The effect of the English translation of the Holy Quran on EFL learners’ reading comprehension

One of the key features of foreign language education in the ۲۱st century is to improve language learners’ communicative skills. Apparently, authentic materials play important roles. Research confirms the efficacy of employing authentic materials in language courses to improve linguistic skills including reading comprehension; however, the use of the English translation of the Holy Quran as an authentic material to foster EFL reading comprehension is ignored. To this end, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the English translation of the Holy Quran on EFL learners’ reading comprehension. ۵۰ EFL learners in Alzahra university participated in this study. Findings revealed that the English translation of the Holy Quran as an authentic material has the potential to encourage, and motivate them to improve learners’ English language competence in general and reading comprehension in particular. Besides, they found the Quranic stories entertaining and educating such that the presented facts prepared them to easier deal with life complexities for a better and more successful future building.