Do You Get Reward for Reading the Quran in Translation?

Question

If I find it difficult to pronounce Arabic words correctly, will reading the English translation of the Qur’an count as reading the Qur’an?

Short Summary

Reciting the Qur’an in Arabic is a unique act of worship that cannot be replaced by reading a translation. Translations are valuable for understanding but are not the Qur’an itself. Unintentional mistakes in pronunciation are not sinful and are rewarded when accompanied by sincere effort to improve. The best approach is to combine Arabic recitation for reward with translation for comprehension.

Key Points

• Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and reciting it in Arabic carries unique reward.

• Translations aid understanding but are not the Qur’an itself.

• Unintentional mistakes in pronunciation are not sinful.

• Struggling to recite earns double reward.

• Best practice: combine Arabic recitation with translation study.

Detailed Answer

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand.”
(Qur’an 12:2)

The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and reciting it in its original language is a distinct act of worship. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will have one good deed for it, and each good deed is multiplied by ten. I do not say that ‘Alif Lām Mīm’ is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lām is a letter, and Mīm is a letter.”
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī 2910)

This reward is specific to the Arabic text, whether or not the meaning is fully understood.

Translations: A Tool for Understanding

Translations convey the meaning of the Qur’an but are not the Qur’an itself. They are invaluable for reflection and implementation, yet they do not carry the same status or reward as reciting the Arabic revelation.

Mistakes in Pronunciation

If errors are unintentional and do not change the meaning, they are not sinful. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The one who recites the Qur’an and is skilled in it will be with the noble, righteous scribes, and the one who recites the Qur’an and stumbles over it, finding it difficult, will have a double reward.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 798)

Thus, your struggle brings two rewards: one for reciting and one for striving to improve.

Striving for Improvement

• Learn Tajwīd gradually, starting with common surahs.

• Listen to qualified reciters for correct pronunciation.

• Pair recitation with translation to connect meaning with sound.

This way, you preserve the spiritual reward of Arabic recitation and deepen your understanding.

What This Means for You

Don’t let fear of mistakes stop you from reciting. Every sincere attempt is rewarded  and combining Arabic recitation with translation helps you gain both spiritual reward and comprehension.

And Allah Knows Best

References

Primary Sources:

• Qur’an 12:2

• Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī 2910

• Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 798

Secondary Sources:

• Classical tafsīr works on Qur’an 12:2

• Scholarly commentaries on hadith regarding recitation reward