Which Surahs Should a New Muslim Learn First?

A new Muslim usually learns Surah Al-Fatiha first, because it is recited in prayer, followed by a few short surahs such as Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, Al-Kawthar and Al-Asr. After that, many teachers suggest Ayat al-Kursi and other short surahs, building slowly. A teacher or local scholar can advise on what is most useful for your prayer.

First: Surah Al-Fatiha

Al-Fatiha is the opening chapter and is recited in the prayer, which is why teachers start there. It is short, and you will be reciting it many times a day, so it benefits most from being learned accurately from the start, with correct pronunciation. Many scholars teach that it is a core part of the prayer. If you want to know exactly what applies to your situation, ask a scholar you trust.

Next: a handful of short surahs

Short surahs from the end of the Quran are easy to learn and are commonly used in prayer. A typical sequence is:

• Al-Ikhlas (112), a short surah about the oneness of God.
• Al-Falaq (113) and An-Nas (114), often recited for protection.
• Al-Kawthar (108), the shortest surah.
• Al-Asr (103), a brief, powerful reminder.
• Al-Kafirun (109), An-Nasr (110) and Quraysh (106) as further short options.

These give you variety for prayer without a heavy memorisation load. Teachers often order them by length and difficulty rather than any fixed rule.

Then: Ayat al-Kursi and other well-known verses

Ayat al-Kursi (verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah) is much loved and often learned after the short surahs. Many Muslims also learn the closing verses of Al-Baqarah. They are longer, so they suit a learner who has a few surahs behind them. Take these at your own pace.

It helps to know what each short surah is about, because meaning makes memorising easier and prayer more present. Al-Ikhlas speaks of the oneness of God. Al-Falaq and An-Nas are about seeking refuge in God. Al-Kawthar is a short surah about abundance and gratitude. Al-Asr is a reminder about time, faith, good deeds, truth and patience. Your teacher can share a short explanation of each as you learn it, in language suited to you.

Reading comes first

Memorising works best on top of accurate reading. If you cannot yet read Arabic script, start with the letters through Noorani Qaida while you learn Al-Fatiha by listening. Many new Muslims learn the first surahs by ear with a teacher while their reading catches up, which is a perfectly normal way to begin. See Quran classes for new Muslims and our page for new Muslims for more.

Many new Muslims begin with transliteration, which writes the Arabic sounds in English letters. It can be a bridge in the first days, but it has limits: English spelling cannot show every Arabic sound, so it can lock in mistakes. The better habit is to move steadily towards the Arabic script, using transliteration less and less as you learn the letters. A teacher can listen and correct your pronunciation, which no written aid can do. You will probably be reading the script surprisingly soon.

How to learn each surah

• Listen to a reciter or your teacher several times.
• Learn a verse at a time, saying it aloud.
• Link the verses together, then recite the whole surah.
• Revise a little each day. Short surahs fade quickly if left alone.

The memorisation tips and the guide to starting Hifz go into this further.

Remember the other parts of prayer

Surahs are only part of what you recite in prayer. You will also learn the words of the takbir, the tashahhud and the other phrases in the prayer. A local imam, a teacher or a trusted guide can help with these. You do not have to learn everything at once.

As for pace, there is no required number. Many learners add one short surah every week or two while revising the earlier ones each day, and some go slower. What matters is that each surah is accurate and that you keep revising. Learning five surahs well is better than half-learning ten. If you are anxious about what you ought to know, a teacher or local imam can tell you what is relevant to your situation.

Be patient with yourself

New Muslims are often anxious about being behind. There is no deadline, and every verse learned with care is a step forward. If you would like a patient, one-to-one teacher, you can read our adult Quran classes page. Lessons cost $4 for 30 minutes, $9 for 60 minutes or $15 for 90 minutes, and you can book a free trial class without a card.

Frequently asked questions

Which surah should a new Muslim learn first?

Most teachers begin with Surah Al-Fatiha, since it is recited in prayer, and then move to short surahs such as Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas.

Do I need to learn Arabic to memorise these surahs?

No. You can learn them by listening and repeating with a teacher while you learn to read the letters. Understanding the language can come later.

How many surahs should I learn for prayer?

This is a question for a scholar or your teacher, as it depends on your situation. Many beginners start with Al-Fatiha and a few short surahs and build from there.