Learn to Read the Quran, Step by Step
A simple introduction to the Noorani Qaida, what the first lessons cover, and how to practise well.
What is the Noorani Qaida?
The Noorani Qaida is a beginner's primer for learning to read the Arabic of the Quran. It is used in many homes, madrasas and mosques, especially across South Asia, and it takes a learner step by step from single letters to reading full words.
Learning to read the Quran correctly starts with knowing each letter and its sound. This tool gives you a simple way to practise those first foundations on your phone or computer.
What this tool covers
- Letters: the 28 Arabic letters, with the sound of each one.
- Harakat: the short vowels fatha, kasra and damma.
- Tanween: the doubled vowel marks that add an “n” sound.
- Sukoon: the mark that closes a letter so it has no vowel.
- Shaddah: the mark that doubles a letter.
- Madd: the long vowels made with alif, ya and waw.
How to practise
Look at the card, say the sound out loud, and only then tap Show sound to check. Saying it first is what builds your memory, so try not to peek.
Arabic is read from right to left. When a card shows several forms, start from the one on the right.
Mark an item as learned when you can say it correctly without help. Come back to the ones you have not marked, and use Random to test yourself.
Learn with a teacher
Some Arabic sounds, such as the heavy letters and the throat letters, do not exist in English, and they are hard to learn from text alone. A qualified teacher can listen to you and correct your pronunciation.
The full Noorani Qaida also goes further than the lessons here. Use this tool to revise and practise alongside your teacher or your Qaida book.