How to Start Reading the Quran as a Non-Arabic Speaker
The Arabic script may look intimidating, but it is entirely phonetic. With the right method, you can start reading words from the Mushaf in just a few weeks.
It is Easier Than You Think
Unlike English, Arabic is consistently phonetic. Once you learn the sound of a letter, it never changes. There are no silent letters like in “Knight” or confusing sounds like “Through” vs “Tough.”
You do not need to understand the meaning (Arabic language) to read the text (Recitation). These are two separate skills.
Your 4-Step Roadmap
-
Master the Alphabet (Noorani Qaida)
Don’t rely on transliteration (reading Quran in English letters). It destroys pronunciation. Spend 2-3 weeks learning the 28 Arabic letters and their specific Makharij (exit points).
-
Learn the Vowels (Harakat)
Arabic letters are consonants. The “Harakat” (dashes above or below letters) tell you the vowel sound (A, I, U). Once you grasp this, you can “decode” any word.
-
Connecting Letters
Arabic is cursive. Letters change shape slightly depending on whether they are at the beginning, middle, or end of a word. We use the Noorani Qaida book to practice this visually.
-
Find a Teacher (Talaqqi)
You cannot learn correct pronunciation from an app alone. You need a human ear to catch subtle errors in heavy letters (like ‘Saad’ vs ‘Seen’). A teacher saves you months of unlearning bad habits.
Common Obstacles
How long will it take?
With a private tutor 3 times a week, most non-Arabic speakers can read from the Mushaf within 2 to 3 months.
Is it sinful to mispronounce?
If you are trying your best and learning, you are rewarded double for the struggle. It is only blameworthy if you have the means to learn but choose not to.