To read the Quran as a beginner, start small: read al-Fatihah and the short surahs at the end of the Quran with a good English translation, a few verses at a time, and look up a commentary (tafsir) when a verse is unclear. If you want to read the Arabic, learn the alphabet first, then build up with basic tajweed under a teacher.
This guide on how to read the Quran is for two kinds of readers. It is for Muslims who recite the Quran but want to understand it better, and for anyone new to Islam who wants to read its scripture for themselves. You do not need to read it cover to cover, and you do not need to know Arabic to begin.
Key takeaways
- You do not have to start at page one; many teachers recommend beginning with al-Fatihah and the short surahs of Juz Amma.
- Reading the Quran in English with a reliable translation, such as Sahih International, is a valid and common way to understand its meaning.
- Tafsir (classical commentary) explains the background and meaning of verses, so reading it alongside a translation prevents many misunderstandings.
- The majority of scholars hold that a Muslim should be in a state of wudu (ritual washing) to touch the Arabic mushaf, but reading from memory does not require it.
- Learning to read Arabic involves the alphabet first, then tajweed, the rules of correct pronunciation, ideally with a qualified teacher.
Why read the Quran slowly and with reflection?
The Quran asks its readers to think about what they read, not to rush through it. Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was told to recite in a measured, deliberate way.
Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.
It also reassures readers that it is accessible to those who sincerely approach it.
And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?
A few verses read with understanding are worth more to most beginners than many pages read without it. This applies whether you are reading in Arabic or English.
Where to start reading the Quran
The Quran is not arranged in the order it was revealed, and the long surahs near the start deal with law and history that make more sense once you know the basics. Here is a simple starting path that works well for most beginners.
- Al-Fatihah (chapter 1): the seven-verse opening prayer that Muslims recite in every unit of prayer. It summarizes the whole Quran's relationship between God and the believer. Read our guide to the meaning of Surah al-Fatihah.
- The short surahs of Juz Amma (chapters 78 to 114): begin with the last few, such as al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, an-Nas and al-Asr. They are short, memorable and full of core beliefs.
- Surah Yusuf (chapter 12): the story of the Prophet Joseph, told in one continuous narrative. It is one of the easiest surahs to follow from start to finish.
- Surah Maryam (chapter 19): stories of Zechariah, John, Mary and Jesus, Abraham and other prophets. It is especially meaningful for readers from a Christian background.
- Al-Baqarah (chapter 2): once you are comfortable, return to the beginning and read the Quran in order.
Here is how al-Fatihah begins, with words recited by Muslims many times every day.
[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds -
Allah is the Arabic word for God, and Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word.
How to read the Quran in English
Reading the Quran in English is how millions of people first meet its message. Muslims regard any translation as an explanation of the meaning rather than the Quran itself, but a good translation is the right tool for understanding.
Tips for reading the Quran with translation:
- Pick a reliable translation. Sahih International, used on Quran Universe, is clear and close to the Arabic. Words in square brackets are added by the translators to make the meaning clear.
- Read Arabic and English side by side. Even if you cannot read Arabic yet, seeing both helps you notice repeated words and recognize verses you hear in prayer.
- Read a small portion each day. A page, or even a few verses, read consistently is better than a long session once a month.
- Note your questions. When something is confusing, write it down and look it up in a tafsir instead of guessing.
- Use transliteration carefully. Transliteration, Arabic written in English letters, helps beginners follow recitation, but it cannot capture every Arabic sound, so it is a bridge, not a replacement for learning the letters.
Read with tafsir to understand the context
Many verses were revealed in response to specific events, and many refer to people, places or customs the first listeners knew well. Without that background, a verse can be misunderstood. This is where tafsir, or Quran commentary, comes in.
The Quran itself tells the Prophet that part of his role was to explain the revelation.
[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.
Classical commentaries collect that explanation. Tafsir Ibn Kathir is one of the most widely read, and it is available in English. Our guide to what tafsir is explains the main commentaries and how to use them.
Etiquette for reading the Quran
Muslims treat the Quran with great respect, and scholars have described a number of manners, called adab, for reading it. These are general guidelines. Detailed rulings are explained by scholars, and the schools of Islamic law differ on some points.
