Hafiz (Quran)

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Hafiz (Arabic: حافظ‎‎, ḥāfiẓ, Arabic: حُفَّاظ‎‎, pl. huffāẓ, Arabic: حافظة‎‎ f. ḥāfiẓa), literally meaning "guardian" or "memorizer," depending on the context, is a term used by Muslims for someone who has completely memorized the Qur'an. Hafiza is the female equivalent.[1]


The Islamic prophet Muhammad lived in the 6th Century CE, in Arabia in a time when few people were literate. The Arabs preserved their histories, genealogies, and poetry by memory alone. According to countless books of history[citation needed], when Muhammad proclaimed the verses later collected as the Qur'an, his followers naturally preserved the words by memorizing them. Approximately eight months after the death of the Prophet, the entire Quran was written down by his companions (sahaba), anywhere from 10,000 to 150,000 had it memorized perfectly at the time of its inscription, ensuring the authenticity of al-Qur'an.

The Arabic writing of the time was a non-marked script, that did not include vowel markings or other diacritics needed to distinguish between words. Hence if there was any question as to the pronunciation of a verse, the memorized verses were a better source than the written ones. The huffaz were also highly appreciated as reciters, whose intoned words were accessible even to the illiterate. Memorization required no expensive materials; at the time there was no paper in the Muslim world, only vellum.

Even after Caliph Uthman ibn Affan collected and organized the Qur'an circa 650-656 CE, recitation (from memory) of the Qur'an was still honored and encouraged. There are numerous traditions of recitation. Most huffaz know only one version, but true experts can recite in several traditions. However this does not change the meaning of the content.






The Quran (lit. a “reading” or “recitation”) is distinct from the recorded sayings and deeds (Sunnah) which have traditionally been ascribed to Muhammad, which are instead preserved in a separate set of literature collectively called the “Ahadeeth” (lit. “news”; “report”; or “narration”).


Aurangzeb memorized the Quran.

Having memorised the Qur'an, the hafiz or hafiza must then ensure they do not forget it. To ensure perfect recall of all the learned verses requires constant practice.[2] The memorisation of the Qur'an was important to Muslims in the past and is also in the present. Yearly, thousands of students master the Qur'an and complete the book with interpretation and also memorisation. The Quran is perhaps the only book, religious or secular, that has been memorized completely by millions of people.[3]

For Muslims who are attempting to memorize certain suras but are unfamiliar with the Arabic script, the ulema have made various elucidations. There are mixed opinions on the usage of romanization of Arabic due to concerns about mispronunciations, higher approval of writing systems with close consonantal and vocalic equivalents to classical Arabic or relevant and effective diacritics, and a preference for Quran tutors or recorded recitations from qaris or any device with clear audible sound storage technology, such as CDs or cassettes.[4] The most important sura to memorize is Al-Fatiha. For individuals with dyslexia or other learning difficulties, it is sufficient to alternatively say: subhan Allah, alhamdulillah, the shahadah, the takbir, the hawqala, respectively meaning Exalted and perfect is Allah. All praise and thanks be to Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the greatest. There is no power or might except in Allah.[5]

See also[edit]


  1. ^ Ludwig W. Adamec (2009), Historical Dictionary of Islam, pp.113-114. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0810861615.
  3. ^ William Graham (1993), Beyond the Written Word, UK: Cambridge University Press, p.80.
  4. ^ The Multiple Realities of Multilingualism, Page 159, Elka Todeva, Jasone Cenoz - 2009
  5. ^ A Guide For A New Muslim - Page 146, IslamKotob, Jammaal Al-Din M Zarabozo

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