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Lily Syahirah Ramlan
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22 May 2025
The question of how to understand the Quran requires an in-depth answer. It’s not just about the how, but the why.
The Quran was revealed over 1400 years ago, during the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a mercy, a guidance to all mankind. To understand Quran, one must set their intentions right and treat the progress as an ongoing lifelong journey instead of a final destination.
Had We sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought."(Qur’an 59:21)
One thing to remember: this is not a one-time journey of ‘I’m understanding the Quran so I can finish it’, or finding the ‘best way to learn Quran’ to chase the finish line.
It is a continuous journey of on how to study the Quran so you can appreciate its meanings, embody the principles and teachings and live a fulfilling life for the sake of Allah Almighty and His Beloved Messenger ﷺ.
Hence, here is a list of how to understand the Quran effectively and efficiently with the resources available around you, to help navigate your Quran learning journey with ease, Insha’Allah.
Everything begins with the right intention, especially when opening your mind, heart and soul to learn about the Quran. When the intention is clear and right, your heart and actions will follow suit, Insha’Allah.
In one of the most famous compilations of Hadith, known as the 40 Hadith of Imam An-Nawawi, it is stated that the first hadith is on intention.
"Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with the intention of Allah and His Messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and His Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for." [Bukhari & Muslim]
To learn the Quran for beginners also means choosing the right translation and tafsir. There are many kinds of translations and tafsir out there, but the well-known and beginner-friendly ones you can opt for are as follows:
1. Saheeh International
Why it’s great: Very accessible English with minimal archaic terms and jargons that can usually frustrate early learners of the Quran.
Tone: Neutral and easy-to-understand, without much commentary
2. The Clear Quran by Dr. Mustafa Khattab
Why it’s great: Translated with contemporary readers in mind, it uses modern English, as well as simple phrasing.
Extra value: Includes helpful headings for sections, background info, and some brief commentary to set the tone of how you’ll read the chapters in the Quran.
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Why it’s great: It has a smooth delivery, uses academic-level English without being too dense and overwhelming.
Style: Focuses on the meaning and message, rather than word-for-word.
1. Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Why it's recommended: Tafsir Ibn Kathir is one of the most famous classical tafsirs when it comes to understanding the Quran.
This tafsir explains the reasons for revelation (asbab al-nuzul), includes authentic hadiths and stories from the early generations.
To learn the Quran for beginners, it is best to stick to abridged versions or summarized editions, as the full set can be quite detailed.
2. Tafsir As-Sa'di (Abdur Rahman ibn Nasir As-Sa'di)
Why it's beginner-friendly: The tafsir is written in simple language and focuses on clarity and spiritual insight.
It also avoids lengthy debates and technical jargon, making it digestible for beginners of Quran learners.
Not only that, this tafsir also gives you a clear, heart-centered understanding of the Qur’an.
One of the ways to understand the Quran is by learning its language, the Arabic language.
Arabic is rich with cultural heritage, each word carrying deep meaning that transcends most languages. A simple word like ‘love’ has more than 10 ways of expressing it, and that is the reason why the Arabs back then, during the times of the Prophet,s were masterful in their art of poetry.
According to many studies done on the importance of habit, it takes 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic, and that includes the study of the Quran.
Why is this information important? Because forming that habit has a lot to do with the brain’s neuroplasticity.
So what is neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout your life.
Every time you repeat a thought or action (in this case, reading the Quran), the brain reinforces the neural pathway that supports it. Over time, that pathway becomes stronger and the behavior becomes automatic, a habit.
If you can only handle a verse from the Quran per day? Let that be your goal.
The most important thing is that you need to start somewhere, and that somewhere is now.
One of the most crucial ways on how to study the Quran is by understanding its context revelation (Asbab Al-Nuzul). Without making the effort in understanding the Quran from the contextual sense, it will lead to corruption and error in knowledge.
When corruption and error arise, readers may misinterpret verses, or worse, use those verses for political or self-interest in the name of worldly gains.
For example, one of the most infamous Quranic verses, which is commonly misinterpreted to justify extremism or terrorism, is:
“Kill them wherever you encounter them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, for persecution is more serious than killing. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they do fight you, kill them- this is what such disbelievers deserve-” [Quran 2:191]
This verse is also commonly used by people who see Islam as a religion of violence and terrorism, which is far from the truth.
Every Surah (Except Surah At-Tawba) begins with a Bismillah, the mention of Allah as the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
The Quran’s central core message is mercy and compassion - no doubt. Within the pages and in between verses are filled with hidden gems that all centre around the message of mercy.
