The Quran: A Guide for New Readers
Welcome to Quran.com
You are invited to explore a text that has formed the basis of a world civilization. Some two billion Muslims around the world believe in it as the words of Almighty God, revealed to His final messenger to humanity, Muhammad ﷺ (peace and blessings be upon him) to guide humanity for all times.
Whatever your personal beliefs and background, there are plenty of reasons to explore the Quran and understand its message and major themes. Many people have opened it in curiosity and found it speaking to their heart about who we are as human beings, where we come from, and what lies beyond this life.
Here we share some suggestions about how to approach your journey through the Quran, along with some selections that will give you a taste of what lies within this unique Book.
˹This is˺ a blessed Book which We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ so that they may contemplate its verses, and people of reason may be mindful.
https://quran.com/38/29
Setting Expectations
Getting Started
1) The Early Quran
2) Signs in Creation
3) The Messenger and his times
4) Stories of the Past
5) Ethics and Regulations
6) The Life to Come
Setting Expectations
The Quran is not a typical book, and people who are used to religious or other texts may need to understand a few points in order to appreciate what they find when they begin reading it.
First, it is important to know that the Quran was not ‘written’ conventionally, but instead it came as spoken words delivered by an angel (Gabriel, or in Arabic: Jibril) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who then recited it to his followers, and instructed that it be preserved in writing too. The order of these revelations is different from the final order in which the Book was compiled.
Here there are two more important things to highlight:
The Quran was revealed in Arabic, so any translation that you read (e.g. in English) is merely a human attempt to convey its basic meanings. This is incomparable to the eloquence and depth of the original revelation.
The oral aspect of the Quran remains important (you can click to hear recitations on this website), and translations inevitably lose a great deal of the effect experienced in Arabic, especially when recited aloud.
The Quran is an extended discourse made up of 114 chapters called ‘surahs’. Each surah has a broad theme and may touch on various topics. While readers familiar with the Bible (for example) might expect the Quran to tell a story that begins with Creation, and take the reader up to the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Quran actually weaves its stories in between its broader messages, and not necessarily in historical order.
Another key issue in engaging with the Quran is to understand it as a universal message which was, nevertheless, revealed within a particular place and time. Many of its points are readily understood as universal, while others may require more thought when it comes to connecting the events of history with our contemporary reality, as any believer seeking the Quran’s guidance will try to do.
Since the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, one of its striking features is that we often find words within the text which address him directly, and through him to all those who hear and read the Quran. That is how to understand personal pronouns such as ‘you’, which some translators show with parenthesis to refer to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. An exception is the Opening Surah, in which the believers are taught to speak to Allah (the One God) directly with these words:
All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help. Guide us along the Straight Path,
the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.
https://quran.com/1
Getting Started
The natural place to start with any book is at the beginning. However, the Quran can be approached from many directions, especially when it is experienced online, rather than as a conventional book with bound pages. Indeed, Muslims often read and recite different surahs (chapters) in any order, and commonly begin to study and memorize the smaller ones at the ‘end’ of the Quran.
In the rest of this short guide, we will share some example passages which introduce you to the major themes and types of discourse you will encounter in the Quran when you begin to read it systematically, e.g. by starting at Surah 1 (‘The Opening’) and proceeding through towards Surah 114 (‘Mankind’).
We encourage you to approach this reading with an open mind and a readiness to appreciate the spiritual guidance revealed in the Quran, which builds upon revelations sent to many prophets before, especially the messages of Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them).
We also suggest following the reading plan and resources found at Quran.com/calendar - this is designed to take a little less than a year, but you can choose a slower or faster pace. We also have The Divine Book Club podcast (46 episodes here on YouTube) which follows this plan and provides important context and clarifications for readers of any level.
Some of the translations on this website include footnotes with helpful points, and further details can be found by clicking on the book icon for ‘Tafsir’ - these are explanations by scholars from past centuries or recent times, which discuss the meanings and implications of the text.
1) The Early Quran
Let’s begin our encounter with the Quran through some of its shorter surahs, which were revealed to Muhammad ﷺ at the outset of his appointment as a Prophet. In these revelations, we hear him being called as a Messenger to his people (the Makkan Arabs) and all humanity.
