Learning how to read the Quran in English is essential for non-native speakers of Arabic who are eager to build a stronger relationship with the Quran but have not yet mastered the Arabic language. It gives them access to the great teachings and principles of the Quran and allows them to implement them into their everyday practices.
Reading the Quran in English begins with choosing the right material, such as an accurate translation of the Quran and an accessible source of Tafseer. It also requires thorough and consistent reading to reflect on the meanings of the verses. When combined with structured Quran recitation classes, learners can gradually improve both comprehension and fluency in recitation.
Practical Guide To Read the Quran in English
1. Choose a Reliable Translation of the Quran
The importance of checking the accuracy of the translation cannot be stressed enough, especially if you are a non-native speaker of Arabic, because the English translation will form your entire understanding of the Quranic verses.
Thus, you should rely on only one authentic translation, such as Saheeh Translation or ClearQuran by Dr.Mustafa Khattab.
| Dos | Donts |
| -Read the Quran from an authentic English translation- Depend on one translation throughout the learning process | – Read the Quran from random online translations- Read from multiple translations |
2. Use Digital Tools/websites
Website like Quran.com offer a great advantage to students of the Quran because they have the feature of showing:
- The Quranic verse in Arabic
- Its translation in English
- An audio recitation of the verse
What’s great about these tools is that they allow learners to understand the verses of the Quran while becoming accustomed to the formation of Arabic words and their proper pronunciation, thanks to the audio recitation. These perks are not only helpful for reading the Quran in English but also in paving the way for the process of Quran memorization.
3. Dedicate a Special Notebook
While technological tools are of great help, writing things down remains one of the most effective learning techniques. Therefore, writing things down in a notebook, such as repeated words or phrases, valuable lessons from the reflection on one of the verses, or points for further research, makes the learning process more effective and engaging.
Compiling these notebooks serves as a significant reference during your journey of understanding the Quran in English, and it also helps to keep track of your progress.
4. Consult a Book of Tafseer
Referring back to Tafseer is essential for understanding the meanings of the Quran because the point of learning how to read the Quran in English is not to finish reading it quickly but to deeply understand it to apply it in your daily life and strengthen your iman/faith.
5. Don’t rush the learning process
People often make the mistake of rushing through the reading of the Quran as if it were a task to be crossed from their to-do list. However, you should read each verse slowly to completely understand the verse and appreciate its miraculous nature. This follows the tradition of the Prophet PBUH with his righteous companions, as he did not proceed to the following verse without making sure that they were completely living with the verse he taught them.
To apply this step:
- Read a reasonable number of verses each day (3-5 verses only)
- Highlight key words or concepts
- Write in your notebook 3 valuable lessons you have learnt from these verses
6. Read the Translation with the Arabic text
Although you might be a beginner in learning Arabic, it is helpful to read the English translation alongside the Arabic text because it increases your familiarity with the Arabic words as you see them repeated throughout the Surah. It also serves as an introduction for a better and deeper relationship with the original text, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
7. Make Time for Reflection
One of the best learning techniques is paraphrasing. This method can be used for learning the Quran in English by dedicating a few minutes at the end of each session to reflecting on the verses you have just read. You can write down one or two sentences in your Quran reflection journal or the notes application on your phone. This ensures a better understanding and a more significant internalization of Quranic teachings.
An Example Routine for Reading the Quran in English
This is a recommended outline for a routine that would help beginners start reading the Quran in English:
| Steps | Explanation |
| Step 1: Follow the Etiquette of Reading the Quran | Make sure you are physically pure by performing wudu’. Start by seeking refuge, saying “A’udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem.” (I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan.) And following with: “Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.” (In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.) |
| Step 2: Listen to an audio recitation | Choose the recitation of a skilled Qari’ like Sheikh Al-Hossary or Sheikh Al-Minshawy. Listen to the selected 3-5 verses while following the Arabic text with your eyes to establish familiarity |
| Step 3: Read the English Translation | Read the English translation of those verses from an authentic translation like the ones previously mentioned |
| Step 4: Contemplate the meanings | Take the time to fully understand the meaning of each verse and contemplate the lessons they teach you about Allah, or guide you on matters in your life. Here you can consult a book of Tafseer for a better understanding of the verses. |
| Step 5: Write Down your Reflection | In your Quran journal, write down the verse number and the most important lesson derived from it |
- Approach the Quran with humility and realize that anything you understand is a gift from Allah SWT.
- Start with short Surahs to gain the necessary momentum to proceed to larger Surahs
- Ask knowledgeable scholars for clarifications to ensure a clear understanding of the verses
- Join online classes like the ones provided by Almuhammadi Academy to be guided by professional and experienced tutors
Conclusion
Reading the Quran in English is a crucial step on your way to strengthening your relationship with Allah and His Book through understanding the words of the Quran and applying its teachings and principles to your life.
Almuhammadi Academy offers multiple online Quran classes for kids, quran classes for sisters, and adults quran classes who wish to read the Quran in English and even learn the basics of Arabic so that they can understand the original Arabic text. Our tutors provide you with the tools, rules of Tajweed and recitation, Arabic, and Tafseer to make sure that you are all set for your journey!