Permissible to read Qur’an without understanding?

Question

Is it permissible to read the Qur’an without understanding its meanings?

Bottom Line

Reciting the Qur’an without understanding is rewarded, but the goal is to learn, reflect, and let it transform you.

Quick Answer

You may recite the Qur’an even if you don’t know Arabic or understand every word. Recitation itself is worship. For greater benefit, reflect on its meanings, use tafseer, and seek guidance from scholars and reliable media like Qur’an-learning apps or lectures.

Key Points

• Reciting the Qur’an without understanding is valid worship.
• Reflecting on its meaning is encouraged and brings inner benefit.
• Use tafseer books, language aids, trusted scholars, and digital platforms to enhance understanding.

Detailed Answer

Introduction

Reciting the Qur’an is an act of worship and virtue even without comprehension. Yet Islam encourages believers to go beyond recitation, to ponder, understand, and act. The two pillars are recitation and reflection, linked by knowledge.

Ruling from the Qur’an and Sunnah

Allah says:

“This is a Book We have revealed, blessed, so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” It’s meant to be pondered over: Qur’an 38:29.

He also warns:

“Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up?” Qur’an 47:24

From the Sunnah

Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: “Reciting without understanding is permissible, but one should strive to ponder, refer to tafseer, study Arabic, and ask scholars for benefit, then act according to what is understood.”

Recommended Resources

• Learn tafseer and Arabic through classical works such as
  Tafsir Ibn Kathir,
  Tafsir al-Tabari, and
  Tafsir al-Muyassar.
• Use trusted online platforms:
  • Quranly – word-by-word translation, audio, and tafseer features.
  • Bayyinah TV – structured courses on Qur’an, linguistics, and tafseer.
  • Nouman Ali Khan – Qur’an reflections and tafseer lectures.
  • Zakir Naik – talks on Qur’an and Islamic guidance.

Do’s and Don’ts: Enhance Your Recitation

What This Means for You

Recitation brings reward, even without understanding. But to turn it into guidance, engage in reflection, use online tools, study tafseer, and apply what you learn. Make recitation a source of closeness to Allah, not just words.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 38:29 – The Qur’an invites pondering over its verses.
• Qur’an 47:24 – Reflection is essential.

Scholarly Reference

• Shaykh Ibn Baz, Fatāwā: Ruling permitting recitation without understanding, while encouraging tafseer and reflection.

Modern Research & Reports

• Scoping Review (2022): Qur’an recitation, listening, and memorization deliver holistic benefits. Recitation brings solace, listening reduces stress, and memorization enhances cognition and community bonds.
• Clinical Review: Qur’an recitation and listening significantly reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, acting as effective non-pharmacological therapies.
• Cognitive Neuroscience Study: Memorizing the Qur’an improves memory, attention, and verbal fluency, with positive structural brain changes.
• Malaysian Study: Qur’an memorization is linked to higher serotonin levels, improved IQ, and overall quality of life.