What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb idhhab (go) and the prepositional phrase lil-salah (to/for the prayer).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form اذهب للصلاة is used in formal settings, such as formal writing or religious contexts and is part of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). For informal settings, you may use روح صلي to mean "go pray". Another formal expression is الانصراف للصلاة, which means "leave for prayer". In an informal context, you might also say روح صليلي to mean "go and pray for me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form اذهب للصلاة uses the singular masculine imperative verb, which is used when speaking to one male. To address a female, change the verb to اذهبي للصلاة (idhhabī lil-salah). To address a group of people, change the verb to اذهبوا للصلاة (idhhabū lil-salah).
How do you pronounce it?
idhhab lil-salah
Did you know?
- In some dialects, saying روح صلي can be used idiomatically to dismiss someone or tell them to 'go away' if they are being annoying, regardless of whether they actually intend to pray.
- The word صلاة comes from a root meaning 'connection' or 'link', reflecting the idea that the act of praying is a way to establish a direct connection between the human and the divine.
- Depending on the region, the informal روح used in روح صلي literally means 'soul' or 'spirit', but in this context, it is used as a common colloquial verb meaning 'go'.
Examples in context
- اذهب للصلاة الآن.Ith-hab lil-salat al-aan.Go pray now.
- يا بني، اذهب للصلاة.Ya bunayya, ith-hab lil-salat.My son, go pray.
- الوقت حان، اذهب للصلاة.Al-waqt haan, ith-hab lil-salat.The time has come, go pray.
Example conversation
A brother and sister talking in the living room during prayer time.
- أحمد Ahmedمريم، اذهب للصلاة.Maryam, idhhab lil-salat.Maryam, go pray.
- مريم Maryamسأفعل ذلك بعد دقيقة.Sa-af'al dhalika ba'da daqiqa.I will do that in a minute.
- أحمد Ahmedلا تتأخري، الوقت يمر.La tata'akhari, al-waqt yamurr.Don't be late, time is passing.
- مريم Maryamحسناً، أنا ذاهبة الآن.Hasanan, ana dhahiba al-aan.Okay, I am going now.
