Quran revealed over 1,400 years ago to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is a guide for all of humanity. While it was revealed in the Arabic language, many Muslims around the world, particularly non-Arabic speakers, often wonder: Does reading the Quran in English count? Can the message of the Quran be fully understood and spiritually beneficial when read in translation? In this article, we explore Islamic scholarly perspectives on reading the Quran in English, its rewards, and when it is appropriate to do so.
Follow the answer for an important question if you read Quran English does count?
Can We Read the Quran in English?
For Muslims who are not fluent in Arabic, reading the Quran in English is permissible, especially when the goal is to understand its teachings. The Quran’s message is meant to guide all of humanity, and understanding it is crucial for implementing its principles in daily life. Allah mentions the universal accessibility of the Quran:
“وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ”
“And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?”
(Surah Al-Qamar, 54:17)
Reading the Quran in English allows non-Arabic speakers to access its meanings and reflect on its wisdom. However, it is important to note that translations are not the same as the original Arabic text, which remains the actual Word of Allah. Reciting the Quran in Arabic is preferred and is obligatory during formal worship, such as salah (prayer).
Reward for Reading the Quran in Translation
Reciting the Quran in Arabic brings unique spiritual rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“من قرأ حرفا من كتاب الله فله به حسنة والحسنة بعشر أمثالها”
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2910)
However, reading the Quran in translation is also rewarded, especially when the reader’s intention is to understand and act upon Allah’s teachings.
According to scholars, Allah rewards those who make the effort to seek knowledge and deepen their understanding, even if they are not reciting the Quran in its original language. It is important to keep in mind that sincere intentions are what matter most in Islam.
“إنما الأعمال بالنيات”
“Indeed, actions are judged by intentions”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 1)
Can We Read the Quran in English Instead of Arabic?
For those who do not speak or understand Arabic, reading the Quran in English is a valuable way to access Allah’s guidance. While reciting the Quran in Arabic is emphasized for acts of worship, translations play a key role in helping Muslims comprehend its teachings. The Quran states:
“إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ”
“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand”
(Surah Yusuf, 12:2)
Arabic is the language in which the Quran was revealed, and its recitation holds a unique position in Islamic worship. However, when reading for reflection or understanding, it is permissible to read the Quran in English. This ensures that non-Arabic speakers can grasp the meaning and implement the guidance provided by Allah.
When Should We Read the Quran in Arabic?
Reciting the Quran in Arabic is especially important during formal acts of worship, such as salah. In these situations, the Quran must be recited in its original language. As the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“من قرأ حرفًا من كتاب الله كان له حسنة، والحسنة بعشر أمثالها”
“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will have a reward for it, and each reward will be multiplied by ten”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 4937)
Even outside of formal worship, reciting the Quran in Arabic brings spiritual rewards, as each letter of the Arabic text is considered a blessing from Allah. For those who do not yet know how to recite in Arabic, learning the basics of Quranic Arabic can enhance their connection with the Quran over time.
When Can We Read the Quran in English?
Reading the Quran in English is highly encouraged when the goal is to understand its teachings and reflect on its message. Allah’s guidance is for all people, and translations make it possible for non-Arabic speakers to connect with the Quran’s wisdom. The Quran emphasizes the importance of reflecting on its message:
“كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ”
“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded”
(Surah Sad, 38:29)
For non-Arabic speakers, reading a translation of the Quran enables them to understand its meaning and live according to Allah’s guidance. While Arabic recitation holds a special place in worship, understanding the message is essential for living an Islamic life.
Read the Quran in English, then Arabic?
For non-Arabic speakers, one effective approach is to read the Quran in English first to understand its meaning, followed by recitation in Arabic. This method allows Muslims to combine comprehension and spiritual recitation. By doing so, they can reflect on the message while also experiencing the blessings of reciting the Quran in its original form.
As mentioned in the hadith:
“خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه”
“The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 5027)
Learning to recite the Quran in Arabic while also understanding its meanings in your native language is a balanced approach that nurtures both spiritual and intellectual growth.
Rules of Allah When Reading the Quran in English
When reading the Quran in English, certain rules should be observed. While it is permissible to read translations for understanding, reciting the Quran in Arabic is required for formal acts of worship. Reading the Quran in English for reflection and study is encouraged, but translations should not replace the original Arabic text in worship settings.
Respecting the Quran, whether in Arabic or translation, includes maintaining purity (wudu) while reading, handling the Quran with care, and treating it with the reverence it deserves.
Reading Transliteration Instead of Arabic Quran
For beginners, transliteration can serve as a stepping stone to learning Arabic pronunciation. However, it is not a substitute for reading the Quran in its original Arabic script. Scholars caution that transliteration may lead to incorrect pronunciations, and they recommend transitioning to the Arabic script for proper recitation.
While transliteration can be helpful initially, the goal should always be to learn to recite the Quran in its original form. This will ensure that the recitation is accurate and that the reader connects with the Quran as it was revealed.
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