Noorani Qaida course: learn to read Arabic step by step
Noorani Qaida is where almost everyone starts. It teaches the Arabic letters and how to read them, one small step at a time, until you can open the Quran and read it yourself. Children and adults learn it the same way: one-to-one, with a teacher correcting every sound.
One-to-one · 30-minute lessons · UK time · from £25 a month
What the Noorani Qaida covers
The Qaida builds reading skill in a fixed order. Each stage uses only what has already been taught, so nothing feels like a jump:
| Stage | What you learn | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Single letters | The 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet, each pronounced from its correct point of articulation. | ا ب ت ث |
| Joined letters | How letters change shape at the start, middle and end of a word. | بـ ـبـ ـب |
| Disjointed letters | The letters that open some surahs, read letter by letter. | الٓمٓ |
| Short vowels (harakat) | Fathah, kasrah and dammah, the three short vowel sounds. | بَ بِ بُ |
| Tanween | Doubled vowels that add an "n" sound at the end of a word. | بً بٍ بٌ |
| Long vowels (madd) | Lengthening with alif, waw and yaa, including the standing vowels. | بَا بِي بُو |
| Sukoon | A letter with no vowel, joined to the letter before it. | اَبْ |
| Shaddah | A doubled letter, pronounced with emphasis. | رَبِّ |
| Reading practice | Words and short phrases from the Quran, combining everything above. | بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ |
Lesson by lesson
In each 30-minute lesson the teacher reads a line, you repeat it, and the teacher corrects you until it is right. You then read the next part yourself, and the teacher marks where to practise before the next lesson. Young children usually cover a small amount each time; adults often move faster. Either way, you only move on when the current page is secure.
How long it takes
There is no fixed timetable. Progress depends on age, how many lessons you take each week and how much you practise between them. Many learners with regular lessons finish the Qaida within a few months. Realistic timelines for every stage are in how long it takes to learn the Quran.
Tajweed qaida: rules from the start
Our teachers teach the Qaida with tajweed from the first page. That means pronouncing each letter from its proper place (makharij), holding long vowels for the right length, and learning the difference between sun and moon letters. It takes a little longer at the start, and saves a great deal of correction later.
From Qaida to reading the Quran
When the Qaida is complete, most learners start reading short surahs from Juz Amma and then continue through the mushaf in our Quran reading course. See every option on our courses page, or read more about our online Quran classes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Noorani Qaida?
Noorani Qaida is a beginner's book that teaches the Arabic letters and the rules for reading them, step by step, so a learner can read the Quran. It is widely used in UK madrasas and homes and is traditionally attributed to Sheikh Noor Muhammad Ludhianvi.
How long does Noorani Qaida take?
It depends on age, lesson frequency and practice. Many learners who take regular lessons finish within a few months; young children usually take longer, and that is fine. Your teacher will tell you how you are progressing.
Is Noorani Qaida only for children?
No. It is the standard starting point for anyone who cannot yet read Arabic, including adults and reverts. Adults often move through it faster because they practise with purpose.
Do I need to buy a Qaida book?
A printed copy helps, especially for children, but a PDF or on-screen copy works for lessons. Your teacher will share the edition they use.
What comes after Noorani Qaida?
Reading the Quran itself. Most learners continue with our Quran reading course, then tajweed.
Start Noorani Qaida with three free lessons
No knowledge needed. Your teacher starts with the first letter and goes at your pace.