Around 86 (out of 114) surahs are classed as ‘Makkan’, meaning that they were revealed before the Prophet ﷺ and his followers escaped the persecution they faced in his home town, and established themselves in the more northern city of Madinah. Surahs revealed after this migration (around 28, which tend to be longer) are called ‘Madinan’.
Notice in these early surahs that there is a clear emphasis on core tenets of belief, especially the oneness and uniqueness of Almighty God, and the reality of resurrection, judgement and life after death. There is a strong sense of urgency, as the people listening to the message are being called to pay attention before it is too late.
2) Signs in Creation
Another key feature of the Quran (often overlooked) is its repeated call to reflect on God’s signs, which are to be observed in the world around us, and studied all the more deeply as our scientific methods develop. This goes hand in hand with reflection on revealed scripture, which helps us to reach rational conclusions about God, ourselves and the universe.
An important principle to remember is that the Quran is the speech of the Creator of the world, so there can be no error in what He says about His own creation. Some descriptions are clearly intended to be understood figuratively, as the Quran speaks primarily as a spiritual discourse that appeals to what people see around them. There are numerous cases where the subtle language of the Quran not only avoids error and contradiction, but points to realities which were only discovered in detail many centuries later.
Here are some example passages: they come from both early and later surahs, as reflecting on creation is a continuous need for the believer as well as every seeker of truth and beauty.
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason: those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.”
https://quran.com/3/190-191
One of His signs is that He created you from dust, then—behold!—you are human beings spreading over ˹the earth˺. And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect. And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. Surely in this are signs for those of ˹sound˺ knowledge.
And one of His signs is your sleep by night and by day ˹for rest˺ as well as your seeking His bounty ˹in both˺. Surely in this are signs for people who listen. And one of His signs is that He shows you lightning, inspiring ˹you with˺ hope and fear. And He sends down rain from the sky, reviving the earth after its death. Surely in this are signs for people who understand.
And one of His signs is that the heavens and the earth persist by His command. Then when He calls you out of the earth just once, you will instantly come forth. And to Him belong all those in the heavens and the earth—all are subject to His Will. And He is the One Who originates the creation then will resurrect it—which is even easier for Him. To Him belong the finest attributes in the heavens and the earth. And He is the Almighty, All-Wise.
https://quran.com/30/20-27
He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky, from which you drink and by which plants grow for your cattle to graze. With it He produces for you ˹various˺ crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and every type of fruit. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect. And He has subjected for your benefit the day and the night, the sun and the moon. And the stars have been subjected by His command. Surely in this are signs for those who understand. And ˹He subjected˺ for you whatever He has created on earth of varying colours. Surely in this is a sign for those who are mindful.
And He is the One Who has subjected the sea, so from it you may eat tender seafood and extract ornaments to wear. And you see the ships ploughing their way through it, so you may seek His bounty and give thanks ˹to Him˺. He has placed into the earth firm mountains, so it does not shake with you, as well as rivers, and pathways so you may find your way. Also by landmarks and stars do people find their way.
Can the One Who creates be equal to those who do not? Will you not then be mindful? If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
https://quran.com/16/10-18
O humanity! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then ˹know that˺ We did create you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then ˹developed you into˺ a clinging clot, then a lump of flesh—fully formed or unformed—in order to demonstrate ˹Our power˺ to you. ˹Then˺ We settle whatever ˹embryo˺ We will in the womb for an appointed term, then bring you forth as infants, so that you may reach your prime. Some of you ˹may˺ die ˹young˺, while others are left to reach the most feeble stage of life so that they may know nothing after having known much. And you see the earth lifeless, but as soon as We send down rain upon it, it begins to stir ˹to life˺ and swell, producing every type of pleasant plant. That is because Allah ˹alone˺ is the Truth, He ˹alone˺ gives life to the dead, and He ˹alone˺ is Most Capable of everything.
https://quran.com/22/5-6
3) The Messenger and his Times
As described and seen above, many verses in the Quran speak to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and direct their message to the people in his name. Much of its discourse concerns those he was sent to convince of God’s oneness (the idol-worshipping Arabs), as well as ‘People of Scripture’ (Jews and Christians) who were called to renew their covenant with Almighty God by following His final messenger, Muhammad ﷺ and the guidance revealed to complement earlier revelations.
