If you want to learn how to read the Quran in English instead of Arabic, you need to understand some basic principles of the Quran reading in any other language but Arabic.
Can we read the Quran in English instead of Arabic?
Yes, we can read the Quran in English instead of Arabic but consider your reading as a kind of reading an explanation that does not necessarily reflect the original meaning of the Quran in Arabic. We can’t read the Quran in English instead of Arabic if we consider it as a true identical reflection of the Arabic Quran.
Read: Do We Have to Read Quran in Arabic?
The Quran has been revealed in Arabic, and we are ordered to read it in Arabic only. In addition to that, we are ordered to accurately imitate its original recitation, which was revealed to our prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) in our recitations of the Quran.
This is evident in Surah Yusuf, verses one and two, which can be translated as “Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand”.
This may be due to the fact that in translation content either loses or gains outside its original meaning, which at best might not convey the meaning accurately, and at worst will change the meaning of the verse completely.
This will definitely never be as Allah almighty has said in Surah Al-Hijr, verse 9: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian”.
Then, is it absolutely forbidden to read the Quran in English? Must we native English speakers who do not know Arabic yet refrain from reading the Quran?
Of course not! Allah is more merciful than to deprive his worshippers of reading the Quran.
When can we read the Quran in Arabic, and when can we read it in English?
There are different times through which reading the Quran in Arabic is mandatory and a must and other times through which reading the Quran in English is limitedly allowed.
For non-Arabic speakers, who grew up in non-Arab communities, reading the Quran in English is allowed at first, and only until they learn to read it in Arabic.
In this case, they are not reading the Quran itself, but reading translations and explanations of the Quran. So, when you read the Quran in English, it’s as if you are reading an explanation of the Quran instead of reading the Quran itself.
How to Read the Quran in English Then Arabic?
You can follow the following steps to start reading the Quran in Arabic instead of English:
1- Start Read English Translation
Reading English Translations of the Quran is only a temporary period until you start to learn to read the Quran in Arabic.
2- Learn How To Learn Quran In Arabic:
This step of learning how to read the Quran in Arabic is obviously a must, and it is distinct from learning Arabic as a language; as you focus on learning how to read the holy book in Arabic only.
This step which is optional yet highly preferable is to learn the Arabic language itself, which would definitely make reading the Quran much easier.
3- Join Arabic-Quran Courses
If you master learning to read it in Arabic, without joining any Arabic language courses, you will end up capable of reading the Quran, but will not be able to understand or speak the Arabic language itself.
Thus, during the first stage, during which you don’t know how to read the Quran in Arabic, nor do you know any Arabic, you are permitted to read the Quran in English, but once you can read it in Arabic, you must read it in Arabic and only go to English translation as a guide to understand certain words.
Ok, so now that we understand what we need to do, one question remains unanswered: how exactly can we learn to read the Quran in Arabic, and learn the Arabic language?
Follow the Rules of Allah When Reading the Quran In English
Let’s do a mental process of imagination together, shall we? Imagine that the Quran is a kingdom established and ruled by Allah, who of course sets the laws of the attitudes of the kingdom’s populations towards their beloved kingdom.
Allah instructs us on how to enter through the kingdom’s gates, and how to behave within its borders. He designates a certain gate for most people to walk through on their way into the kingdom, and due to his mercy and benevolence, Allah allows some exceptions…
These exceptions are for the sake of those who are not capable of entering through the main gate. Though, this is only until they acquire whatever skills necessary to be able to walk through the main gates like all others.
The Quran is Allah’s holy book which is a constant guide of our life; from birth, and until death. Therefore, we must obey our almighty creator’s instructions when approaching it.
Learn With Bayan Al-Quran Academy:
There are many credible institutions that allow you the opportunity to learn how to read the Quran in Arabic and to learn the Arabic language.
Bayan Al Quran Academy is one of the most promising online institutions in the field; as it offers a variety of courses that will teach you everything you need to learn as a new Muslim person.
Bayan Al Quran Academy offers Quran classes that are dedicated to teaching you how to read the Quran. These courses include classes for kids, and other classes for adults, a flexible schedule that won’t cost you any other priorities such as work, and a group of professional and highly qualified Quran tutors.
With the courses of Bayan Al Quran Academy, you can learn the Standard Arabic language and the Fusha Arabic language. This will help you communicate with other Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world; as our native tongues might be different, but the Arabic language is a robe that connects us all.
To be able to read and understand Allah’s words is an unprecedented and unmatched blessing, that makes any efforts exerted to make this beautiful goal come true too little and too minor.
