Where should I start reading the Quran as a new Muslim?
It depends on your goal, but al-Fatiha is the best first step. Learn its meaning and recitation because it's in every prayer. Then many teachers suggest the short surahs at the end (Juz 'Amma) and reading the translation from the beginning, a page a day. There's no single "correct" order.
Step 1: Al-Fatiha
Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter, is only seven verses, and you'll recite it at least 17 times a day in prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid" (Sahih al-Bukhari 756). Read its translation, learn to recite it, and think about what you're saying: praise of Allah, asking for His help, and asking to be guided to the straight path.
Step 2: The short surahs at the end
The last part of the Quran, Juz 'Amma (surahs 78 to 114), has short, powerful chapters revealed mostly in Makkah. They talk about Allah, the Hereafter and the purpose of life. Good first ones:
- Al-Ikhlas (112): a short summary of who Allah is. The Prophet ﷺ said it "is equal to one-third of the Qur'an" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5013).
- Al-Falaq (113) and an-Nas (114): asking Allah for protection.
- Al-Asr (103) and al-Kawthar (108): very short and easy to memorize.
See Which surahs should I memorize first as a new Muslim?
Step 3: Read the meaning from the start
Alongside memorizing, read a translation from the beginning: al-Baqarah, Al 'Imran and onward. Al-Baqarah is long, but it lays out belief, worship and the stories of earlier prophets. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged it: "Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Surah Al 'Imran" (Sahih Muslim 804). Some new Muslims find the stories easier first, such as Surah Yusuf (12) or Surah Maryam (19). Either way is fine.
If you're unsure which translation to use, see Which English translation of the Quran should I read?
Keep it gentle and steady
The Quran itself was revealed over about 23 years, a little at a time:
You can learn it the same way. A few verses a day that you really understand are worth more than a rushed chapter you forget.
- Start with al-Fatiha: meaning and recitation.
- Then learn short surahs from Juz 'Amma.
- Read the translation from the beginning, a page a day.
- Slow and steady is the Quran's own way.
People also ask
What are the "three Quls" and when do I read them?
Yes, they're a daily habit: the three Quls are surahs 112-114. Read them before sleep, morning and evening, after prayers and when sick.
Read the full answer →How do I memorize short surahs for prayer?
Yes, you can: learn one verse at a time, listen on repeat, chain verses together and recite new surahs in your prayers the same day.
Read the full answer →Which surahs should I memorize first as a new Muslim?
It depends a little, but start with al-Fatiha, then al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas. Then add short surahs and Ayat al-Kursi.
Read the full answer →What is Ayat al-Kursi and when do I recite it?
Yes, it's a daily verse: Ayat al-Kursi is Quran 2:255, the greatest verse. Recite it before sleep and after each obligatory prayer.
Read the full answer →Am I still rewarded if I make mistakes reading the Quran?
Yes, and maybe double: the Prophet ﷺ said one who struggles reciting the Quran gets two rewards. Keep learning and correcting.
Read the full answer →