Can You Recite Morning Adhkar in Your Own Language?

Many Muslims want to do morning adhkar sincerely, but one hesitation keeps coming again and again:

“I don’t understand Arabic well. Can I read the morning adhkar in my own language?”

This question is not thst small!

Islam answers this with clarity — not harshness, not blind flexibility.

First: What Exactly Are Morning Adhkar?

Morning adhkar are not general duas.

They are specific phrases taught by the Prophet ﷺ to be recited at specific times in the morning.

These adhkar include:

• Qur’anic verses
• Prophetic supplications
• Words with precise meanings and structure

If someone is new to this topic, it’s important to first understand what morning adhkar actually are and where they come from.

You can read the detailed explanation of morning adhkar here.

The Core Rule in Islam About Dhikr Language

Scholars clearly differentiate between two things:

1. Adhkar that are Qur’an or exact prophetic wording
2. General du‘a and remembrance

This distinction is the key to your question.

Can Qur’anic Adhkar Be Recited in Translation?

❌ No.

If a morning dhikr is from the Qur’an (like Ayat al-Kursi), it must be recited in Arabic. A translation is not Qur’an, it is only the meaning.

Reciting translation:

• Does not count as tilawah
• Does not fulfill the Sunnah adhkar
• Removes the wording taught by Allah

This is why scholars insist on preserving Qur’anic adhkar in Arabic.

(And yes, you can still recite them even without wudu if they are from memory or phone — explained here: 👉 Reading Morning Adhkar Without Wudu)

What About Prophetic Duas in Morning Adhkar?

Here the ruling is more detailed.

Scholars say:

If you can read Arabic:

You should read them in Arabic, because:

• The Prophet ﷺ chose those exact words
• Every letter carries reward
• The wording has protection and depth

If you cannot read Arabic properly:

✅ You are allowed to read the meaning in your language, until you learn.

Islam does not block remembrance due to language inability.

But there is a condition:

This is a temporary allowance, not a replacement for learning.

Why Arabic Matters in Morning Adhkar

Morning adhkar is worship taught directly by the Prophet ﷺ.

When he taught specific wording, it was deliberate.

Arabic is important because:

• It preserves the Sunnah exactly
• Meanings are richer and layered
• Many adhkar contain protective phrases that lose strength when altered

Think of it like salah:

• You may understand prayer in your language
• But you still recite Qur’an in Arabic

Same principle applies here.

What If Someone Only Reads Translation Every Day?

Then two things happen:

1. They are rewarded for remembering Allah
2. But they do not gain the full Sunnah reward of the specific adhkar

So it is allowed for understanding, allowed for beginners.

But not ideal as a permanent habit.

Balance Between Understanding and Sunnah

Best method recommended by scholars:

• Read Arabic slowly
• Then read the meaning in your language
• This builds both correctness and presence

Morning adhkar was never meant to be mechanical sounds.

Timing Still Matters Regardless of Language

Whether Arabic or translation, morning adhkar must still be within the correct time.

Many people unknowingly recite them:

• Before Fajr (which doesn’t count)
  👉 Explained here: Morning Adhkar Before Fajr

Or delay until very late:

👉 See: Can Morning Adhkar Be Done After Sunrise?

Language allowance does not cancel timing rules.

Clear and Honest

• Qur’anic adhkar → Arabic only
• Prophetic adhkar → Arabic required if able
• Translation allowed → only when unable
• Understanding encouraged → but not a substitute
• Goal → learn Arabic over time

For the full authentic list, structure and guidance, always return to the main resource.