For many new or returning readers, the Qur’an can feel vast and overwhelming—where do you even begin? What is the best way to read the Qur’an?
This guide is here to help you.
Firstly, always remember, the Qur’an is not a book to be read cover to cover like a novel and put away. Rather, it is Divine guidance, layered in wisdom, designed to build you up—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. And it’s something to go back to again and again.
This guide outlines a natural progression—starting from the short, heartfelt surahs most often used in prayer, to deeper, reflective chapters filled with meaning and spiritual nourishment, and eventually, to the longer, more detailed passages that instruct the heart, mind, and behaviour of the believer.
The Different Types of Chapters
The Qur’an is made up of different types of chapters. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I was granted the seven lengthy-ones in place of the Torah (Tawraat), the hundred-ones in place of the Psalms (Zaboor), the oft-repeated ones in places of the Gospel (Injeel), and I have been uniquely honoured with the detailed-ones.”
The lengthy-ones (Al-Tiwaal) are Surah al-Baqarah (Ch. 2), Surah Ale Imran (Ch. 3), Surah al-Nisaa (Ch. 4), Surah al-Ma’idah (Ch. 5), Surah al-An’aam (Ch. 6), Surah al-A’raaf (Ch. 7), Surah al-Anfaal and Surah al-Tawbah (Chs. 8 and 9 - considered one chapter).
The hundred-ones (Al-Mi’oon) are those chapters which have 100 verses or more.
The oft-repeated ones (Al-Mathaani) are those chapters with less than 100 verses until Surah al-Hujuraat (Ch. 49).
The detailed-ones (Al-Mufassal) are those chapters from Surah al-Hujuraat (Ch. 49) until Surah al-Naas (Ch. 114).
1. Begin with Short Surahs in Juz ʿAmma (Part 30) + Surah al-Fati’hah
Starting with Surah al-Fati’hah (the Opening Chapter) is a good way to approach the Qur’an. This first chapter is short, but all-inclusive of what the Qur’an talks about.
Then, going to the back to the 30th part of the Qur’an, known as Juz ʿAmma, is widely advised for beginners. This section contains short chapters (Surahs) that are easier to memorize and frequently recited in daily prayers, such as:
- Surah Al-Fati'hah (Ch. 1)
- Surah Al-Ikhlaas (Ch. 112)
- Surah Al-Falaq (Ch. 113)
- Surah Al-Naas (Ch. 114)
These Surahs introduce foundational Islamic concepts and help build confidence in reading Qur’anic messages. They introduce core topics of Divine Scripture, building a strong, impactful foundation in your understanding of the Qur’an.
These are the detailed (Al-Mufassal) chapters.
2. Progress to Medium-Length Surahs
After becoming comfortable with shorter chapters, gradually move to medium-length Surahs that are rich in meaning and commonly recited, such as:
- Surah Yāsīn (Chapter 36)
- Surah Al-Mulk (Chapter 67)
Essentially, all these medium-length chapters help build your understanding of God, the Prophets, religion and spirituality.
These chapters offer deeper insights and are often recommended for their spiritual benefits.
A lot of these are recited daily. Like:
- Surah Yasin (Chapter 36)
- Surah Al-Rahmaan (Chapter 55)
- Surah Al-Waqi’ah (Chapter 56)
- Surah Al-Sajdah (Chapter 32)
These are the Al-Mathaani (oft-repeated) and Al-Mufassal (detailed) chapters.
3. Advance to Longer Surahs
With growing familiarity, begin reading longer chapters that delve into comprehensive Divine guidance and narratives:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2)
- Surah Āl ʿImrān (Chapter 3)
- Surah Al-Nisa (Chapter 4)
- Surah al-Mai’dah (Chapter 5)
These Surahs cover various aspects of faith, law, and morality, providing a broader understanding of the laws of God. These chapters cover a lot of legal matters, stories, counsel, and advice for the believers. They push you to good action.
Where the shorter and medium-length chapters build your mindset, the longer chapters build your actions—such as your prayer, your purification, charity, social conduct, relationships with people, etc.
These are the Al-Tiwaal (lengthy) and Al-Mi’oon (hundred) chapters.
Gradual Enlightenment
By following this guide, it will help you unlock the Qur’an and become enlightened. Approaching the Qur’an is all about building a lifelong relationship with the Divine Word.
Let each surah guide you deeper into the mercy, wisdom, and light of God. Let the Qur’an be your companion in moments of peace and struggle, in reflection and prayer, in joy and tears. It was revealed to bring your heart to life.
This is your journey. Walk it gently, consistently, and with sincerity—and the Qur’an will open doors of guidance and love that you never imagined.