Your Quran is sitting on the shelf. You bought it three months ago with every intention of reading it, but every time you open it, panic sets in.
Where do you even begin? Page one? The back? Somewhere in the middle? Do you need to know Arabic first? What if you pronounce something wrong and it’s sinful? What if you don’t understand anything?
So you close it. Again. And the guilt piles up.
Look, I get it. The Quran isn’t a novel you pick up and breeze through from chapter one to the end. According to Islamic scholars and educators, the Quran isn’t arranged chronologically or like a linear story. It’s divinely arranged—each surah (chapter) and ayah (verse) placed exactly where Allah ﷻ intended.
That’s beautiful. But it’s also intimidating for beginners.
This article is your roadmap. No fluff. No overwhelm. Just practical, authentic guidance on where to start reading Quran, how to approach it, and what to do when you feel lost.
Let’s begin.
First Things First: The Quran Isn’t Like Any Book You’ve Ever Read
Before we talk about where to start, you need to understand what you’re holding.
The Quran, as explained by Islamic authorities throughout history and documented at institutions like Yaqeen Institute, is the direct, unchanged word of Allah ﷻ revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years through the angel Jibril (Peace be upon him). Every letter, every word, every pause—divine.
It’s not a history book, though it contains history. It’s not a rulebook, though it contains laws. It’s not poetry, though its language is unmatched. According to Quranic scholars and educators at Muslim.sg, it’s guidance, wisdom, healing, and transformation all woven together.
You don’t read the Quran to finish it quickly. You read it to let it change you.
That shift in mindset? That’s step one.
The Absolute Essentials Before You Open the Book
1. Make Wudu (Ablution)
You don’t touch the Quran in a state of impurity. According to Islamic jurisprudence, you need wudu—ritual purification—before handling the Arabic text.
Wash your hands, rinse your mouth, wash your face, your arms, wipe your head, wash your feet. It takes three minutes. It’s not just physical cleanliness; it’s spiritual preparation.
If you’re reading a translation on your phone or in a book where only the English appears, some scholars say wudu isn’t strictly required, but it’s still highly recommended out of respect.
2. Find a Clean, Quiet Space
According to the etiquette of Quran recitation taught by Islamic educators at platforms, you should sit in a clean, distraction-free environment. Not while the TV’s blaring. Not while you’re half-scrolling Instagram.
Face the Qiblah (direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca) if possible. Sit respectfully—many scholars recommend not lounging or lying down casually.
3. Seek Refuge and Begin with Bismillah
Before you start reading any surah, you say:
A’udhu billahi minash shaytanir rajeem – I seek refuge with Allah ﷻ from the accursed devil.
Then:
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem – In the name of Allah ﷻ, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
This isn’t a ritual for show. According to Quranic teachings and scholarly consensus documented across Islamic history, you’re asking Allah ﷻ to protect you from Satan’s whispers and to open your heart to understanding.
4. Set Your Intention (Niyyah)
Why are you reading? To impress someone? To check a box? Or to genuinely seek guidance from Allah ﷻ?
Your niyyah (intention) matters. According to a foundational principle in Islam, all actions are judged by intentions.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 1), as authenticated and preserved at Sunnah.com: “Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended.”
So before you open that book, pause. Tell Allah ﷻ in your heart: I’m reading to understand You, to grow closer to You, to let Your words transform me.
Where to Actually Start: The Three Proven Approaches
Here’s the part everyone gets stuck on. Where do you begin?
Islamic scholars and Quran educators recommend three main approaches depending on your goals.
Approach 1: Start with Surah Al-Fatiha, Then the Last Juz’
This is the most beginner-friendly method.
Begin with Surah Al-Fatiha (the opening chapter). It’s only seven verses, but according to Islamic teachings documented by scholars throughout history, it’s the essence of the entire Quran. You recite it in every unit of prayer, so memorizing and understanding it is essential.
[Surah Al-Fatiha, Ayah 1-7]
“In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds – The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path – The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 5006), as recorded by scholars: “Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.”
After Al-Fatiha, move to the last juz’ (section) of the Quran—the 30th juz’, which contains short, powerful surahs from Surah An-Naba (Chapter 78) to Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114).
Why start at the back? According to educators, these chapters are shorter, easier to memorize, and deal with core beliefs—Allah ﷻ’s oneness, the Day of Judgment, seeking refuge in Allah ﷻ.
