Reading the Quran in Roman Script (English Transliteration)
What Quran transliteration in Roman script is, how to use it, and whether you can read the Quran in English transliteration.
Quran transliteration in Roman script means writing the Arabic words of the Qur'an using the Latin (English) alphabet, so readers who haven't yet learned the Arabic script can still pronounce and recite verses. Diacritic marks such as ā, ī, ū, ḥ, ʿ, ṣ, and ḍ capture the exact sounds. It is one of the most common ways new Muslims and non-Arabic speakers begin their relationship with the Qur'an.
On this site every one of the 114 surahs shows the Arabic text, the Roman-script transliteration, an English translation, and audio that highlights each word as it is recited. Start with the transliteration pronunciation key to learn what each symbol sounds like.
Frequently asked questions
Can we read the Quran in English transliteration?
Yes. Reading the Quran in English (Roman-script) transliteration is a widely used way for non-Arabic readers to begin reciting. Transliteration is a learning aid — it represents the Arabic sounds using Latin letters so you can pronounce verses before you learn the Arabic script. Scholars encourage moving toward the original Arabic over time, since transliteration can never capture every sound perfectly, but it is a valid and helpful starting point.
What is Quran transliteration in Roman script?
Roman-script transliteration writes Arabic Quranic words using the Latin (English) alphabet, with diacritic marks such as ā, ī, ū, ḥ, ʿ, ṣ, and ḍ to show precise sounds. For example, the opening of Al-Fatihah, بِسْمِ اللَّهِ, is written as 'Bismi-llāhi'. It lets you sound out verses without first learning to read Arabic letters.
Is Roman transliteration of the Quran accurate?
It is approximate. Careful transliteration with diacritics gets close to correct pronunciation, but several Arabic sounds (like ع, ح, ق, ض) have no exact English equivalent. Pairing transliteration with audio recitation is the most accurate way to learn — you read the Roman script while hearing a qārī pronounce each word.
How do I move from transliteration to reading Arabic?
Start by reading transliteration alongside the Arabic script and audio for short surahs like Al-Fatihah and the last ten surahs. Over time, associate the sounds you already know with the Arabic letters. Our transliteration key explains every diacritic, and each surah page shows Arabic, transliteration, translation, and word-by-word audio together.