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Certified Quran Learning Online
Some Muslims grow up thinking memorizing the Quran is the only way to be “good enough”. Some others think it is optional altogether. The truth lies somewhere specific, and Islamic scholarship is clear about it.
Is it mandatory to memorize the Quran? Though it seems to be such a simple question, the answer could be complicated and requires a deep understanding of Islamic rulings, along, of course with the difference between Fard 'Ayn (individual obligation) and Fard Kifayah (community obligation).
In this article, we intend to answer this question clearly and in depth, supported by sources from the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah. We will cover:
The Islamic ruling on the obligation of memorizing the entire Quran
The least that every Muslim is required to memorize
The numerous, amazing benefits and rewards of memorizing the Quran
Practical steps to begin your journey with the Book of Allah
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student on your journey with the Quran, you will find in this article what reassures your heart and guides your path.
Let's respond to this question directly, so your heart can find peace.
To memorize the Quran in its entirety (Hifz) is not an individual duty (Fard 'Ayn) on each Muslim. Moreover, there is not even a single verse in the Quran or an authentic Hadith that commands each Muslim to memorize all 114 Surahs.
It is the same ruling by all the scholars in Islam, regardless of the school of thought. So is it mandatory to memorize the Quran? Not in full, but the story doesn't end here.
Quran memorization is Fard Kifayah (community obligation), so it should not be concluded that it is of no value. On the contrary, it is of huge value spiritually. But there is a vital difference.
In Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), there are two categories of obligations:
1. Fard 'Ayn: Individual obligation on every Muslim. Full memorization is NOT in this category.
2. Fard Kifayah: Community obligation, if some fulfill it, others are exempt. This is where Hifz falls.
In other words, is it mandatory to memorize the Quran?
Every Muslim community needs some members (called Huffaz) to memorize the Quran completely, to ensure the Quran is preserved, as Allah has promised, from one generation to another. Once enough people in a community fulfill this responsibility, the obligation is removed from the entire community.
One does not have to memorize the entire Quran to be considered not sinful, as your Islam remains complete, and your prayers are still considered valid.
However, there is a minimum requirement for what every Muslim is obligated to memorize.
While you do not have to memorize the entire Quran as a Muslim, there is one Surah that must be committed to memory, Al-Fatiha.
This is because, as a Muslim, your Salah is incomplete without it.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatiha)."
- [Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
Every rak'ah, obligatory or not, contains the recitation of Al-Fatiha. Thus, a Muslim is required to recite Al-Fatiha a minimum of 17 times each day, just in the five required prayers.
In addition to Al-Fatiha, scholars also suggest that it would be beneficial to memorize:
Some of the shorter surahs of Juz' Amma (the 30th portion of the Quran) to recite after Al-Fatiha in your prayers.
Surahs that are frequently recited, such as Al-Kahf, Al-Mulk, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, and Al-Ikhlas.
Important verses such as Ayat Al-Kursi, for daily blessings and protection.
The wonderful thing is that each verse you memorize brings you closer to Allah, whether the entire Quran is memorized or not.
Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of you is the one who learn the Quran and teaches it.”
Don’t know how to start Quran memorization? Sister Nourhan Academy is here to assist with qualified and experienced teachers, at your own pace, to be able to memorize the Quran with Tajweed in its entirety.
Allah, in His infinite kindness, not only encouraged us to memorize the Quran, but he has also made it easy for us.
In Surah Al-Qamar, (Allah SWT) says:
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ |
"And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?"
- [Surah Al-Qamar, 54:17]
Subhan'Allah, the creator of the heavens and the earth, is telling us, "I have made this easy for you."
This verse is repeated four times in the same Surah, a divine emphasis that the Qur'an is accessible to anyone who seeks it. Age, language, and background do not matter.
Allah also affirms The Qur'an's exalted status:
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَاكَ سَبْعًا مِّنَ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنَ الْعَظِيمَ |
"And We have certainly given you seven of the often-repeated verses and the great Quran."
- [Surah Al-Hijr, 15:87]
The Quran is described as being great (عظيم ), and so if one engages with it in any way, whether through memorization, recitation, or reflection, it connects one to something truly great.
Although the answer to Is it mandatory to memorize the Quran is no, the rewards are extraordinary for those who memorize the Quran. Let these hadith light up your heart.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"It will be said to the companion of the Quran: 'Recite and rise! Recite as you used to recite in the world. For indeed, your rank will be at the last verse you recite.'"
- [Sunan At-Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud, graded Hasan]
Imagine that every verse you memorize in this life becomes a step upward in Jannah. And the more you carry in your heart, the higher you ascend.
This is not just about the quantity of what you memorize; the main goal is to have a strong relationship with the Quran and the words of Allah.
On the Day of Judgement, all people will be in great need of advocates and intercessors, but only the people who have honored and memorized the Quran will receive the intercession of the Quran.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Fasting and the Quran will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, 'O Lord, I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.' The Quran will say, 'I prevented him from sleeping at night, so let me intercede for him.' Then their intercession will be accepted."
- [Musnad Ahmad, graded Sahih]
The Quran you stayed up reciting at night, the verses you struggled to memorize, they will defend you when you cannot defend yourself.
