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Every one of the Quran's 114 Surahs contains divine wisdom from Allah, but which Surahs to memorize first? Are there specific important Surahs in Quran to memorize? Or are there chapters that offer greater protection?
Identifying the important surahs in Quran to memorize is not simply about extending your memory; it is about equipping yourself with the spiritual and mental tools necessary for everyday life, protection against the challenges of the present world, and attainment of success in the Hereafter.
In this guide, we carefully analyze the entire Quran and select the most important Surahs from which we recommend starting, along with the most efficient techniques to learn and retain these Surahs.
When talking about the important Surahs in Quran to memorize, it is crucial to begin with the foundation of your daily prayers (Salah). Without this, you are missing a vital part of your spiritual routine.
It is the “Mother of the Quran” and is considered the most important Surah in the Quran. Every prayer should include it, and as a Muslim, you are required to memorize it with perfect Tajweed.
These are not merely short Surahs but rather a daily shield. The Prophet (PBUH) taught us to recite these three Surahs for protection from the evil eye, magic, and harm. They are considered the strongest 'Ruqyah' (spiritual healing) one can learn and recite every day.
Learn How long does it take to memorize the Quran with a clear, practical approach.
Want to move beyond the basics? Here are the next five Surahs that are among the most important Surahs in Quran to memorize:
Al-Mulk is referred to as “The Savior” because of its intercessional qualities. The Prophet (PBUH) used to recommend that people recite this surah every night before sleeping, as it provides protection and intercession against the punishment of the grave.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"There is a Surah in the Quran which contains thirty verses that will intercede for its reciter until he is forgiven: 'Tabarakal-ladhi biyadihil-mulk' (Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion)."
-[Sunan Abu Dawud 1400, Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2891 – Graded Hasan]
With 30 verses, this Surah is perfect for short-term goals to help you reach your ultimate objective of full memorization.
Do you want to have light that shines for you from one Friday until the next Friday? Also, it will serve as the main protection from the Dajjal (Anti-Christ). Surah Al-Kahf is a chapter of guidance.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal."
-[Sahih Muslim 809]
He ﷺ also said:
"Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him between the two Fridays."
-[Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim – Graded Sahih by Al-Albani]
Surah Ya-Sin is a Surah that most, if not all, muslims hold dear due to that it is the heart of the Quran. While some of the hadiths about Surah Ya-Sin's specific virtues may be disputed, Surah Ya-Sin still contains valuable lessons focused on the theme of resurrection, the prophetic stories, and Allah's signs that warrant the audience, memorization and reflection upon.
Scholarly Note:
In the enduring tradition of reciting Surah Ya-Sin during difficulties, illness, and hardship, muslims from around the world do the same to this day. The surah serves to reassure the audience of the promised day of resurrection and Allah's mercy that knows no limits.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would recite Surah As-Sajdah every night before sleeping, as he did with Surah Al-Mulk.
The hadith states:
"The Prophet ﷺ would not sleep until he recited Surah As-Sajdah (Alif Lam Mim Tanzil) and Surah Al-Mulk (Tabarak)."
-[Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2892 – Graded Sahih]
The message of this Surah emphasizes the importance of submission, as the Day of Judgment focuses on the prostration of the believers.
Al-Baqarah is the second Surah of the Qur’an and the longest. It's also the most virtuous and acts as a protective shield for your family and your house.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for taking recourse to it is a blessing and abandoning it is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot overcome it."
-[Sahih Muslim 804]
He ﷺ also said:
"Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Indeed, Shaytan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited."
-[Sahih Muslim 780]
Tip: If it seems like a considerable task to succeed in memorizing all 286 verses, begin with the last 2 verses (2:285-286) and Ayat Al-Kursi (2:255), as these verses hold special protection on their own.
Learn How to Memorize Quran in 2 Years with a simple, proven plan.
Beginners who wish to take their prayers to the next level should select Surahs that are not lengthy. The 30th Juz (Juz Amma) is full of the most impactful and meaningful surahs to retain in the Quran.