Focus on these surahs first:
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) – Defines Allah ﷻ’s oneness in four verses
- Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113) – Seeking protection from evil
- Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114) – Seeking refuge in Allah ﷻ from Satan’s whispers
- Surah Al-Kawthar (Chapter 108) – Only three verses about Allah ﷻ’s abundant blessings
- Surah An-Nasr (Chapter 110) – Three verses about victory and Allah ﷻ’s help
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 5013), as documented by hadith scholars: “Surah Al-Ikhlas is equal to one-third of the Quran.”
Think about that. Four verses equal to a third of the entire Quran’s reward.
Approach 2: Read Chronologically from Beginning to End
If you want a complete, systematic read-through, start with Surah Al-Fatiha and continue page by page to Surah An-Nas.
This method, recommended by scholars, gives you the full experience of the Quran’s divine arrangement. You’ll encounter longer surahs first—Al-Baqarah, Aal-Imran, An-Nisa—which contain detailed laws, stories, and guidance.
Fair warning: Surah Al-Baqarah alone is 286 verses. Don’t get discouraged. According to advice from Islamic educators, read in small portions daily—even one page or half a page—and reflect on what you’ve read.
Approach 3: Start with the Story-Based Surahs
Love stories? The Quran has incredible narratives that teach profound lessons.
According to recommendations from scholars, these surahs are perfect for beginners who connect deeply with storytelling:
- Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) – The story of Prophet Yusuf ﷺ, his brothers, and his journey from slavery to leadership
- Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) – The story of Prophet Isa ﷺ and his mother Maryam (may Allah be pleased with her)
- Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18) – Stories of the sleepers of the cave, the two garden owners, Prophet Musa ﷺ and Khidr, and Dhul-Qarnayn
- Surah Qasas (Chapter 28) – The detailed story of Prophet Musa ﷺ
- Surah Hud (Chapter 11) – Stories of multiple prophets including Prophet Nuh ﷺ
- Surah Ibrahim (Chapter 14) – The legacy of Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ
These chapters combine beautiful narrative with deep spiritual lessons. You’ll see how prophets faced trials, how they relied on Allah ﷻ, and how truth always prevails.
Do You Need to Know Arabic First?
Short answer: No.
Reading the Quran in Arabic is better—it’s the original language of revelation, and according to Islamic scholarship documented across centuries, the Arabic Quran carries meanings and rhythms that translations can’t fully capture.
But if you don’t know Arabic, start with a good translation. According to educators, translations like Sahih International, Dr. Mustafa Khattab’s The Clear Quran, or Abdel Haleem’s translation are beginner-friendly and accurate.
Read the English first to understand the meaning. Then, if you’re able, learn to recite the Arabic—even if you don’t understand every word initially.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Muslim, as authenticated by scholars and available at Sunnah.com: “Whoever recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And whoever recites the Quran and finds it difficult for him, will have two rewards.”
See that? Struggling to read is rewarded. Allah ﷻ doesn’t expect perfection. He values effort.
The Mistake Almost Every Beginner Makes
You know what kills most people’s Quran journey? Trying to read too much too fast.
You get inspired. You decide: I’m reading the entire Quran this month! So you speed through pages, barely absorbing anything, just trying to hit your daily quota.
Then you burn out. The Quran goes back on the shelf.
According to advice from Islamic educators, the goal isn’t quantity. It’s quality. It’s transformation.
Better to read one verse and reflect on its meaning, let it sit in your heart, apply it to your life—than to race through ten pages without retention.
[Surah Al-Muzammil, Ayah 4]
“And recite the Quran with measured recitation.”
Allah ﷻ Himself commands slow, deliberate recitation. Not speed-reading. Not mindless repetition.
Pause at verses that hit you. Ask yourself: What is Allah ﷻ telling me here? How does this apply to my life?
Should You Learn Tajweed First?
Tajweed refers to the rules of Quran recitation—proper pronunciation, elongations, pauses, and characteristics of letters.
Do you need to master tajweed before starting? No. According to scholars, tajweed perfects your recitation, but it’s not a barrier to beginning.
What matters most initially is pronouncing the Arabic letters correctly so you don’t change meanings. After that, you can gradually improve through tajweed lessons.
If you want to learn tajweed, resources like online Quran academies with native Arabic-speaking teachers make it accessible even for complete beginners.