For those who find memorization challenging, particularly those who do not speak Arabic this reward is for you.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Quran will be with the honorable and obedient scribes (angels), and the one who recites the Quran and finds it difficult, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards."
- [Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
Read that again. If you struggle, if every verse feels heavy on your tongue, you receive double the reward. Your effort doesn't go unnoticed; it's valuable, and Allah sees every moment you spend trying.
Read more: How to Memorize a Page of Quran in 30 Minutes
The second important question after "Is it mandatory to memorize the Quran?" is: "Should I focus on memorizing or understanding the Quran?" This is a topic of struggle for many Muslims.
The answer, in short, is ‘both’, and they do complement each other to a certain degree.
While memorizing the entire Quran is not obligatory, every Muslim is required to:
1. Learn to recite the Quran with Tajweed: to honor the words of Allah, as they were revealed
2. Understand the meanings: to guide your life and decisions
3. Do Tadabbur: to not simply read the words, but absorb them
Allah says:
أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ |
"Do they not then reflect upon the Quran?"
- [Surah An-Nisa, 4:82]
Allah's book is not meant to be recited aimlessly or to simply memorize the words. Allah's book is intended to be understood and practiced upon. A Muslim who memorizes the Quran without understanding its meanings has missed the purpose of the Quran, and a Muslim who understands the Quran without memorizing is missing the blessing of Allah's words.
The Prophet ﷺ compared someone who doesn't engage with the Quran to a ruined house:
"The one who does not have any Quran in his heart is like a destroyed house."
- [Sunan At-Tirmidhi]
This hadith emphasizes having the Quran with you, not just on your bookshelf.
Practical wisdom:
Memorization alone: Preserves the words but may miss the depth
Understanding alone: Gains knowledge but may forget over time
Memorization + Understanding: Transforms your heart, stays with you, and guides your actions
Take it little by little. Start with memorizing Al-Fatiha and try to understand its meaning deeply, then move on to the shorter surahs. Do not just let the verses roll off your tongue but let them meaningfully rest in your heart.
Curious about starting this journey on your own? Check out our guide: [Can I Memorize the Quran by Myself?]
Now you got the answer for “Is it mandatory to memorize the Quran” If your heart is calling you toward the Quran whether to memorize your first surah or complete your Hifz here are three simple steps to start:
Before anything else, you have to renew your intention. Remember, you’re not memorizing for people or to check it off the list. This is for Allah, to have His words engraved in your heart, to earn the intercession of the Quran.
This intention helps shift the effort to worship.
Do not overwhelm yourself with goals that are too ambitious. If you are a beginner, start with 5 verses a day, or even with one short surah weekly, like Al-Falaq, Al-Ikhlas, or An-Nas. Always review what you have memorized before trying to add new verses.
Consistency is what wins, rather than intensity. If you are able to dedicate ten minutes each day, that will benefit you more than if you dedicate two hours one day of the week.
Is it mandatory to memorize the Quran with a teacher? Technically, no. However, it will be harder for you to correct your bad habits later if you do not have guidance on proper Tajweed to give you the correct pronunciation of the words.
A qualified teacher will be able to do the following:
Help you with understanding what you are learning and memorizing.
Correct your pronunciation in front of you.
Encourage you and help you stay motivated to continue and finish your learning.
That’s exactly what our teachers at Sister Nourhan Academy do; they cater to the needs of non-Arabic speakers and assist them in learning the Quran with spot-on Tajweed from absolute beginners to Hifz and Ijazah certification.
Experience the difference yourself with a free trial.
So, is it mandatory to memorize the Quran?
No, it's not mandatory, but it's certainly a beautiful journey to go on as a Muslim.
It won't be a sin if you do not memorize it, but every verse you memorize is a light you will carry with you, not only in this life, but in the hereafter.
Start with Al-Fatiha, and a few short surahs, and make the Quran a part of you, not just something you read.
And keep in mind that the one who struggles with doing something will be rewarded doubly for it.
May Allah make the Quran the spring of our hearts and the light of our chests and the thing that relieves our worries.
As humans, forgetting is something that happens, and even the Prophet ﷺ would forget the verses he memorized at times. Due to the weakness inherent in forgetfulness, there is no sin involved.
With that being said, neglecting the memorization of the Quran and abandoning it is a serious issue to be dealt with and avoided. The point is to have regular engagement in Quran memorization regardless of how much may be forgotten over the years.
No, it is not required for every Muslim to become a Hafiz (one who has the entirety of the Quran committed to memory). While it is a highly praiseworthy feat and has a lot of rewards attached to it, it is not a necessity to have one’s faith rounded.
Definitely not. There isn’t any Islamic teaching that says a person will go to Hell for not having memorized the Quran, as what truly matters is your faith and your actions, and your efforts to truly connect with Allah, one of the ways being through the Quran, either through memorisation, recitation, or reflection.
Certainly! There are millions of Huffaz who do not speak Arabic. Allah's promise is for everyone who wishes to partake, to be able to do so. Similarly, non-Arabic speakers can, and do, memorize all of the Quran with the right assistance, dedication, and earnest goal.
