The translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur'an is an explanation for it, but it is not the Qur'an itself according to the unanimous agreement of Muslim scholars. The legal rulings on the Holy Qur'an do not apply to the translation of its meanings. Therefore, it is not permissible to read the translation of the Holy Qur'an during prayer. This applies to surah Al-Fatihah and any other Qur'anic surahs. A non-Arab Muslim must learn the essential surahs required for worshipping Allah such as Al-Fatihah. If he does not know the Fatihah in Arabic, he should praise Allah, glorify Him, and say "There is no God worthy of worship but Allah" during his prayer until he learns how to recite surat Al-Fatihah in Arabic.

Besides, reading the translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur'an is not to be considered as an act of worship. But a non-Arab should read it in order to understand the rulings of Islam. He should also read translated Hadith books in order to know the Islamic rulings and teachings. He should select a book on the Islamic faith in order to learn the pillars of faith to which the Companions and the good ancestors committed. He should do his best in order to learn Arabic so as to understand the texts of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah in the language in which they had been revealed.