What kind of Quran should I buy as a new Muslim?

Types of printed Quran

• Arabic only: the best for reciting and memorizing, but you can't understand it without a separate translation.
• Arabic with English translation: the Arabic on one side and the English on the other, or the translation under each verse. This lets you read, recite and understand together.
• Translation only: easy to read like a book, but it contains no Arabic and so isn't the Quran itself, only its meaning.
• With transliteration: Arabic words written in English letters, to help you start. It is a stepping stone, not the goal.
• Tajweed-coloured: each colour marks a pronunciation rule, which helps you learn to recite more correctly.

Many people start with a bilingual edition and add a tajweed-coloured copy later, once they are learning to recite. See What is tajweed and do I need to learn it?

What to look for

• A reputable translation: a clear, mainstream one with notes.
• Clear Arabic print: large, sharp text with good spacing is much easier on the eyes than tiny type.
• The Madinah-style layout: many Qurans follow the same page layout used in Madinah, so page numbers match what your teacher or friends use. In South Asia, the Indo-Pak script is common, so ask which your teacher uses.
• Size and paper: a medium size is a good home copy, while a small one fits in a bag. Thin paper and glued bindings wear quickly.

Translations differ in style, from literal to easy-flowing, so it is worth reading about the popular ones before you choose. See Which English translation of the Quran should I read?

Think about your goal

If your main goal is to learn to read Arabic, choose a bilingual edition with transliteration at first, but plan to move on from the transliteration over time. Allah tells us to "recite the Quran [properly] in a measured way" (Quran 73:4), and that is learned from the Arabic, ideally with a teacher. If your main goal is understanding, a translation with explanatory notes is helpful. See Can I recite the Quran from transliteration?

You can also read the Quran on your phone, but many people find a physical copy gives a steadier habit with fewer distractions.

Where to get one

Many mosques and Islamic centres give free copies to new Muslims and to anyone curious about Islam. Islamic bookshops and well-known online stores also sell them. Whichever you choose, treat it with respect. See Where should I keep the Quran at home?