New Muslim Starter Guide: Books and Essentials
Assalamu Alaikum, and welcome to Islam. In the first few weeks, focus on five things: a Quran you can actually understand, something to help you learn the Arabic letters, a prayer mat, a tasbeeh for dhikr, and a miswak. Everything else can wait - these five cover the Quran, salah and the small daily sunnahs you'll build up from here.
What should a new Muslim buy first?
Start with a Quran that has an English translation, a prayer mat, a tasbeeh and a miswak. These four cover reading and understanding the Quran, performing salah, counting dhikr after salah, and one everyday sunnah - everything below builds on this short list.
Which Quran should I start with if I don't read Arabic yet?
Start with a Quran that prints the Arabic text alongside a line-by-line English translation, so you can follow the meaning of each ayah while your Arabic is still developing. A version with Tajweed colour coding is a bonus, since it marks the correct pronunciation rules directly on the text for when you're ready to recite.
How do I learn to read the Quran in Arabic script?
Work through a from-scratch Arabic reading primer that starts at the letters and builds up to full words and ayaat, the same way Madrassah students begin. It was written for a first-year Madrassah class, but that step-by-step approach is exactly what an adult starting from zero needs too.
Do I need a special prayer mat, or does any mat do?
Any clean, dedicated mat is fine for salah at home - there's nothing special required. A compact travel option earns its place once you're praying away from home, since it folds down small and some versions build in a compass to help you find the qiblah when you're not sure of the direction.
What is a tasbeeh and how do I use it?
A tasbeeh is a string of prayer beads used to count dhikr, the short phrases of remembrance said after salah. A standard tasbeeh has 99 beads split into three sets of 33, so you can count "SubhanAllah", "Alhamdulillah" and "Allahu Akbar" 33 times each without losing your place.
What is a miswak and why do Muslims use one?
A miswak is a natural toothstick used for cleaning the teeth, and using one is a well-known sunnah, especially before salah. You chew or peel back one end until the fibres separate into soft bristles, then use it like a small brush - a fresh section can be cut back as the tip wears down.
Where can I get help with the basics in person?
Cii Stores is a physical Islamic department store in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and the team there can talk you through Qurans, prayer mats and Madrassah materials in person, with delivery available across South Africa if you'd rather shop online. If you want a more structured way to learn - alongside your own children, or on your own - the Madrassah collection carries the full reading series and other beginner-friendly workbooks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to already know Arabic to become Muslim or to pray?
No. You can pray using a translated Quran and transliteration while you learn, and the exact Arabic wording of salah is something you build up gradually, usually starting with the shortest surahs.
What is the first thing I should buy after becoming Muslim?
A Quran with an English translation and a prayer mat are usually the first two purchases, followed by a tasbeeh and a miswak as everyday extras.
Is a normal prayer mat fine, or do I need one with a compass?
A normal mat is fine once you know the qiblah direction. A compass mat like the Pocket Musallah With Compass only earns its place if you're travelling or unsure which way to face.
How many beads does a tasbeeh have, and why?
A standard tasbeeh has 99 beads, split into three sets of 33, for reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar 33 times each after salah.
What is a miswak used for?
A miswak is a natural toothstick used instead of, or alongside, a toothbrush. One end is chewed or peeled back until it separates into soft bristles, which are then used to clean the teeth.
Where to browse next
Ready to put a starter kit together? Shop the Books collection for more Qurans and Islamic reading, or head straight to these related ranges:
- Madrassah - the full reading series plus other beginner workbooks
- Musallah (Prayer Mats) - full-size and travel options
- Tasbeeh - beads, counters and gift sets
- Miswak - natural toothsticks and miswak toothpaste