To learn the Quran for beginners, It is a great start to understand the Quran’s core message, which can help strengthen one’s faith in Allah Almighty and embody the character of mercy and compassion.
Learning from a credible scholar is one of the most essential steps in learning the Quran for beginners. To begin your journey in learning anything, one must first consult with a knowledgeable scholar who can guide them step by step in the right direction.
The reason why is that the Internet can sometimes be an overwhelming digital space, oversaturated with information AND misinformation. That is why it is paramount to learn with a teacher when studying the Quran.
If you are in need of a knowledgeable teacher to begin your journey to learn about the Quran as a beginner, you may begin with the
analysis of Surah Al-Fatiha in our online course, guided by Shaykh Allie Khalfe, one of our esteemed instructors at SimplyIslam Academy.
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Reflections are much more important than you think when it comes to learning the Quran for beginners. It gives you a moment to ponder, making use of your intellectual faculty, to bring you through your thought process.
“We sent them with clear signs and scriptures. We have sent down the message to you too [Prophet], so that you can explain to people what was sent for them, so that they may reflect.” [Quran 16:44]
Allah Almighty has endowed us with ‘aql, and we should use it to its fullest potential, not only in our worldly affairs, but also in religion.
By thinking, pondering and reflecting, it gives us a chance to understand the realities of life and draw ourselves closer to Allah Almighty and His Beloved Messenger ﷺ.
One of the best ways to learn the Quran is through your auditory senses. Listening to something, especially in repetition, can enhance your memory retention and make it easier for you to recall the Surahs just by listening.
That is why it is encouraged for mothers to put on Quranic recitations for their newborns as it helps with not only soothing but to also to make them familiar of the sounds and recitations.
“It is He who made the night so that you can rest in it and the daylight so that you can see- there truly are signs in this for those who hear.” [Quran 10:67]
Understanding the Quran is a deeply rewarding journey, but one that comes with several common pitfalls if approached without care.
A frequent mistake is reading verses in isolation, without considering their historical and textual context, leading to misinterpretation—especially in verses dealing with law, conflict, or social issues.
Additionally, relying solely on translations can dilute or distort the original meanings found in the nuanced Arabic language. Many also fall into the trap of cherry-picking verses to support personal views or ignoring the broader message of the Qur’an, which is best understood holistically and in light of Sunnah and classical scholarly tafsir.
True understanding requires a balance of reflection (tadabbur), spiritual receptivity, and informed study. Engaging with the Qur’an sincerely, while respecting the scholarship and tradition surrounding it, opens the door to both knowledge and transformation.
Understanding without applying the teachings of the Quran is a missed opportunity.
The reason why we read or learn the Quran is not to just understand, but to embody the qualities taught from the stories of the Prophets (may peace be upon them all), as well as reminders directed to us as readers.
“What you have runs out but what God has endures, and We shall certainly reward those who remain steadfast according to the best of their actions.” [Quran 16:96]
Du’a is the best form of worship, and there are various du’as you can make to ask from Allah Almighty, especially in understanding the Quran.
Du’a is the best form of worship, and there are various du’as you can make to ask from Allah Almighty, especially in understanding the Quran.
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِيوَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِيوَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِييَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
"My Lord, expand for me my chest,And ease for me my task,And untie the knot from my tongue,That they may understand my speech."(Qur’an, Surah Taha 20:25–28)
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي حُكْمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ
"My Lord, grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous."(Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:83)
"My Lord, increase me in knowledge." (Qur’an, Surah Taha 20:114)
Last but not least, one of the best ways to learn the Quran is to join
online Quran courses or Quran classes to help you in your journey.
Why is this one of the best? You’re learning with an actual credible scholar who has great expertise in Quranic studies. You also have a structured syllabus created by the instructor themselves. If it’s a LIVE course? All the better, so you can engage with them if you have questions in real time.
Understanding the Quran is more than an academic exercise. It's a spiritual journey of the mind, heart and soul. As beginners of the Quran learners, we must approach the Quran with humility, sincerity, and a desire to grow closer to Allah.
There is no single "best way to learn the Quran" only the best way for you. Whether it's through listening to recitations, reading a verse a day, joining a study circle, or learning Arabic step by step, every effort counts.
Let your journey with the Quran be one of reflection, connection, and transformation. Start small, remain consistent, and always seek Allah’s Divine Guidance. In time, you’ll find that the Quran doesn’t just speak to you. It lives within you.
"Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." [Qur’an 17:9]
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