?
could anyone anwser these questions?
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As Salaamu Alaika nerspi,
peace
that's wrong. just because i say "Most Exalted is God" in english, doesn't mean i made up those words. God said it Himself. so He said it in a specific language and saying those words in any other language doesn't change the meaning of the words.
and since salat is detailed, could you list me a detail of what language we're supposed to do salat in. the ones you listed before have nothing to do with salat.
When you say "Most Exalted is God", which arabic ayat of Al Quran are you translating? Which ever words you choose, the translation that you gave will not be sufficient to fully define the concepts given in Arabic. So it has changed the meaning by limiting it to the english meaning that you have translated; which although may not be incorrect, is limiting what the original arabic means. So changing the language does change the meaning by limiting it.
The above post in this section gave you the details of what language to recite As-Salaat in, Arabic only. If you don't believe that you are to recite Al Quran during As Salaat, then please state so. If you beleive that you are to recite Al-Quran during As-Salaat, then the only way to do this by reciting the Quranic arabic; anything else is only translation and limits the meaning to what the translator understands...NOT EXACTLY WHAT ALLAH SAID.
Hope this helps, insha Allah.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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As Salaamu Alaikum jankren,
No offense taken brother. By the way, I am not a native arabic speaker. I am an american that has been studying Al Quran for about 15 years now. When I wanted to learn As-Salaat, even though I didn't follow the Quran only back then, I took the time to learn just enough in arabic to know what I was saying for As-Salaat. Then little by little that has grown over the years.
Most people in the world speak more than one language. It is mostly only the US that many people don't speak but one language. But again, making "dua" can be done in any language and Allah says that He will hear the needs of the caller. As-Salaat is for Al-Mu'min and they are expected to be studious and knowledgeable of Al Quran to some degree. It is not a burden to learn at least a few short ayaat of Al Quran in arabic and to study their meanings so that you understand what you are saying when reciting in As-Salaat.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
No offense but I think it is very inconsiderate for native arabic speakers to tell non-arabic speakers that Arabic is the only 'legal language' to use in prayer. Learning another language is not easy and most people do not have time to learn any other language except his/her own mothertongue.
For example I think it is also very inconsiderate for Americans to insult Mexican immigrants because they do not speak English because the fact is that most of them cannot find the time to learn the language because they have to work 12 hours a day or even more.
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Salaam IQ
The fact that the quraan was revealed in any language has nothing to do with how to perform salaat. What God has not detailed is left for people. Performing salaat in a specific language, when they understand nothing of it, is the worst kind of ritual of all.
The important thing is that whoever performs the salaat should understand what they say "O believers! Do not approach the salaat while you are intoxicated/delusioned until you understand what you are saying" 443.
Understanding what you say is a must as per this verse. -
As-Salaamu Alaikum again,
peace
a few questions
- is it forbiden to pray in any other language?
No it is not forbidden to "pray" in any other language. It is not even said in Al-Quran that it is "haram" to pray or Aqeemus Salaat in any other language. But clearly if you are trying to Aqeemus Salaat, you will need to recite Al Quran. If you are not reciting Al Quran in it's revealed language of Arabic, then you are not Aqeemus Salaat. That's just my understanding, anyone is welcome to take it or leave it.
- is it unacceptable to pray in any other language?
I would say that it is unacceptable if you are trying to Aqeemus Salaat, but definitely acceptable for Ad-Dua.
- is it unclear if we pray in any other language?
No language is unclear to Allah. But unless you are asking Allah for some benefit or help, As-Salaat is not meant to benefit Allah. So it's clarity is only an important issue for yourself. The more clarity you have in As-Salaat, the more benefits you can derive from it, insha Allah. That greatest clarity comes from the message and language that Allah revealed it in. But of course nothing is unclear to Allah, even if you recited it silently against the instructions given in Al Quran; it just may not be exactly what He has instructed you in Al Quran.
- do we say something else that is not glorifying or praising God if we pray in any other language?
You say in whatever language that you choose, what your intentions are to say. If you intend to glorify and praise Allah, then that is what you will be doing. Maybe you will not be following the best of Al Quran if you are making up your own may to praise and glorify Allah. I believe that Allah has given us the best way to praise and glorify Him with the words contained in Al Quran.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
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Peace IQO, all,
The fallacy in your argument is that to learn a language you must have faith in the translation of the instructor who is teaching the language in order to understand what the Arabic word means. Thus you arrive at the same exact point as you would have if you simply read a translation. Any single instructor/translator is fallible and the student is just as prone to grasp the wrong understanding as he/she would be by reading a translation.
