Which tafsir is good for beginners in English?
It depends on how much detail you want, but popular choices include the abridged Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Towards Understanding the Quran by Mawdudi and Ma'ariful Quran. If a full tafsir feels too heavy, start with a translation that has short explanatory notes, like The Clear Quran by Mustafa Khattab. Pick one, read a little each day, and ask a teacher when you get stuck.
Start light: a translation with notes
For many new Muslims, the easiest first step isn't a multi-volume tafsir at all. A good translation with brief footnotes explains names, places and background in a few lines.
- The Clear Quran (Mustafa Khattab): very readable modern English with short notes on context.
- M.A.S. Abdel Haleem's translation: smooth English with helpful footnotes.
- Sahih International: close to the Arabic, with some bracketed explanations. Widely used in apps.
See also Which English translation of the Quran should I read?
Full commentaries for when you're ready
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir (abridged): a classic that explains verses using other verses, hadith and the sayings of the Companions. The English abridgement is long, so many people read it surah by surah.
- Towards Understanding the Quran (Mawdudi): written in the 20th century, with an introduction to each surah describing its background. Many readers find it accessible.
- Ma'ariful Quran (Mufti Muhammad Shafi): detailed and practical, written from a Hanafi perspective, with explanations of related rulings.
Each work reflects its author's era and approach, and scholars sometimes disagree with particular points in any tafsir. That's normal. Using one mainstream commentary alongside a teacher keeps things balanced. See Can I learn Islam from YouTube and TikTok?
How to use a tafsir without getting overwhelmed
- Begin with short surahs: al-Fatiha and the last part of the Quran are perfect starting points.
- Read in small portions: a few verses with their commentary is enough for one sitting.
- Use an app: several Quran apps include English tafsir alongside each verse, which makes daily reading easier.
- Join a class: many mosques and online programs run weekly tafsir circles for beginners.
The Quran reassures us that it is meant to be accessible:
And the Prophet ﷺ said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027). Every page you study counts. See Where should I start reading the Quran as a new Muslim?
- A translation with notes is an easy first step.
- Abridged Ibn Kathir, Mawdudi and Ma'ariful Quran are popular full commentaries.
- Choose one and read a little each day.
- A teacher or class helps with difficult points.
People also ask
Can I read the Quran on my phone without wudu?
Yes, most scholars say a phone isn't a printed mushaf, so you can read the Quran on it without wudu. Wudu is still better.
Read the full answer →Can I read tafsir by myself as a new Muslim?
Yes, reading a trusted tafsir on your own is encouraged. Just don't invent your own rulings, and take hard questions to a teacher.
Read the full answer →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 →Where should I start reading the Quran as a new Muslim?
It depends on your goal, but start with al-Fatiha, then short surahs from Juz 'Amma, and read the translation a page a day.
Read the full answer →