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What if I don't understand the language at my mosque?

By · 2 min read
A Copy of The Quran at Museum Of Natural History NY
Photo: Muhammad Ghouri from Victoria, Canada, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

You can still pray, belong and benefit at a mosque even if you don't understand its language. The prayer itself is in Arabic everywhere, so you're on the same footing as many born Muslims. For talks and the Friday sermon, there are easy ways to fill the gap.

The prayer is the same in every mosque

Whether you're in London, Berlin or Chicago, the prayer follows the same Arabic words and movements. Many people in the rows, including those from Pakistan, Turkey or Bosnia, don't speak Arabic as their first language either. Follow the imam's movements, say what you've learned, and your prayer is complete. Reciting the Quran is rewarded even before you understand it. See Is reciting the Quran rewarded if I don't understand it?

Why talks may be in Urdu, Turkish or Arabic

Many Western mosques were founded by one immigrant community, so their lessons and announcements are in that community's language. That's not meant to exclude you. Islam actually values clear communication:

وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِۦ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ "And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them..." Quran 14:4

The khutbah is meant to teach people, which is why many scholars allow it in the local language. See Can the Friday khutbah be in English?

Ways to fill the gap

  • Ask for a summary. Many imams are happy to give a short English summary after the khutbah, or to post one online.
  • Sit near a bilingual brother or sister. Young people born in Europe or the USA often translate quietly afterwards.
  • Look for English programs. Some mosques run convert classes or youth circles in English on weekends.
  • Learn the key words. Phrases like "Allahu akbar", "sami' Allahu liman hamidah" and "as-salamu alaykum" carry you through the prayer and greetings.
  • Visit another mosque too. You can attend one for convenience and another for English classes. See How do I find a convert-friendly mosque?

Don't be hard on yourself

The Prophet ﷺ said that the religion is easy, and told people to aim for what's right, get close to it and receive good news (Sahih al-Bukhari 39). You're not expected to master a new language overnight. Your duas can be in English too, and Allah understands every language.

Key points
  • The prayer is in Arabic everywhere, so you can join fully.
  • Talks in other languages aren't meant to exclude you.
  • Ask for English summaries, classes or a translating friend.
  • You can attend more than one mosque.
Tip: Politely tell the imam or committee that you're a convert who only speaks English. Many mosques don't realize there's a need until someone asks, and your request might start an English circle that helps other converts too.

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