Have you ever heard of Ijazah in the Quran? It’s a special certificate that proves someone has learned and memorized the Quran with perfect accuracy, often from a qualified quran teacher. The Ijazah certificate shows you have permission to teach the Quran to others. The certificate holds great value in the Muslim world, especially for those who want to pass on the teachings of the Quran correctly. There are two types of recitation: Quran recitation with Tajweed and Quran memorization. All that and more will be covered here to help you understand everything you need to know about this important Quranic tradition.
What is the Meaning of Ijazah?
Ijazah, also called Sanad, is a certificate a teacher gives a student after the student has fully memorized the Quran. This certificate shows that the student has learned to recite Quran beautifully and perfectly, following all the correct rules (Tajweed).
The teacher, who already holds an Ijazah, listens to the student recite the Quran and checks for accuracy and fluency. If the student passes, the teacher gives them the Ijazah, confirming they are qualified to recite the Quran properly and can even teach others.
Ijazah has been important in Islamic history for preserving the correct Quran reciting. It goes back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who taught his companions, and they passed down the knowledge through generations.
When a student gets an Ijazah, it often includes a list of the teachers, called a chain of transmission (Sanad), tracing back to the Prophet. This chain gives the Ijazah extra credibility because it connects the student’s learning to the original teachings.
Importance of Ijazah in the Quran
Ijazah in the Quran holds great importance for those who seek to master Quran recitation and pass on this knowledge. It is a certificate that confirms a person has memorized the Quran with accuracy and follows all the rules of Tajweed. This certification is valuable because it motivates the student to learn the Quran without making mistakes, ensuring they can recite the verses properly.
Obtaining Ijazah also qualifies the person to teach the Quran to others confidently. By receiving this certification, the student becomes part of a long chain of teachers that connects back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This chain, known as Sanad, ensures the transmission of the Quran remains pure and authentic.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of this, as narrated in a hadith:
“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027).
“Recite the Qur’an to me.”
When asked why, the Prophet said,
“I would love to hear it from someone else.”
This shows how valuable it is to recite and teach the Quran correctly.
2 Types of Ijazah
There are two types of Ijazah. Let’s discuss them below:
1. Ijazah in the Quran Recitation with Tajweed
This type of Ijazah is granted to a student who has mastered reciting the Quran with proper Tajweed and beautiful pronunciation. It proves that the student can recite the Quran correctly, following all the rules of Tajweed and maintaining the appropriate rhythm. This Ijazah also shows that the student has perfected various styles of Quran recitation (Qira’at), ensuring their recitation is accurate and melodious. There are different levels of Ijazah in recitation that you can learn in quran qirat course, including:
- Ijazah with one narration, like Hafs ‘an ‘Asim.
- Ijazah with seven Qira’at (recitation styles).
- Ijazah with three Qira’at.
- Ijazah in ten Qira’at, the highest level of recitation mastery.
2. Ijazah in the Quran Memorization
Ijazah in Quran Memorization is awarded to a student who has successfully memorized the entire Quran with proper Tajweed. This certification confirms that the student has memorized the Quran accurately and can recite it flawlessly from memory.
It also allows the student to teach Quran memorization to others. Online Quran memorization classes are often a convenient option for students seeking to obtain this Ijazah.
Pre-requisites to Receive Ijazah
To receive Ijazah in the Quran, a person must meet the following conditions:
- The person must be fluent in reciting the Quran in one of the recognized narrations (Qira’at).
- They must have studied Tajweed and understand its rules for correct pronunciation and recitation.
- The entire Quran must be memorized accurately, without adding or omitting anything, reciting exactly as it was revealed.
- The student must be taught and licensed by a qualified reciter or Sheikh who has already obtained Ijazah, whether from reciting by heart or reading from Mushaf.
- The student must know how to pause (Waqf) and start recitation correctly, following the appropriate rules.
- They must pronounce each Arabic letter clearly, from its correct articulation point.
- The person should study the ten different styles of Quranic recitation (Qira’at).
- The student must be righteous, avoid sins, and understand the responsibility of memorizing and teaching the Quran to others once licensed.
Do I Have to Get Ijazah to Teach the Quran?
No, obtaining Ijazah is not required to teach the Quran, but it is highly recommended. Ijazah ensures you have mastered the Quran’s recitation and Tajweed rules, qualifying you to teach accurately. It also provides credibility as a certified teacher.
The easiest way to get Ijazah is through a reputable online academy, where you can study under qualified teachers and receive certification. Look for accredited programs that offer structured courses, knowledgeable instructors, and official recognition to ensure you’re qualified to teach the Quran with proper understanding and responsibility.
Conclusion
Obtaining Ijazah is a significant step for those seeking to master Quran recitation and teaching. While memorizing on your own is possible, expert Quranic tutors with years of experience are essential for mastering Tajweed and correct recitation. Mishkah Academy stands out as the best platform for this, offering experienced tutors and comprehensive Ijazah programs. They also provide Quran classes for kids and Quran classes for adults, ensuring personalized guidance for all age groups.
