An Ijazah in Quran is a certificate of permission from a qualified teacher stating that a student recites (or has memorized) the Quran correctly and may teach it, linked by a chain of teachers called a sanad going back to the Prophet ﷺ.
How an Ijazah is earned
The student recites the entire Quran, or a defined portion, to a teacher who holds an Ijazah. The teacher checks every letter, rule and stop. Only when the recitation meets the standard does the teacher grant the Ijazah, listing their own chain of teachers.
Types of Ijazah
- Ijazah in recitation (tilawah): reciting the whole Quran correctly from the Mushaf.
- Ijazah in memorization (Hifz): reciting the whole Quran from memory.
- Ijazah in a qira’ah: a specific recitation, such as Hafs from ‘Asim, which most people in the USA learn.
Does every teacher need an Ijazah?
An Ijazah is a strong sign of quality, especially for Tajweed and Hifz teachers. Beginner Qaida teachers may instead hold formal Tajweed training. What matters most is accurate recitation and good teaching, which you can judge in a trial lesson.
Meet our certified online Quran teachers, or read our checklist on choosing an online Quran academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ijazah mean?
Ijazah means permission or authorization: a qualified teacher certifies that the student recites correctly and may teach.
What is a sanad?
A sanad is the chain of teachers through which the recitation was passed down, back to the Prophet ﷺ.
How long does it take to get an Ijazah?
It depends on the student's level; reciting the whole Quran to a teacher often takes several months to a few years.