Some passages discuss events which were taking place during the revelation of the Quran, which spanned some 23 years from the first revelation until just before the Prophet ﷺ passed away. Some of this concerns conflict which arose between the Muslim believers (in Madinah) and their opponents (mainly in Makkah), so some surahs have lengthy sections encouraging the Muslims to be brave in defending their faith and community, and addressing issues which arose in battle.
To understand these parts of the Quran well, it is useful to access exegetical (Tafsir) literature, although footnotes to detailed translations may provide the essentials. More detail can be found in works focused on the Prophetic biography (Sirah). For readers in today’s world, which unfortunately still faces war and other tribulations, such passages serve as a reminder that people of faith must stand for what is right and uphold justice and mercy.
Here are some examples of passages rooted in the context of the era of revelation.
Responding to contentions of the unbelievers:
And We have truly set forth every ˹kind of˺ lesson for humanity in this Quran, yet most people persist in disbelief. They challenge ˹the Prophet˺, “We will never believe in you until you cause a spring to gush forth from the earth for us, or until you have a garden of palm trees and vineyards, and cause rivers to flow abundantly in it, or cause the sky to fall upon us in pieces, as you have claimed, or bring Allah and the angels before us, face to face, or until you have a house of gold, or you ascend into heaven—and even then we will not believe in your ascension until you bring down to us a book that we can read.”
Say, “Glory be to my Lord! Am I not only a human messenger?”
A moment of misplaced attention while calling to Islam:
He frowned and turned ˹his attention˺ away, ˹simply˺ because the blind man came to him ˹interrupting˺. You never know ˹O Prophet˺, perhaps he may be purified, or he may be mindful, benefitting from the reminder.
As for the one who was indifferent, you gave him your ˹undivided˺ attention, even though you are not to blame if he would not be purified. But as for the one who came to you, eager ˹to learn˺, being in awe ˹of Allah˺, you were inattentive to him. But no! This ˹revelation˺ is truly a reminder, so let whoever wills be mindful of it.
https://quran.com/80/1-12
The ‘Night Journey’ to Jerusalem then to the heavens:
Glory be to the One Who took His servant ˹Muhammad˺ by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
https://quran.com/17/1
By the stars when they fade away! Your fellow man ˹the Prophet˺ is neither misguided nor astray. Nor does he speak of his own whims: it is only a revelation sent down ˹to him˺.
He has been taught by one ˹angel˺ of mighty power and great perfection, who once rose to ˹his˺ true form while on the highest point above the horizon, then he approached ˹the Prophet˺, coming so close that he was only two arms-lengths away or even less. Then Allah revealed to His servant what He revealed ˹through Gabriel˺.
The ˹Prophet’s˺ heart did not doubt what he saw. How can you ˹O pagans˺ then dispute with him regarding what he saw?
https://quran.com/53/11-12
The command to face Makkah in prayer after a period of time facing Jerusalem:
Indeed, We see you ˹O Prophet˺ turning your face towards heaven. Now We will make you turn towards a direction ˹of prayer˺ that will please you. So turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque ˹in Mecca˺—wherever you are, turn your faces towards it. Those who were given the Scripture certainly know this to be the truth from their Lord. And Allah is never unaware of what they do.
Even if you were to bring every proof to the People of the Book, they would not accept your direction ˹of prayer˺, nor would you accept theirs; nor would any of them accept the direction ˹of prayer˺ of another. And if you were to follow their desires after ˹all˺ the knowledge that has come to you, then you would certainly be one of the wrongdoers. Those We have given the Scripture recognize this ˹Prophet˺ as they recognize their own children. Yet a group of them hides the truth knowingly.
https://quran.com/2/144-146
The first battle between the Muslims and the Makkans (at Badr):
Similarly, when your Lord brought you ˹O Prophet˺ out of your home for a just cause, a group of believers was totally against it. They disputed with you about the truth after it had been made clear, as if they were being driven to death with their eyes wide open.
