Supplicating to Allāh inside prayer in a language other than Arabic for one capable of doing so in Arabic | Sheikh Yusuf Al-Jazairi

SUMMARY: ٠ If one is unable to supplicate in Arabic they can supplicate in their own language (in and outside prayer) based on the statement of Allah ﷻ: {فاتقوا الله ما استطعتم} “Fear Allah according to your ability.” {لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها} “Allāh does not burden a soul with more than it can bear.” ٠ The main purpose of du'a; turning to Allah and humbling oneself before Him, is fulfilled whatever the language. ٠ The words used in the du'a must be known (to the people of that language), its meaning must be sound, and it must not contravene the Shari’ah. {وَمَاۤ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوۡمِهِۦ لِیُبَیِّنَ لَهُمۡ} “We have not sent a messenger except in the language of his people to clarify ˹the message˺ for them.” - indicating that it is sufficient to convey the message in whatever language as long as the message is conveyed in a clear manner. ٠ If someone is able to supplicate in Arabic, or they are able to memorise prophetic supplications - then there's no doubt that IT IS BETTER TO DO SO IN ARABIC, as the Arabic language is the most meaningful language by which people are most capable of expressing themselves {بلسان عربي مبين} “In clear Arabic tongue.” This is why Allah chose it to establish the Hujjah upon the whole of mankind and jinkind. ٠ If one has only memorised a few du'as and wants to continue supplicating they can do so in their own language. The Prophet ﷺ said: ((ثم ليتخير من الدعاء ما شاء)) “Let him supplicate with whatever he wants.” Some scholars explained that أل in الدعاء is عهدية (i.e. Referring to the known prophetic du'as), and others said this statement is general - and so it encompasses all types of supplications; Arabic and non-Arabic, and this latter opinion is more correct. ٠ Allah knows best the motives and intents of his servants, and He knows their needs and requests no matter their language.