The Secret to Making Quran Reading a Habit
Consistency beats intensity. Every single time.
According to Islamic teachings documented in authentic hadith and emphasized by scholars across generations, small daily actions are more beloved to Allah ﷻ than sporadic large efforts.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 6464): “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.”
Here’s what works:
1. Set a specific time daily. According to recommendations from Islamic educators, the best time is after Fajr prayer—your mind is fresh, distractions are minimal, and there’s immense barakah (blessing) in the early morning hours.
2. Start ridiculously small. One page. Five minutes. Whatever feels doable. Once it becomes habit, you’ll naturally want more.
3. Use one consistent Quran format. This advice comes from educators who note that switching between different printed formats disrupts visual memory. Stick with either the Madinah print or the Shemerly print—same content, different page layouts. Choose one and stay with it.
4. Get a physical copy if possible. Yes, apps are convenient. But according to practical advice from Islamic learning platforms, a physical Quran creates a tangible connection, eliminates digital distractions, and serves as a visual reminder when placed somewhere you see daily.
5. Find a teacher or community. Even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned from angel Jibril ﷺ. According to scholarly consensus, having someone guide you—whether in-person or online through platforms—accelerates your learning and keeps you accountable.
What to Do When You Don’t Understand Something
You will encounter verses that confuse you. Guaranteed.
Stories that seem incomplete. Laws that seem strict. Metaphors you don’t grasp.
That’s completely normal. According to Islamic educational guidance, the Quran reveals its meanings gradually. Some verses you’ll understand immediately. Others will make sense years later when you’ve lived more, learned more, grown more.
When you’re confused:
1. Read a tafsir (Quran commentary). Scholars like Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari have written detailed explanations. Resources at Alim.org provide accessible English tafsir.
2. Ask knowledgeable people. Join Islamic study circles, online forums, or ask a local imam or scholar. Platforms like IslamQA.info provide scholarly answers to Quranic questions.
3. Make dua for understanding. Ask Allah ﷻ directly: Guide me to understand Your words.
[Surah Taha, Ayah 114]
“And say: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
This was the dua Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made, as recorded in the Quran itself. If the Prophet ﷺ asked for more knowledge, we definitely should.
Your First 30 Days: A Simple Quran Reading Plan
Here’s a practical 30-day plan for absolute beginners:
Week 1: Foundation
- Days 1-2: Memorize Surah Al-Fatiha
- Days 3-5: Memorize Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas
- Days 6-7: Read their English translations and reflect
Week 2: Short Surahs
- Days 8-14: Read and understand surahs from the 30th juz’: Al-Kawthar, An-Nasr, Al-Masad, Al-Asr, Al-Fil
Week 3: Story Introduction
- Days 15-21: Read Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12) with translation—one section per day
Week 4: Establish Routine
- Days 22-30: Read one page daily from wherever you’ve chosen to start, with translation and brief reflection
By day 30, you’ll have momentum, understanding, and—most importantly—a relationship with the Quran.
The Real Goal: Transformation, Not Completion
Here’s what most people miss: reading the Quran isn’t about finishing it. It’s about letting it finish—complete—you.
According to the teachings of Islam documented throughout the Quran itself and in authentic hadith, Allah ﷻ sent this book as guidance, healing, and mercy.
[Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 82]
“And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.”
You’re supposed to come out different. Changed. Closer to Allah ﷻ.
So when you read about sabr (patience), and then life tests you that same week—that’s the Quran working. When you read about tawakkul (trust in Allah ﷻ), and suddenly you feel peace about something you can’t control—that’s transformation.
The Quran isn’t a book you read once and shelve. According to Islamic scholarly tradition and the practice of Muslims throughout history, it’s a lifelong companion you return to again and again, finding new meanings each time.
Start Today. Right Now.
You’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start. For when you’re “more ready.” For when you “know more Arabic.” For when life is “less busy.”
That time doesn’t exist.
The right time is now. This moment. Where you are, with whatever limited knowledge or time you have.
Pick up your Quran. Make wudu. Sit somewhere quiet. Say Bismillah. Open to Surah Al-Fatiha.
And just start.
Allah ﷻ will handle the rest.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in presenting Islamic teachings, readers are strongly advised to consult qualified Islamic scholars in their local area for specific religious rulings, detailed interpretations, and matters requiring expert guidance.