Does Supplication (Dua) Always Have to Be in Arabic?

One of the common and significant questions among Muslims, especially those whose native language is not Arabic, is whether it is mandatory to use the Arabic language for supplication (dua) and communion with the Almighty. The definitive answer, based on Quranic principles and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is that no, supplication to Allah Almighty does not necessarily have to be exclusively in Arabic. While formal ritual prayers (Salat) have specific Arabic phrases and recitations that must be performed precisely in that language, the concept of dua is much broader and more personal. It encompasses any form of request, communion, gratitude, repentance, or expression of need from the servant to their Creator. Allah Almighty is aware of all languages and hearts, and there is no linguistic barrier preventing Him from hearing and responding to His servants' supplications. In the Holy Quran, Allah explicitly and kindly emphasizes that He is close to His servants and answers the call of every supplicant when they call upon Him, without stipulating any specific language for the supplication. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186, we read: “And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” This verse highlights Allah's proximity and responsiveness to any call that arises from a servant, emphasizing the direct and heartfelt connection between a person and their Lord, rather than a particular form of expression. The primary importance in dua lies in the sincerity of intention and the presence of heart. When a person supplicates in their native language, they are able to express their feelings, needs, and aspirations with greater depth, establishing a deeper and more intimate connection with Allah. The native language is the language of the heart and thought; in it, words pass through fewer mental filters and emerge more directly from the heart to the tongue. This honest and unreserved communication is free from pretense or artificiality, allowing the supplication to be uttered with one's whole being and complete presence. Allah not only hears the words but also knows what passes in the hearts, including hidden intentions and desires. In Surah Ghafir, verse 60, Allah says: “And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you,'” which is a general command to call upon the Lord, without any conditions regarding the language. This command invites everyone to supplication, as Allah is aware of people's inability to express themselves in specific languages. Nevertheless, this does not mean disregarding the virtues of Arabic supplications. Many Quranic and prophetic duas are filled with profound and rich meanings, conveyed with unparalleled eloquence and rhetoric, having been transmitted to us by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the infallible Imams (AS). Learning these duas and reciting them in Arabic carries immense virtues and blessings, as these words are divinely chosen or taught by the infallible ones, and they possess specific spiritual effects. Reciting traditional (ma'thura) duas in Arabic, in addition to gaining rewards, helps connect with the rich Islamic heritage and fosters unity with other Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, many of these duas contain lofty monotheistic and spiritual concepts whose grandeur and depth might be partially lost in translation. Therefore, it is recommended that Muslims, alongside their personal duas in their native language, strive to learn the meanings of some ma'thura duas and, if possible, recite them in Arabic to benefit from both approaches. In summary, the purpose of dua is to establish a connection with God and express submission and need. Allah Almighty does not require human languages; rather, He looks at their hearts and intentions. If a heart turns towards Him with its entire being, whether in Arabic, Persian, English, or any other language, its supplication will be heard and attended to. This is the vast mercy of Allah, which is not limited by any linguistic condition. Therefore, whenever and wherever you feel the need to converse with your Creator, raise your hands in supplication in whichever language is most comfortable and heartfelt for you, and be assured that Allah hears your voice and is close to you. Dua is a bridge between the servant and the worshipped, and this bridge is built with sincerity of intention and depth of faith, not with specific linguistic materials. Hence, the freedom to choose the language of dua is an opportunity for every individual to establish a completely personal and direct connection with their Lord, thereby achieving spiritual growth and inner peace. Ultimately, what matters is the quality of one's presence of heart and sincerity in the request, not the linguistic قالب (form) in which the words are cast.