Muslims always strive to read the Holy Quran, regardless of the language they speak, however, many Muslims don’t read Arabic, so they constantly look for ways to read the Quran in their native language, so this raises a common question: Can they read quran with english letters? It’s important to explore this topic to understand the implications of reading the Quran in different languages.

The Sheikh Saleh Academy takes on the task of answering this question, which many ask, as in this article, we will clarify the rules to read quran with english letters based on scholars’ opinions, and we will also discuss the ruling on reading the translation of the Quran and its meanings in other languages, as understanding these rulings is essential for Muslims who wish to deepen their connection with the Quran.

Quran transliteration in english with arabic

Transliteration of the Quran with English is considered impermissible in Islam because the Arabic language contains many letters that don’t exist in English and other languages, each letter and sound in Arabic carries a specific meaning, which can be lost in translation, therefore, it isn’t permissible for anyone to read quran with english letters, as this would lead to distortion.

Scholars throughout history have agreed that the Quran must be written solely in Arabic to avoid alteration or modification., however, using translations that aim to explain the meanings of the Quran correctly is allowed, without the literal translation of the text or writing it in letters from other languages, thus, you can’t read quran with english letters, as this practice contradicts the original text’s integrity.

Read quran with english letters

Reading the Holy Quran is one of the acts of worship through which Muslims gain immense rewards from Allah, SWT, and it’s a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance, therefore, the Quran should be read in classical Arabic to receive the reward and to be considered an act of worship, however, reading translations of the Quran, which clarify the meanings of words and sentences, is meant for understanding only, not for recitation.

Therefore, to read quran with english letters isn’t permissible, as it differs significantly from the original letters in which the Quran was written since the time of the Prophet (PBUH). The Uthmanic mushaf, in which the Quran was written in Arabic, is the authoritative text that should be relied upon. 

Read more: How to teach Quran to 3 year old

Is Reading Quran in English Acceptable?

Read quran with english letters
Read quran with english letters

The only acceptable way is to read the Quran in Arabic, ad it can’t be read in any other language for the purpose of worship or gaining rewards because the original Arabic text holds a unique status in Islam, however, reading and contemplating its meanings in English or any other language is encouraged to enhance the understanding of the verses and apply Islamic law, as this approach helps non-Arabic speakers connect with the message of the Quran.

Read Quran with English Translation

You can read the Quran with English translation, but it’s forbidden to read the Quran with English letters. There are many translation books that explain the meanings of the Quran easily, enabling English-speaking Muslims to understand them, such as the translation by Yusuf Ali, which is one of the most significant translations of the Quran globally and is widely distributed. Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance one’s comprehension of the Quranic message.

Read more: Do You Get Rewards For Reading Quran In English?

Benefits of Reading Quran with English Translation

Read quran with english letters
Read quran with english letters

Reading the Quran with English translation has numerous benefits, including:

  1. Understanding the meanings of the Quran more clearly for native English speakers, which increases contemplation and reflection on the verses.
  2. Learning all the rulings and acts of worship derived from the Quranic text, which may be challenging to comprehend without Arabic proficiency.
  3. Recognizing the history of previous nations mentioned in the Quran and drawing lessons from them to apply in daily life.
  4. Encouraging Muslims to recite the Quran after understanding its meanings, as they may feel disinterested if reading without comprehension.
  5. Facilitating the flow of information to English-speaking minds, aiding them in addressing various religious inquiries that arise.
  6. Strengthening the faith of Muslims through a clear understanding of the verses related to belief, thus enhancing their confidence in Islam and adherence to the ethical principles outlined in the Quran.

Read more: Read the Quran in 30 Days Schedule

Is Reading the Quran in English Haram?

It isn’t haram to read the Quran in English to contemplate its meanings and understand the verses, however, it is haram to read quran with english letters, as this constitutes a distortion of the Quranic verses that were revealed in Arabic to our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The text shouldn’t be altered into any other language; rather, only the meanings and rulings may be translated without approaching the original text.

Read more: Which Surah Recite On Friday

Can I Read the Quran with English Pronunciation?

You can’t read the Quran with English pronunciation, as the Quran was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in Arabic which the miracle of the Quran exists, as the Arabic text possesses unmatched eloquence and fluency which made it impossible for Arabs to produce a verse or chapter similar to it.

Consequently, using English pronunciation to read the Quran doesn’t benefit Muslims in any way, as they can only understand the meanings of the verses, but they won’t receive the rewards associated with worship. Additionally, reading the Quran in English pronunciation during the five daily prayers would invalidate the prayers, as recitation must be performed in Arabic.

Read more: Can I Recite Out Loud When I Pray Alone

How to read Quran for beginners in English?

Read quran with english letters
Read quran with english letters

The Sheikh Saleh Academy offers a variety of educational lessons and courses that you can rely on if you are a native Arabic speaker and a beginner in learning the Quran. These courses will assist you in comprehending the meanings of the verses and applying them practically in your daily life, enabling you to implement Islamic teachings effectively.

You should start with the shorter surahs and read a small portion daily to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to ensure consistency in your Quran reading. It is advisable to learn Arabic to improve your skills, and then transition to translation to better understand the meanings.

Read more: Benefits Of Learning Quran

Is reading the Quran in English the same as arabic?

After that you can’t read quran with english letters, you should know that reading the Quran in Arabic and reading it in English aren’t the same at all, as the correct and preferred method is to read the Quran in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).

The Quran should not be read in English for worship or to obtain rewards; it is only used to enhance faith, understand the verses and apply them in a Muslim’s life, so if you wish to earn rewards, it is recommended that you learn Arabic so that you can read the Quran easily afterward.