In the classical Islamic tradition, an ijazah is a certification that authorizes its holder to transmit a certain text or subject. When it comes to the Quran, an ijazah signifies proficiency in Quranic recitation and is awarded upon completing advanced study under qualified scholars. Earning an ijazah requires a demonstration of memorization skills. Let us explore the different levels of the Quran ijazah and how much Quranic text must be memorized for each.
The Ijazah System for Quran Recitation
This system of ijazahs has preserved the precise pronunciation and recitation of the Quran from generation to generation for over 1400 years. Ijazahs are granted through a continuous chain of transmission going back to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who received the sacred text from the Angel Jibreel.
Students must learn extensively from authorized masters, demonstrating memorization and proper application of tajweed rules in order to qualify for ijazah certification. The mastery levels start from basic and go up to advanced.
Levels of Ijazah for Quran Memorization
There are five main types of ijazah certifications given for Quran recitation:
Ijazah in Qira’at Sab’ah
The lowest ijazah level requires memorizing a minimum of 10 juz (sections) of the Quran along with mastery of the seven canonical methods of Quranic recitation (qira’at sab’ah). This demonstrates foundational expertise.
Ijazat Al-Riwāyah
The next level is Ijazat Al-Riwāyah, awarded for complete memorization of the entire Quran. To achieve this prestigious certification, students must learn, memorize, and exhibit flawless recall of all 30 juz of the Quran by heart. This is an advanced accomplishment requiring dedication and rigor.
Ijāzah in Asharah Qira’at
This higher ijazah involves memorizing the 10 variant readings of the Quran from the 10 famous early reciters. In addition to Hifz of the standard Hafs recitation, students must also memorize and master 9 other qira’at. This demonstrates broader expertise and skill.
Ijāzah in Tashīl al-Qirā’at
This advanced certification requires memorizing and demonstrating capabilities in 20 different authorized recitations of the Holy Quran. This exceptional mastery indicates distinction as a scholar and teacher of Quranic recitation.
Ijazat At-Tasmi’/As-Sama’
The highest honor is the Ijazat At-Tasmi’ or Ijazat As-Sama’ given for complete memorization of 20 or 30 qira’at respectively. Recipients of this lofty ijazah are authorized to teach even the most distinguished scholars. They represent the greatest mastery.
Privileges of Obtaining Higher Ijazah
Pursuing higher ijazah levels requires ever greater memorization along with immense dedication and perseverance. But it also confers privileges including:
Authority to teach others and confer ijazah
Opportunity to specialize in rare recitations
Recognition as an accomplished scholar of Quranic recitation
Ability to correct and validate errors in Quran copies
Esteem and admiration from the Muslim community
Prestige of preserving sacred knowledge and tradition
The high honor and weighty responsibility conferred by advanced ijazah certifications is nothing short of profound.
Requirements Beyond Memorization
It is important to note that memorization alone does not automatically qualify a student for ijazah. Along with memorizing the required portions of text, aspiring recipients must also:
Refine pronunciation and intonation (talaffuz)
Apply rules of pausing and merging (waqf and wasl)
Have correct letter articulation (makharij)
Exhibit proper Tajweed implementation
Maintain etiquette and reverence
Show respect for the ijazah tradition
Intensive study, practice of recitation, and passing rigorous examinations are needed to actually earn ijazah at any level. The certification process ensures the highest standards.
Best Practices for Memorization
To successfully memorize the extensive portions of the Quran necessary for elevated ijazah, students should:
Set fixed targets for daily memorization
Adopt productive memorization techniques
Recite repeatedly with proper Tajweed
Review consistently to reinforce memory
Quiz themselves and others
Develop habits for lifelong revision
Link verses and passages for flow
Understand meanings alongside words
Recite melodiously to strengthen recall
Avoid distractions and interruptions
Maintain motivation and consistency
Following best practices will ease the journey to ijazah certification.
Starting Early Helps
Many young children begin striving for Quranic memorization with aspirations of attaining ijazah someday. Starting Hifz early in life facilitates reaching higher certification levels within one's lifetime.
However, adults with determination and passion can also memorize large portions of the Quran needed for elevated ijazahs. The journey may take longer but reaching advanced certifications is fulfilling at any age.
Continuing Education After Ijazah
Even after attaining the highest ijazah, dedicated students continue learning from masters, discovering deeper meanings of the Quranic text, and developing their relationship with the Sacred Book. Earning an ijazah is not the end but just one point in a lifelong process of studying and perfecting Quranic recitation.
A Blessing and Honor
Receiving qualified ijazah in any Quranic recitation is undoubtedly an immense blessing and honor for Muslims. The knowledge derived from profound engagement with the Holy Book is an ever-flowing spring that nourishes the heart, mind, and soul.
Whether the basic certification or the greatest ijazah, spiritual devotion ultimately matters most. The sacred process of memorizing and mastering Allah's words offers untold rewards, by His generosity and grace.
If you are interested in earning Quran Ijazah then eQuranekareem Online Quran Academy is the best option to choose and earn your Ijazah certificate from our qualified teachers.
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