Surah Al-Kawthar (108): The shortest surah in the Quran that reassures the Prophet (PBUH) that he will receive an abundance in this life.
Surah Al-Asr (103): One of the surahs that conveys an entire religion and its teachings. It gives its reciter a ticket to success in life.
Surah An-Nasr (110): The surah of victory that also teaches its reciter to be grateful.
Surah Al-Masad (111): This surah teaches the importance of humility and displays the consequences that come as a result of lacking it.
For a comprehensive list of more Surahs that are suited for first-time learners, we have a complete guide to [easy Surahs to memorize].
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The Quran is a healing for what is in the breasts.
This surah gives the following important instruction: “For indeed, with hardship (will be) ease”. It is articulated to the Prophet (PBUH), and it became a source of remedy for many people who undergo serious psychological distress (a heavy heart).
While this is only a single verse (2:255), it is considered the greatest verse of the Quran. One of the additional benefits of retaining this verse in memory is that it provides protection to the one who memorizes it.
Learn more about important and single verses of the Quran here [Important Quran verses to memorize].
Being aware of the important Surahs in Quran to memorize is the initial point. The next step is to pick a particular technique that sticks.
Many students question, How long does the entire Quran take to memorize? It always relies on which technique is chosen. Listed below are three of the most reliable techniques.
Choose the verses you want to memorize from the Quran (Mushaf).
Recite the first verse or line 10 times while reading.
Recite 3 times without looking (by memory).
Only move on to the next verse when you memorize the first one better.
Do the same to the next verse until you finish the day’s memorization goal.
Read the verse 3 times to correct pronunciation.
Repeat verse 3 times from memory.
Do the same to the next verse, then recite them both 3 times.
Do it again for the third verse, so you have a unit of 3 verses; this is the goal of this method: to memorize in units, not single verses.
You can memorize another unit the same way.
For better results, recite the verse 3 times in your next prayer (Salah). This links the Quran memorization directly to worship.
Pick a reciter (Qari) that you enjoy, like Al-Husary or Al-Minshawy.
Listen to your chosen Surah in a loop while you’re driving, cooking, or commuting.
Your mind will take in the patterns and sounds without your realization, which will make the actual memorization much quicker.
Though it may be easy to find the right Surahs to learn, steady memorization can be difficult. Sister Nourhan Academy helps turn your good intentions into results.
Rather than simply providing you with a list of the important surahs in the Quran to memorize, we can assign you a personal tutor to help with Tajweed, manage your memorization process, and support you during challenging times.
Join our international family of students today to make the Quran a part of your daily routine.
When starting to memorize and learn the Quran, it is important to understand that this is a lifelong process.
It is advisable that you do not feel the pressure of tremendous amounts of memorization during this process. Rather, you should choose a single one of the important surahs in Quran to memorize that we listed above.
For example, you may want to memorize Surah Al-Mulk to recite before sleeping or Al Kawthar for your prayers. The objective should be to keep the words of Allah to help you and guide you through your life, radiant and bright with every verse.
Also, you can join an online Quran program for more guidance with sister Nourhan Academy's certified Arab tutors who will bring you ease through this blessed journey.
Always, and first, start with Surah Al-Fatiha as it is a requirement for every Salah. Other than that, it is highly advised to focus on the "3 Quls" (Ikhlas, Falaq, and Nas) as they are all shorter surahs that are easy to memorize, and they each offer daily protection.
The daily routine is recommended to include: Surah Yaseen (during Fajr prayers), Surah Al-Mulk, and Surah As-Sajdah (before sleeping). Morning and evening recitations of the 3 Quls finalize the daily routine.
Excellent for students is Surah Al-Alaq (Read!), as this Surah is the first revelation pertaining to knowledge. Surah Al-Sharh (The Relief) is the best for alleviating nervousness during exams and for mental clarity.
