Reading the Qur’an in Persian Without Knowing Arabic

Question

Can I read the Qur’an in Persian if I don’t understand Arabic?

Bottom Line

Persian helps you understand, but salah and reward are tied to Arabic recitation.

Quick Answer

You may read the Qur’an in Persian to grasp its meaning. Translations are valuable tools, but they are tafsīr (interpretations), not the Qur’an itself. The reward promised for each letter applies only to Arabic. In ṣalāh, recitation must be in Arabic. Still, using Persian alongside Arabic strengthens reflection and learning.

Key Points

• Persian translations are interpretations, not the Qur’an itself.
• Reading in Persian for understanding is rewarded and praiseworthy.
• The hadith about reward for each letter applies only to Arabic recitation.
• In ṣalāh, Qur’anic recitation must be in Arabic.
• Learning basic Arabic gradually is highly encouraged for all Muslims.

Detailed Answer

Reading a Persian translation is praiseworthy and helps you understand Allah’s message, but the original Arabic is the Qur’an itself. Arabic recitation carries a special reward and is required in prayer, while Persian supports comprehension and reflection.

Translations and Understanding

The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic with unmatched eloquence and divine precision. Translations, whether Persian, English, or any other language, are tafsīr (interpretations) that help Muslims understand Allah’s guidance but cannot fully replace the Arabic original.

Reading in Persian is a valid and rewarding effort to connect with the message. It enables reflection, comprehension, and practice of Allah’s commands. This brings reward, though it is different from the unique reward tied to Arabic recitation.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive one good deed as ten good deeds like it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is one letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2910

This hadith refers specifically to Arabic letters, which carry their own merit.

Recitation in Prayer

For ṣalāh, the Qur’an must be recited in Arabic. Translation cannot replace it. While the early Hanafi school allowed new Muslims to pray using translations temporarily, the established ruling is that every Muslim must learn essential Arabic recitation, especially *Surah al-Fātiḥah*.

Therefore, Persian can be used for study and reflection, but learning Arabic is part of preserving the Qur’an’s divine form in worship.

What This Means for You

Read the Qur’an in Persian to understand and reflect, but also work towards learning Arabic for recitation in prayer. Combining both brings double benefit: a reward for comprehension and a special reward for Arabic recitation.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 41:44 : The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, but its guidance is for all.
• Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2910: A Single recited letter is ten good deeds

Secondary Sources

• Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-ʿAzim : Classical commentary explaining the value of reflection and translation.