In this article
- 1. Set Your Intention
- 2. Learn to Read the Arabic Letters
- 3. Start with Al-Fatihah and Short Surahs
- 4. Learn Tajweed from a Teacher
- 5. Build a Small Daily Routine
- 6. Memorize Gradually
- 7. Understand What You Read
- 8. Stay Consistent and Make Dua
- A Sample First Month for a Beginner
- Common Mistakes When Starting
- What You Need
- Starting as an Adult or a New Muslim
- Starting with Children
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
📘 This article is part of our guide: How to Learn the Quran Online: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Adults
To start learning the Quran, set a sincere intention, learn to read the Arabic letters correctly, begin with Al-Fatihah and short surahs, learn the basics of Tajweed with a qualified teacher, and keep a small daily routine. Adding a reliable translation and, later, Tafsir helps you understand what you read. The eight steps below show how to begin, whatever your age or level.
1. Set Your Intention
Begin with a sincere intention (niyyah): to learn the words of Allah, to understand them and to live by them. A clear intention keeps you going on difficult days.
2. Learn to Read the Arabic Letters
If you cannot read Arabic yet, start with the letters, their sounds and how they join. A structured beginner book such as Noor Al-Bayan or Noorani Qaida takes you step by step from letters to words. Our guide compares the two: Noorani Qaida vs Noor Al-Bayan.
3. Start with Al-Fatihah and Short Surahs
Al-Fatihah and the short surahs at the end of the Quran are recited in daily prayers, so they are the most useful place to start. Learn them with correct pronunciation, and learn their meanings in your own language.
4. Learn Tajweed from a Teacher
Tajweed is the set of rules for reciting the Quran correctly. It is learned by listening and being corrected, so a qualified teacher who hears your recitation is essential. Apps and videos help with practice, but they cannot correct your mistakes. See the recitation and Tajweed course.
5. Build a Small Daily Routine
- 10 minutes a day is enough to begin.
- Same time each day, for example after Fajr or before sleeping.
- Listen, then read: play a clear recitation of the passage before you read it.
- Review: reread yesterday’s portion before starting a new one.
6. Memorize Gradually
Start with short verses and build up slowly, revising what you have memorized regularly. Consistency matters more than speed. When you are ready for a structured plan, see our online Hifz classes.
7. Understand What You Read
Read a reliable translation alongside the Arabic, and later study Tafsir to understand the context and lessons of the verses. Learning some Arabic makes this much richer; see Quranic Arabic for beginners.
8. Stay Consistent and Make Dua
Progress comes from steady effort. Set realistic goals, don’t compare yourself with others, and ask Allah for ease and understanding. Remember that the one who struggles while reading receives a double reward (Sahih al-Bukhari, 4937; Sahih Muslim, 798).
A Sample First Month for a Beginner
- Week 1: the Arabic letters and their sounds, with two short lessons and daily 10-minute practice.
- Week 2: joined letters and short vowels.
- Week 3: reading short syllables and the first words of Al-Fatihah.
- Week 4: reading Al-Fatihah slowly with the teacher, and learning its meaning.
Common Mistakes When Starting
- Learning only from transliteration: it cannot show Arabic sounds accurately; learn the letters instead.
- Trying to do too much at once: a small, steady daily portion lasts longer than a big burst.
- Skipping correction: without a teacher, pronunciation mistakes become habits.
- Stopping after a busy week: pick up again the next day; consistency is built over months.
What You Need
- A Mushaf or a beginner’s book.
- A quiet place and a fixed daily time.
- For online classes: a stable connection, a laptop or tablet, and headphones with a microphone.
Starting as an Adult or a New Muslim
It is never too late. Adults often progress quickly because they set their own goals. One-to-one classes let you start from zero without feeling rushed. See our Quran classes for adults.
Starting with Children
Children can start one-to-one classes from 6 years old. Short 30-minute lessons suit their attention span. See our Quran classes for kids and the benefits of learning the Quran.
Start with a Free Trial Class
Elbayan Academy teaches one-to-one, 30-minute online classes with certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available, classes run 24/7, and you receive a monthly progress report. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Book a free trial class on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a beginner start learning the Quran?
Beginners start with the Noor Al-Bayan course, which teaches reading the Quran from the Arabic letters up, then move on to recitation and Tajweed.
Will my recitation be corrected in class?
Yes. Every class is one-to-one, so your teacher corrects your recitation and Tajweed live as you read.
How much do online classes at Elbayan Academy cost?
Classes are $5 per 30-minute class. Monthly plans are $40 for 8 classes (2 a week) or $80 for 16 classes (4 a week), with 20% off annual plans and a 10% family discount.
Can I try a class before paying?
Yes. You can book a free trial class on WhatsApp with no payment needed.
Who are the teachers?
Certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Male and female teachers are available.
