An Ijazah is a certification, given by a qualified teacher, that a student recites the Quran correctly and is permitted to teach it to others. What makes it special is the sanad: the chain of teachers, each of whom received the Quran from the one before, going all the way back to the Prophet ﷺ.
Why the chain matters
The Quran has always been preserved in two ways: written in the Mushaf and recited from memory, passed from teacher to student by mouth and ear. The Ijazah is a living record of that second line of preservation. When you earn one, your name joins that chain.
What the process looks like
- 1An assessment: the teacher checks that your Tajweed and pronunciation are ready.
- 2Study of Tajweed theory, often including classical texts such as Al-Jazariyyah.
- 3Reciting the entire Quran to the teacher, with every mistake corrected.
- 4Receiving the written Ijazah, listing your full chain of narration.
From memory or from the Mushaf?
There are two common types. An Ijazah by reading (nazran) is earned by reciting from the Mushaf, while an Ijazah by memory (ghaiban) is earned by reciting the whole Quran from memory. Both certify correct recitation; the second also certifies your memorization.
In which narration?
Most students begin with the narration of Hafs from 'Asim, the recitation most of the world reads today. Students who continue can go on to other narrations and, eventually, study the Ten Qira'at.
Who is it for?
- Students whose Tajweed is already strong and consistent.
- Huffaz who want to certify their memorization.
- Anyone who wants to teach the Quran with a recognized qualification.
Ready to start?
Try Ijazah Program, free.
A one-to-one trial class with a qualified tutor, live on Zoom. No commitment and no payment details.