We have come a long way in guiding the new Muslims after they took the Shahadah and entered Islam. Now this is the final post in the series of posts about learning to read Al Qur'an in Arabic - the original language in which this was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Although one can start reading the translation initially to understand the broader message of Al Qur'an, it will be agreed that no language can be translated to give the complete and actual meaning and substance. So it is advised to learn to read Qur'an in Arabic as early as possible to learn not only the language but also to read Qur'an easily.
Before we give out the methodology, we share concerns of many new Muslims who feel uncertain whether they would be able to read Arabic or not. Herein under are some of these concerns and reassurances:
Common questions from new Muslims
1. Do I need to know Arabic before I can be a good Muslim?
No. Knowing Arabic is valuable for reciting and studying the Qur’an, but the foundation of Islam is sincere faith and obedience to Allah. Learn the essential recitations needed for prayer while studying Islam through reliable translations and teachers.
2. Can I begin with English transliteration?
Yes, as a temporary learning aid. However, transliteration cannot adequately reproduce every Arabic sound. Move toward reading the Arabic script as soon as possible.
3. Can I study the Qur’an through its translation before learning Arabic?
Certainly. Do not postpone understanding the Qur’an until you can read Arabic fluently. Begin reading its meaning in a language you understand while learning Arabic in parallel.
4. What if I keep making pronunciation mistakes?
Continue practicing and seek correction. Remember the promise in Sahih Muslim 798a concerning the two rewards for the person who struggles while reciting the Qur’an.
5. Must I complete the entire Qur’an before learning its meaning?
Not at all. Reading, reflection and application should develop together. Even understanding the message of a single short surah can become a meaningful step toward living by the Qur’an.
Removing Concerns
Remember, your first letter is the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Learning to read the Qur’an in Arabic may initially seem challenging, especially for someone who has only recently embraced Islam. But every skill begins with a first step, and every confident reciter was once a beginner. Start with the Arabic alphabet, listen carefully, practice regularly, seek guidance from a knowledgeable teacher and gradually progress from individual letters to words, verses and chapters. Above all, remember that the Qur’an was not revealed merely to be pronounced beautifully; it was revealed to be understood, reflected upon and followed. Do not measure your progress by how quickly you complete the Qur’an, but by how faithfully you continue learning from it.
Your journey with the Qur’an begins today
One of the most beautiful aspirations of a new Muslim is to open the Qur’an and read the words of Allah in the language in which they were revealed. Yet, for someone who has never studied Arabic, the unfamiliar letters, their pronunciation, and the rules of recitation may appear difficult. But learning the Qur’an is not a race, nor is it a privilege reserved for Arabic speakers. Millions of Muslims around the world have learned to read it without Arabic being their native language.
The Qur’an itself offers encouragement:
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ
“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” — Surah Al-Qamar 54:17
This verse encourages reflection and receptiveness to divine guidance; it should not be taken to mean that learning Arabic pronunciation always requires little effort. That effort, however, is itself spiritually rewarding.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5027.
And for those who struggle with recitation, there is particularly comforting news. The Prophet ﷺ explained that a person who recites the Qur’an with difficulty and continues trying receives two rewards. Reference: Sahih Muslim 798a.
Therefore, a new Muslim should never be embarrassed by slow reading, hesitant pronunciation or repeated mistakes. What matters is sincerity, perseverance and a willingness to improve.
Guided Steps in learning Qur'an in Arabic
The following steps only introductory - at the end of these steps, we will share authentic Qur'an learning links which should be consulted to learn Qur'an step by step.
Step 1 — Become familiar with the Arabic alphabet
Arabic has 28 basic letters and is written from right to left. Unlike English, letters often change their written shape depending on whether they appear alone, at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a word. You can find videos on internet that introduce you to the Arabic alphabets and make you learn their pronunciation. Begin by recognizing letters individually and listening to their correct sounds.
At this stage, do not worry about understanding Arabic grammar. Your immediate goal is simply to recognize the letters and associate them with their correct sounds. Practical advice: Learn four or five letters at a time. Revise them before learning new ones. Pay particular attention to sounds that may not exist in your native language.
Step 2 — Learn how Arabic letters are pronounced
Every Arabic letter has a particular point of articulation, called Makhraj (مَخْرَج). Some sounds originate from the lips, others from the tongue, while others involve the throat.
This is where learning from a qualified Qur’an teacher becomes especially valuable. A teacher can observe how you pronounce letters, identify errors and help you correct them before they become habits. Do not become obsessed with perfection in the first week. Make accuracy your goal and improvement your daily practice.
Step 3 — Follow the advice of experienced Qur’an teachers
here is considerable agreement among experienced teachers that beginners benefit from a structured approach, regular listening, repetition and guided correction.
1. Nouman Ali Khan — Bayyinah Institute
His Qur’an-study roadmap recommends learning to read the Arabic script first, then engaging deeply with the Qur’an's message and progressively developing Arabic-language skills. His beginner reading course starts with letters and their sounds, advances to joining them into words and introduces fluency and Tajweed.
2. Traditional Noorani Qaida teaching method
Used by many Qur’an instructors, this method begins with the alphabet and letter combinations, then gradually covers Harakat, Sukoon, Shaddah, Madd and reading practice. The progression allows learners to establish sound recognition before tackling complete verses.
3. Scholarly emphasis on thoughtful recitation
Classical and contemporary Qur’anic commentary treats Tartīl in 73:4 as deliberate, measured recitation, rather than hurried reading. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's Tazkirul Quran, for instance, emphasizes attentive recitation that allows the reader to respond inwardly to the Qur’an's message.
Concluding Remarks
A new Muslim does not need to spend hours every day learning Qur’anic Arabic. A consistent routine of 20–30 minutes is a worthwhile beginning.
It should be noted that the Qur'an be recited in slow, measured rhythmic tones. This means ‘recite, paying full attention to the import of the content’. When recited like this, a two-way process between Quran and its reciter comes into play. For him, the Quran is an address or speech by God and his heart starts answering this address at every verse. In the Quran where there is any mention of God’s majesty, the reciter’s entire existence is strongly affected by the realisation of His greatness. When God’s blessings are enumerated in the Quran, the reciter’s heart overflows with gratitude; when God’s retribution is described in the Quran, the reciter trembles on reading it; when an order is laid down in the Quran, the feeling becomes intensified in the reciter that he should become the obedient subject of his Lord by carrying out that order.
[Reference: Surah Muzamil interpretation by Ibn Kathir]
An important recommendation: Videos and apps make excellent companions, but whenever possible, arrange regular sessions with a qualified Qur’an teacher. Learning correct articulation is much easier when someone can listen to your recitation and provide immediate correction.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
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