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Ulu Camii

Learning My Religion

For anyone discovering Islam, learning to read the Qur’an or developing their basic knowledge. Lessons are free; no book, QR code or account is needed.

A step-by-step learning path

This is Ulu Camii’s suggested starting route. Revisit familiar topics and work through difficulties with the imam. Open each step for study points and a small exercise.

First steps: Islam and the shahada

Begin by understanding your belief and finding a setting where you can ask questions.

  • The shahada expresses testimony to Allah’s oneness and to Muhammad as His servant and messenger.
  • Explore belief, worship and good character as connected aspects of Islam, beyond a list of practices.
  • Read the introduction to Islam and keep a note of unfamiliar terms and subjects you want to understand.

Try it yourself

Explain the meaning of the shahada in your own words and choose three questions to ask the imam.

Read and explore

Understanding the foundations of belief

Learn what the key concepts mean, as well as remembering their names.

  • Explore belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, the Last Day and divine decree.
  • Read an introduction to the Qur’an and the Prophet’s example; look up unfamiliar concepts in reliable sources.
  • Think about belief alongside responsibility, hope and everyday actions; keep track of questions you have not resolved.

Try it yourself

Write a brief explanation of each foundation. Bring anything you cannot yet explain to your next meeting.

Read and explore

Cleanliness, wudu and ghusl

Learn preparation for worship through practice with an illustrated guide.

  • Distinguish bodily cleanliness, clean clothing and a clean prayer space from ritual ablution.
  • Practise washing the face, arms including elbows and feet including ankles, and wiping the head. Follow the guide for the full sequence and recommended practices.
  • Read about what breaks wudu, when ghusl is required and tayammum; ask about uncertainties in your own circumstances.

Try it yourself

Demonstrate ablution with the illustrated guide and check the steps with a teacher.

Read and explore

Learning prayer step by step

Study preparation, movements and recitation together, with practical guidance.

  • Learn about the five daily prayers, their times, the qibla, intention and preparation. Current local times appear on our home page.
  • Use the illustrated guide to practise standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting; learn what a rak‘ah is.
  • Listen to al-Fatiha, short surahs and prayer supplications in small parts. Review how movements and recitation fit together with the imam.

Try it yourself

Use the guide to show the movement sequence of one rak‘ah and identify what is recited at each stage.

Read and explore

From Arabic letters to reading the Qur’an

A letter’s name and its sound with a vowel are different. Look, listen and repeat.

  • Start with the alphabet and notice the dots and shapes that distinguish similar letters.
  • Work through fatha, kasra and damma. Listen to each tile and repeat its sound.
  • Compare short and long sounds, then move to sukun, shadda and joined reading exercises. Return to an earlier lesson when needed.

Try it yourself

Choose five letters. Listen to their names, then their sounds with all three vowels. Revisit two letters you confuse.

Read and explore

Surahs, supplications and their meanings

A short passage studied carefully is a clear and achievable learning target.

  • Listen to al-Fatiha line by line, pause to repeat and read the French translation on the lesson page.
  • Continue with short surahs such as al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas. Ask a teacher to check your reading.
  • Practise Subhanaka, Tashahhud, Salli and Barik using the recordings; refer to the prayer guide for where they are recited.

Try it yourself

Repeat one line three times while looking at the text, then try without it. Return to any difficult part.

Read and explore

Fasting, giving and other worship

Learn the purposes and basic vocabulary; explore detailed rules as you need them.

  • Learn the terms Ramadan, fasting, suhur and iftar; consult the worship guide about conditions and exemptions.
  • Distinguish zakat from voluntary charity. Ask the imam about personal obligations and calculations with your circumstances in mind.
  • Explore the meaning of hajj and ‘umrah, their differences and the place of worship in daily life.

Try it yourself

Make a one-sentence glossary for fasting, zakat, charity, hajj and ‘umrah. Add questions about unfamiliar details.

Read and explore

The Prophet’s example and everyday life

Connect your learning with family, neighbours, work and community.

  • Read a reliable introduction to Prophet Muhammad’s life and identify examples of honesty, compassion and trustworthiness.
  • Reflect on kindness to parents and neighbours, keeping commitments and respecting other people’s rights.
  • Discuss challenges with new habits or relatives of other beliefs with the imam; you do not have to keep your questions to yourself.

Try it yourself

Choose one act of kindness for this week. At the end, note one thing you learned and one question that arose.

Read and explore

A little, regularly

For example, set aside 15 minutes a day for learning. This is a study suggestion, separate from the times and obligations of worship.

  1. 5 minutes: read about one topic and note a new word.
  2. 5 minutes: listen to a short recording, pause and repeat.
  3. 5 minutes: explain or practise what you learned; write a question for your next meeting.

Start learning

Lesson titles and the player are in English; recitations are in Arabic. Transcriptions and meanings from the handbook are labelled as French.

All audio lessons

Learn to read

Letters, vowel marks and reading exercises. Start with the alphabet and learn at your own pace.

Surahs and verses

Listen to complete recitations or individual verses where recordings are available.

Prayer and supplications

Listen to and repeat the words of prayer and supplications.

Resources to keep close

Start with these Diyanet publications in English. The handbook’s French resources are also available, labelled PDF · FR.

Multilingual Diyanet library

Diyanet · Kur’an kursları öğretim programları (TR)

Questions when getting started

Must I learn the whole Arabic alphabet first?

You can learn the basics of belief, purification and prayer alongside the letters. Repeat short recordings and ask the imam for practical help when learning prayer.

Can I use the lessons without a book or account?

Yes. This guide, all 73 audio lessons and resource links are open to everyone. The printed QR codes continue to open the same lessons.

How should I use the recordings?

Tap a letter or line, listen and repeat. Use the speed and repeat options as needed. Also ask a teacher to check your recitation.

Who can help with a question about my situation?

Use our contact page to reach the imam. Explain your circumstances when asking about family, work or worship; an answer given to someone else may not apply to you.

Contact us for learning support