If you have made it this far, it is because there is something inside you that wants to draw closer to the Book of Allah, and that is already an enormous blessing. Wanting to start reading the Quran when you never have can feel a little dizzying: you do not know where to open it, you wonder whether you are doing it right, or you feel that you are arriving late. Brother, sister, we want to tell you something with complete sincerity: you are not late, and there is no perfect way to begin. You just have to begin.
In this article we accompany you step by step, without rushing and without sermons, so that your first contact with the Quran is warm, realistic and sustainable over time.
Why it is so hard to start reading the Quran
Most people who want to start reading the Quran are not held back by a lack of faith, but by very concrete and very human fears:
- "I do not know Arabic, so I feel it does not count."
- "I do not understand what I read and I get frustrated."
- "I do not know which sura to start with or how much to read."
- "I am embarrassed not to know, at this point."
All of those thoughts are normal. And they all have a solution. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that whoever reads the Quran with difficulty, stumbling over the words, has a double reward. In other words: the effort of the one who begins counts before Allah. You are not at a disadvantage; you are exactly where you should be.
Step 1: choose an edition you can truly understand
The first mistake many people make is to start with a Quran in Arabic only without knowing how to read it, get frustrated and leave it on a shelf. If you do not yet master Arabic, the wisest thing is to start with an annotated translation in Spanish, so that you understand the message, and little by little incorporate the Arabic.
A highly recommended option to start with is The Quran, Commented Translation (Isa Garcia). It is in clear and approachable Spanish, with notes that explain the context of the verses, so you understand not only what it says, but why. For someone starting out, those notes make the difference between reading and understanding.
If you prefer language that is even more current and direct, another excellent alternative is The Quran, Interpretation in Current Spanish, designed so that the reading flows naturally in today's Spanish.
And if your wish is to start reading Arabic but you do not yet recognize the letters, you will find The Holy Quran Transliterated very useful, as it writes the sound of Arabic with Latin letters. This way you can pronounce the recitation little by little while you get used to the original script.
Step 2: start with short suras, not from the beginning
Many people open the Quran at the first page and run into Surah Al-Baqara, which is the longest, and lose heart within two days. You do not have to read it in order from cover to cover like a novel.
We propose a gentle start:
- Start with Al-Fatiha, the sura that opens the Quran and that you recite in every prayer. It is short, central and you will use it your whole life.
- Continue with the short suras at the end (those of juz 'Amma), such as Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas. They are brief, beautiful and easy to retain.
- Always read the meaning in Spanish alongside the text, so that each word touches your heart and does not remain only on your lips.
Step 3: create a small reading ritual
Consistency weighs more than quantity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that the deeds most beloved to Allah are the consistent ones, even if they are few. Five minutes every day build more than two hours on a single day and then nothing for weeks.
Some concrete ideas for your ritual:
- Choose a fixed time: after Fajr, before sleeping, or in a quiet pause during the day.
- Prepare a clean and quiet corner, even if it is small.
- Take care of your posture and your Quran. A Multifunctional Reading Stand helps you hold the book with respect, read comfortably without hunching over and keep your sessions longer without getting tired. It is a small detail that changes the experience a lot.
Step 4: read with the heart, not to finish quickly
Do not rush. The goal is not to boast about how many pages you got through, but to let the message in. When a verse speaks to you, stop. Reread it. Think about what Allah is saying to you, today, in your concrete life. That pause is where the real connection with the deen is born.
And if one day you do not understand something, it is fine. Note it down, ask, look for the commentary. Understanding comes with time, just like with any relationship that truly matters.
One final reminder
Starting to read the Quran is not an exam that you pass or fail. It is the beginning of a lifelong conversation. There will be easy days and days when you struggle to open the book; both are part of the path. What matters is that you come back, again and again, with humility and with love.
If you want to take that first step today, a clear and annotated translation like The Quran, Commented Translation (Isa Garcia) is a precious companion to begin with. Open it, read Al-Fatiha slowly, and let Allah do the rest. May Allah make the path easy for you and place love for His Book in your heart.
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