Is It Permissible to Recite Supplications From a Book Moving Between Safa and Marwa? [Shafi’i]


Shafi'i Fiqh

Answered by Shaykh Shuaib Ally

Question: Assalam alaykum,

Is it permissible to read duas from a book whilst performing Sa’i (moving between Safa and Marwa)?

Is it preferable to recite in Arabic or can you make dua in your mother tongue?

Answer: Assalāmu ʿalaykum,

I pray that you are well.

It is permissible to recite supplications from a book while moving between Safa and Marwa, as well as during Tawaf, if this helps a person to supplicate.

Both of these situations are ones of remembrance of God. Reciting transmitted supplications, Qur’an, or supplications you (or another) have composed, are all permissible.

These supplications can be recited in either Arabic, or one’s mother tongue. However, since both of these situations are ones of closeness to the divine, it is preferable for you to ask for something that applies to you and your personal circumstances, and to understand what you are asking for, as opposed to reciting something you do not understand.

Shuaib Ally

Photo: Aiman titi