˹Remember, O believers,˺ when Allah promised ˹to give˺ you the upper hand over either target, you wished to capture the unarmed party. But it was Allah’s Will to establish the truth by His Words and uproot the disbelievers; to firmly establish the truth and wipe out falsehood—even to the dismay of the wicked.
˹Remember˺ when you cried out to your Lord for help, He answered, “I will reinforce you with a thousand angels—followed by many others.” And Allah made this a sign of victory and reassurance to your hearts. Victory comes only from Allah. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
https://quran.com/8/5-10
The ‘Battle of the Trench’ when Madinah was besieged:
O believers! Remember Allah’s favour upon you when ˹enemy˺ forces came to ˹besiege˺ you ˹in Medina˺, so We sent against them a ˹bitter˺ wind and forces you could not see. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. ˹Remember˺ when they came at you from east and west, when your eyes grew wild ˹in horror˺ and your hearts jumped into your throats, and you entertained ˹conflicting˺ thoughts about Allah. Then and there the believers were put to the test, and were violently shaken.
https://quran.com/33/9-11
The Prophet’s wife is slandered then exonerated:
Indeed, those who came up with that ˹outrageous˺ slander are a group of you. Do not think this is bad for you. Rather, it is good for you. They will be punished, each according to their share of the sin. As for their mastermind, he will suffer a tremendous punishment. If only the believing men and women had thought well of one another, when you heard this ˹rumour˺, and said, “This is clearly ˹an outrageous˺ slander!” Why did they not produce four witnesses? Now, since they have failed to produce witnesses, they are ˹truly˺ liars in the sight of Allah.
Had it not been for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you in this world and the Hereafter, you would have certainly been touched with a tremendous punishment for what you plunged into—when you passed it from one tongue to the other, and said with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, taking it lightly while it is ˹extremely˺ serious in the sight of Allah.
https://quran.com/24/11-18
4) Stories of the Past
The Quran appeals to a universal history in which people have always been called to worship God alone and live this life in preparation for the Hereafter. It tells of many Prophets (around 25 are named in the Quran) who carried this unified message, all of which reinforces the points being made by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and those who follow him. The story of humanity opens with the creation of Adam and the enmity shown to him by the devil (see e.g. 2:30 onwards).
Stories in the Quran often contain limited details, as the reader is expected to focus on their morals and lessons. Another distinctive feature of their presentation is that the same story and personality (e.g. Prophet Moses) may be referred to in many surahs, with different parts told in different places. The same incident may be retold in two or more surahs, with small variations which suit the purpose in each.
One exception is the story of Prophet Joseph, which is told in a more conventional way within one surah. That may be a suitable starting point to appreciate some of the dynamics and purposes of stories in the Quran. It opens with a few verses about the Quran itself, before starting with a young man’s dream which would eventually come to pass.
We relate to you ˹O Prophet˺ the best of stories through Our revelation of this Quran, though before this you were totally unaware ˹of them˺.
˹Remember˺ when Joseph said to his father, “O my dear father! Indeed I dreamt of eleven stars, and the sun, and the moon—I saw them prostrating to me!” He replied, “O my dear son! Do not relate your vision to your brothers, or they will devise a plot against you. Surely Satan is a sworn enemy to humankind. And so will your Lord choose you ˹O Joseph˺, and teach you the interpretation of dreams, and perfect His favour upon you and the descendants of Jacob—˹just˺ as He once perfected it upon your forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. Surely your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
Indeed, in the story of Joseph and his brothers there are lessons for all who ask.
Read more of this story → https://quran.com/12
5) Ethics and Regulations
Some people may have an assumption about religious texts and think that the Quran is full of rules, but this is actually only part of its purpose. Passages containing commandments and prohibitions can be found more commonly and with more detail in the later, Madinan surahs, as by now there was a community who could implement the rules of worship and collective life.