In my opinion, if one is to be studious and genuine in their inquiries, it is best to always cross-reference multiple translations and also study the roots of the words. Combined with cross-referencing from within the qur'an all the various uses of the words, this should be more than enough to paint the proper picture.
Nevertheless, the aim of this thread was not about study but about praying to God. And in prayer, imo, one should be sincere and expressive, and this should be done in the language that each person is most familiar with.
Peace,
Tay -
As-Salaamu Alaikum again,
[ If you are not reciting Al Quran in it's revealed language of Arabic, then you are not Aqeemus Salaat. That's just my understanding, anyone is welcome to take it or leave it.
The prophet himself was prohibited by God from making restrictions on himself that God has not sanctioned. It is not up to you to tell people that they have to "aqeemus Salaat" in Arabic. It does not make it more acceptable because you say (It's just my understanding). There are limitations to your (just my understanding) when the absence of a text is not to be taken as negligence by God.
Prohibiting a legal thing is as bad as permitting a prohibited thing.
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peace
thank you samia.
what do you have to say to that iqo?by the way, i was translating 4064. but if you think it's limited, please, tell me the true meaning of those words.
but don't get me wrong, i like arabic, i'd like to learn it, but until then i'll pray this way.
i used to pray in arabic, but the problem is that i found different ways the arabic words were spelled, so i didn't know how to pronounce the words correctly. -
As-Salaamu Alaikum Samia,
We are told to recite Al Quran for Aqeemus Salaat. That is detailed enough in Al Quran and I am sure that you know which ayaat contain those references. One can not "recite" Al Quran in other than the language it is revealed in. Otherwise, something is lost or added in the translation, therefore not making it the words of Allah, but something similar at best.
As per the Quran, one should not be performing As-Salaat until they can understand all that they say, as you have noted. If you are not a mu'min, you are not required to perform As-Salaat. If you have enough faith to be a mu'min, you have enough faith to learn at least a minimal amount of Al Quran to recite during As-Salaat. I am not promoting that everyone has to be an arabic scholar or hafith of Al Quran. There is no burdon on muslims to uphold this, and for mu'min this is not a burden. So we agree that one should recite only what they understand. But even native arabic speakers don't fully understand or comprehend all ayaat of Al Quran. It is not hard for people to learn a few basic ayaat to recite in arabic if they trust Allah and apply themselves. There are many resources available today to make this easier.
Of course, I am distinguishing still between Ad-Dua (calling on Allah for any purpose) that is done by all human beings, and As-Salaat which is kitaban mawqootan for Al Muqimun. And Allah knows best.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
Salaam IQ
The fact that the quraan was revealed in any language has nothing to do with how to perform salaat. What God has not detailed is left for people. Performing salaat in a specific language, even if they understand nothing of it, is the worst ritual of all.
The important thing is that whoever performs the salaat should understand what they say "O believers! Do not approach the salaat while you are intoxicated/delusioned until you understand what you are saying" 443.
Understanding what you say is a must as per this verse. -
As-Salaamu Alaika Tay,
This is not a fallacy, the fact that one has to "learn" a language. That is a part of human existence. Even native arabic speakers have to learn arabic from their parents, family and/or school. When one studies a language, they learn the vast range of meanings that a simple word can have. This is the same in english. Nevertheless, Allah has revealed Al Quran in Arabic. It can not be improved upon by translating it to another language. Allah is translating wisdom to us. Al Quran is continously teaching and educating us. If we just leave the arabic and study translation, then we would have not foundation for wisdom. As-Salaat is a ritual designed to preserve knowledge, the knowledge of Al Quran. Make Ad-Dua in any language that one chooses. Allah hears the call of every caller.
As-Salaat is not just plain old "prayer", that we equate the term with in english. That is why I have translated it as "The Prayer", because it is a structured system given to us for our benefit in Al Quran by Allah; and He has detailed its instructions and restrictions therein.
As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace
Peace IQO, all,
The fallacy in your argument is that to learn a language you must have faith in the translation of the instructor who is teaching the language in order to understand what the Arabic word means. Thus you arrive at the same exact point as you would have if you simply read a translation. Any single instructor/translator is fallible and the student is just as prone to grasp the wrong understanding as he/she would be by reading a translation.
In my opinion, if one is to be studious and genuine in their inquiries, it is best to always cross-reference multiple translations and also study the roots of the words. Combined with cross-referencing from within the qur'an all the various uses of the words, this should be more than enough to paint the proper picture.
Nevertheless, the aim of this thread was not about study but about praying to God. And in prayer, imo, one should be sincere and expressive, and this should be done in the language that each person is most familiar with.
Peace,
Tay