- Wudu for touching the mushaf. The majority of scholars, including the four main Sunni schools, hold that a Muslim should be in a state of wudu, the ritual washing before prayer, to touch the Arabic mushaf. They base this partly on the verse below and on a letter of the Prophet. Reciting from memory does not require wudu, and many scholars hold that reading from a phone screen or a translation is treated differently.
- Seeking refuge first. Before reciting, Muslims say "I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed," following the verse below.
- Beginning with the Basmala. At the start of each surah except at-Tawbah, readers say "In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful."
- A clean place and calm attention. Sitting in a clean place, perhaps facing the qiblah, and avoiding distractions all help focus.
- Listening respectfully when the Quran is recited by others.
Indeed, it is a noble Qur'an In a Register well-protected; None touch it except the purified.
Scholars differ on whether this verse refers to the angels and the heavenly record, to people handling the written Quran, or to both, which is one reason the details vary.
So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].
If you are not Muslim and want to read the Quran, a translation is usually the easiest place to start, and many Muslims will gladly give you one.
Learn how to read the Quran in Arabic
Reading the Quran in its original Arabic is a goal for many Muslims, including those who do not speak Arabic. It is very achievable with steady practice.
Step 1: Learn the Arabic alphabet
Arabic has 28 letters, written from right to left, and most letters change shape slightly depending on their position in a word. Beginner primers, such as the widely used Qaida books, teach the letters, the short vowel marks and how letters join.
Step 2: Learn basic tajweed
Tajweed means reciting each letter correctly, from its proper point of articulation and with its proper qualities. A few basics you will meet early include:
- Makharij: the exact place in the mouth or throat where each letter is pronounced.
- Madd: lengthening certain vowels for a set count.
- Ghunnah: a nasal sound held on certain letters, such as a doubled noon or meem.
- Qalqalah: a slight echo on five letters (qaf, ta, ba, jim and dal) when they carry no vowel.
- Stopping signs: small marks in the mushaf showing where you may, should or must not pause.
Step 3: Practice with a teacher and with listening
Tajweed is passed down orally, so a qualified teacher who can correct your pronunciation is the most reliable method. Listening daily to a skilled reciter and reading along also helps a lot.
Do not let mistakes discourage you. According to Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the Prophet said that the one skilled in the Quran is with the noble, righteous angels, and the one who recites it while struggling with difficulty receives a double reward.
Read the Quran on Quran Universe
Quran Universe shows every verse in Arabic with the Sahih International translation, transliteration and word-by-word meaning, so you can follow both languages at once. Each verse also has a short card with its context and a practical takeaway, plus Tafsir Ibn Kathir for deeper study. A simple first step is to open Surah al-Fatihah or the four Quls and read a few verses today.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a beginner start reading the Quran?
Most teachers suggest starting with al-Fatihah, then the short surahs in the last part of the Quran, such as al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas. After that, Surah Yusuf and Surah Maryam are easy to follow because they tell continuous stories. Once you are comfortable, you can read the Quran from the beginning.
Can I read the Quran in English?
Yes. Reading the Quran in English with a reliable translation, such as Sahih International, is a good way to understand its meaning. Muslims consider the translation an explanation of the meaning, so the Arabic remains the Quran itself and is still used in prayer.
Do I need wudu to read the Quran?
The majority of scholars hold that a Muslim should have wudu to touch the Arabic mushaf. Reciting from memory does not require wudu, and many scholars treat reading from a phone or a translation differently. For specific situations, it is best to ask a trusted scholar.
How long does it take to learn to read the Quran in Arabic?
Many adults learn the Arabic letters and basic reading within a few months of regular practice. Becoming fluent and accurate in tajweed usually takes longer and is best done with a teacher. Short daily practice is more effective than occasional long sessions.
Can non-Muslims read the Quran?
Yes, anyone can read the Quran, and Muslims often encourage people to read it to learn about Islam firsthand. Scholars differ on the rules for non-Muslims touching the Arabic mushaf, so translations are usually the easiest option. Many mosques and organizations give free translated copies.
What is the best way to understand the Quran?
Read a small portion regularly with a good translation, reflect on what it says, and check a respected tafsir such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir when a verse is unclear. Learning a little about the life of the Prophet Muhammad also helps, because many verses relate to events in his life.