The broad scheme of Quranic ethics and law starts with each individual’s relationship with, and responsibility towards, his or her Creator. There is repeated emphasis on fulfilling prayer (Salah) in its proper times, and giving from one’s wealth for communal needs (Zakah). These are two of the famous ‘Five Pillars’ of Islam, and more detail about their requirements is found in the Sunnah, the recorded teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which explain and expand on what was revealed in the Quran.
The Quran calls believers—and all people—to uphold justice and treat others well, recognizing both the rights of God and the rights of people. These principles extend to various aspects of life, including family matters like marriage and divorce, fair dealings in trade, and legal consequences for major crimes, all aimed at establishing a just and compassionate society.
It should be kept in mind that Islamic law is based upon these texts among other key sources and juristic methods used by qualified scholars and judges. It is important not to take individual verses out of context, or forget that some require explanation and are not to be taken literally.
Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, ˹genuine˺ prayer should deter ˹one˺ from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is ˹an˺ even greater ˹deterrent˺. And Allah ˹fully˺ knows what you ˹all˺ do.
https://quran.com/29/45
Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
https://quran.com/9/60
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramadan˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
https://quran.com/2/185
Complete the Pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for Allah. But if prevented ˹from proceeding˺, then ˹offer˺ whatever sacrificial animals you can afford. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal reaches its destination. But if any of you is ill or has a scalp ailment ˹requiring shaving˺, then compensate either by fasting, charity, or a sacrificial offering. In times of peace, you may combine the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage then make the sacrificial offering you can afford. Whoever cannot afford that ˹offering˺, let them fast three days during pilgrimage and seven after returning ˹home˺—completing ten. These offerings are for those who do not live near the Sacred House. And be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is severe in punishment.
https://quran.com/2/196
6) The Life to Come
We have already seen that this is a key theme in the earlier revelations (in Makkah) and beyond. The Scripture opens a window onto another reality, indeed the reality that will make this temporary, transient life seem like a dream one day.
When pondering the passages about the Garden(s) of Paradise and the Fire of Hell, one should bear in mind that our limited minds and experiences in this world cannot truly grasp those realities until we progress into the next world. While some specifics are described, the overarching principle is that every righteous person, male or female, will have whatever they desire, and the highest delight is to look upon God Himself.
So Allah will deliver them from the horror of that Day, and grant them radiance and joy, and reward them for their perseverance with a Garden ˹in Paradise˺ and ˹garments of˺ silk. There they will be reclining on ˹canopied˺ couches, never seeing scorching heat or bitter cold. The Garden’s shade will be right above them, and its fruit will be made very easy to reach. They will be waited on with silver vessels and cups of crystal—crystalline silver, filled precisely as desired. And they will be given a drink ˹of pure wine˺ flavored with ginger from a spring there, called Salsabil.
They will be waited on by eternal youths. If you saw them, you would think they were scattered pearls. And if you looked around, you would see ˹indescribable˺ bliss and a vast kingdom. The virtuous will be ˹dressed˺ in garments of fine green silk and rich brocade, and adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a purifying drink. ˹And they will be told,˺ “All this is surely a reward for you. Your striving has been appreciated.”
https://quran.com/76/11-22
That is that. And the transgressors will certainly have the worst destination: Hell, where they will burn. What an evil place to rest! Let them then taste this: boiling water and ˹oozing˺ pus, and other torments of the same sort! ˹The misleaders will say to one another,˺ “Here is a crowd ˹of followers˺ being thrown in with us. They are not welcome, ˹for˺ they ˹too˺ will burn in the Fire.” The followers will respond, “No! You are not welcome! You brought this upon us. What an evil place for settlement!” Adding, “Our Lord! Whoever brought this upon us, double their punishment in the Fire.”
The tyrants will ask ˹one another˺, “But why do we not see those we considered to be lowly? Were we wrong in mocking them ˹in the world˺? Or do our eyes ˹just˺ fail to see them ˹in the Fire˺?” This dispute between the residents of the Fire will certainly come to pass.
https://quran.com/38/55-64
Thank you for reading
We hope that your experience of reading the Quran will be enhanced by this short guide. If you have further questions, you may find them answered at our About the Quran page. Please make use of the resources here at Quran.com and we are always at your service.