Sign language

The Quran in sign language

We only list work that real deaf signers or qualified interpreters sign themselves, never avatars or AI.

• Al Isharah: The BSL Qur'an Project (opens another website)A UK charity based at the London Muslim CentreThe first translation of the Quran's meanings into British Sign Language, by a team that includes deaf signers, scholars and linguists. 36 surahs are published so far, and the work continues.

British Sign Language (BSL)

For families in the United Kingdom.

• BSL SignBank (opens another website)University College London (UCL)A free video dictionary of signs as deaf people really use them, with numbers, colours and fingerspelling. You may see more than one sign for a word, because signs vary by region.
• National Deaf Children's Society: learning BSL (opens another website)The UK charity for deaf childrenFree guidance for families: family sign language classes, funding and support from your local council (England and Wales). It also has a page of first signs to learn with children.
• Scottish Sensory Centre: BSL glossary of school terms (opens another website)The University of EdinburghFree signs for school subject words, especially science, for older children.

American Sign Language (ASL)

For families in the United States and Canada.

• ASL University (Lifeprint) (opens another website)Dr Bill Vicars, an ASL instructor60 free lessons, a dictionary with thousands of sign videos, fingerspelling practice, and a video for families of deaf children.
• Gallaudet University ASL Connect: free signs by topic (opens another website)Gallaudet UniversityFree vocabulary videos by topic: the alphabet, numbers, colours, feelings, animals and a baby's routine. The credit courses are paid.
• Clerc Center: learning ASL (opens another website)The national deaf education centre at Gallaudet UniversityA guide to ASL learning resources for families, some free and some by subscription.

Arabic sign languages

Each Arab country has its own sign language, and there is also a shared Unified Arabic Sign Language. Ask your child's school which one they use.

• Sokoon app (سكون) (opens another website)Qatar's Ministry of Social Development and Family, with MadaA free video dictionary of Unified Arabic Sign Language: more than 2,600 words and 480 sentences, for iPhone and Android.
• Arabic Sign Language Dictionaries (KISR) (opens another website)The Kuwait Institute for Scientific ResearchFree online dictionaries, including Kuwaiti Sign Language, the Unified dictionary and a dictionary for preschool children.
• Sign language dictionary for children (Saudi) (opens another website)The Saudi Sign Language Interpreters AssociationA children's dictionary in Saudi Sign Language, a free download.

Deaf Muslim communities

Groups run by or for deaf Muslims.

• Al Isharah (UK) (opens another website)A UK charity for deaf MuslimsThe BSL Qur'an Project, and activities and support for deaf Muslims and their families.
• Global Deaf Muslim USA (opens another website)A US non-profit organisationIslamic classes for deaf adults and young people in ASL, stories of the prophets, and Arabic classes.

How we chose these

We opened and checked each official page on 9 November 2026. If a link stops working or you know another trusted resource, please write to us. Contact us