In a nutshell: While English translations of the Quran help non-Arabic speakers understand Allah’s message, they are not the Quran itself. The divine revelation exists only in its original Arabic form, while translations serve as human interpretations of its meanings. Reading them is praiseworthy for seeking knowledge but differs from the sacred act of Quranic recitation.

This is a question that comes from a sincere heart, and I receive it with the respect it deserves. You are a non-Arab, you have embraced Islam, and you yearn to connect with the book of Allah. You pick up an English version, read, and wonder, “Is this it? Am I truly reading the Quran?”

The English text you read is a tafseer (exegesis) or a translation. This distinction is the foundation for answering all your other questions.

Can the Quran Be Read in English?

The simple answer is that one can read a translation of the Quran in English, but one cannot read the Quran in English.

This may sound like a word game, but it is, in fact, the most crucial distinction in understanding the nature of revelation (Wahy). 

A “translation” is the words of a human translator describing the meanings of the Quran. The Quran itself is the specific, inimitable, and divine Arabic speech, as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They are not the same thing.

Is Reading the Quran in English Haram?

No, reading a translation of the Quran’s meanings in English is not haram.

On the contrary, it is a praiseworthy and often necessary act for a non-Arab who is seeking guidance. How else can you learn your obligations, understand Tawhid (monotheism), or learn the stories of the Prophets? 

Reading a translation is a vital tool for seeking knowledge, and seeking sacred knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.

So, read it with a clear conscience, intending to understand the message Allah sent for all mankind. But do not call it “the Quran,” and do not believe it carries the same specific rulings or blessings as the Arabic original.

Does Reading the Quran in English Count?

Reading a translation of Quran’s meanings in English “counts” as a praiseworthy act of seeking knowledge, but it does not “count” as the specific act of tilawah (recitation) that has unique virtues.

This is where many become confused. 

The act of worship called tilawah—the recitation of the Quran—is an act tied specifically to the Arabic words.

Our Prophet ﷺ said, 

“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that ‘Alif-Laam-Meem’ is one letter, but ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Laam’ is a letter, and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” (Tirmidhi)

This reward is for reciting the sound and letters of the Arabic text, even if you do not yet grasp the full meaning. Why? Because the very sounds and letters themselves carry a barakah (blessing) and a spiritual weight that is impossible to transfer to another language.

Reading the English translation does not fulfill this specific act of worship, nor can it be recited in Salah (prayer).

What Is the Reward for Reading the Quran in English?

The reward for reading the Quran’s meanings in English is the reward for seeking Islamic knowledge and striving to understand Allah’s message.

This is no small thing. Seeking knowledge is one of the noblest paths a person can walk. 

By reading a translation, you are fulfilling the command of Allah to ponder His signs (tadabbur). 

You are striving to become a better-informed Muslim, to deepen your iman (faith), and to learn how to worship your Lord.

You are rewarded for every moment of that effort. You are rewarded for your intention, your sincerity, and your struggle to connect with the divine will. It is a noble and blessed act, but it is a different reward from that of tilawah.

Why Reading the Quran Must Be in Arabic?

The Quran is not just a book of ideas. The Quran is a linguistic and spiritual miracle (I’jaz). Allah chose the Arabic language as the vessel for His final revelation. He says:

“إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ”

“Inna anzalnahu Qur’anan ‘Arabiyyan la’allakum ta’qilun”

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.” (Yusuf, 12:2)

The sound of the words, the structure of the sentences, the eloquence (balaghah), and the rhythm are all part of the miracle. No translation, no matter how skilled the translator, can ever capture this.

When you read a translation, you are reading the translator’s best effort to convey the meaning. 

When you read the Arabic, you are reciting the actual, uncreated Speech of Allah. The first is an interpretation; the second is the revelation itself.

This is why scholars dedicate their entire lives to the Arabic text. This is why learning to read the Arabic Quran, even with difficulty, is so heavily rewarded. 

The Prophet ﷺ comforted the companions, saying, 

“The one who is proficient in the Quran will be with the noble and righteous scribes (the angels), and the one who stammers when reading the Quran and finds it difficult will have two rewards.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

One reward for the recitation, and another for the struggle.

Read Also: Is Reading Quran Fard or Sunnah?

Can I Perform Salah (Prayer) by Reading the Quran in English?

No, you cannot perform Salah by reading Quran in English. This is the ruling of the unbreakable consensus (Ijma’) of Islamic scholars on this matter.

Salah (prayer) is a precise ritual with specific words and actions taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The core of the prayer, especially the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, must be performed in the original Arabic.

Reciting a translation in Salah invalidates the prayer. This distinction is not mere semantics; it is the heart of our ritual worship. 

Read Also: Learning and Reading Quran on Phone During Period

Begin Your True Recitation with Quranica

At Quranica, we have built a home for students just like you. Our entire purpose is to bridge the gap between your heart and the Book of Allah, making this sacred journey accessible and profound.

We connect you with teachers who are native Arabs, many of whom are honored graduates of the prestigious Al-Azhar University.

They are not just speakers; they are specialists who hold Ijazah (certification) to teach the Quran and have years of experience guiding non-Arab students just like you.

A Path for Everyone

Your journey to the Quran has just begun. The next step is to connect with the original.

• Start by learning the Arabic alphabet.
• Move on to a Quranic-Arabic Course  to understand the foundational words.
• Learn to read the Quran with Tajweed, pronouncing each letter as it was meant to be pronounced.
• Seek out a Tafseer course to understand the deep, layered meanings you can never get from a simple translation.
• Perhaps, Allah will open your heart to memorize His book (Hifz).

Start with the first letter. Start with “Alif.” Allah will open the way for you.

 Explore our full range of courses.

Book your free evaluation class and start your first real lesson today.

Conclusion

Reading the Quran’s meanings in English brings immense spiritual benefit by allowing non-Arabs to comprehend divine guidance and strengthen their faith. It is a noble form of seeking knowledge and reflection upon Allah’s signs.

However, the true Quran remains the Arabic revelation—its sound, rhythm, and eloquence are inseparable from its divine nature. No translation can fully capture the miraculous power of the original text.

Learning and reciting the Quran in Arabic connects believers directly to the unaltered words of Allah. Even for those who struggle, every effort to read it in its revealed language carries multiplied reward and brings the soul closer to its Creator.