Maktab QuranRelated: what is a maktab — the elementary Quran school, and what its teachers are and are not certified in.
If you've spent time around Quran study, you'll have heard the word ijazah — often mentioned as a mark of a serious teacher. But what exactly is it, and how does someone earn one? Here's a clear explanation.
What is an ijazah?
An ijazah (literally "permission" or "authorization") is a traditional certification that a person can recite the Quran accurately according to the rules of Tajweed — and, crucially, that they received it through an unbroken chain of teachers (a sanad) stretching all the way back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In effect, it authorises the holder to transmit the Quran to others in the same way they received it.
Why does the ijazah matter?
The Quran has been preserved not only in writing but through this living chain of accurate, memorized transmission, teacher to student, for over fourteen centuries. An ijazah is proof that a person stands within that chain. For a teacher, it's a strong assurance to families that their recitation is authentic and precise.
The main types of ijazah
- Ijazah in recitation (Tilawah): confirming you can recite the whole Quran correctly with Tajweed.
- Ijazah in Hifz: confirming you have memorized the entire Quran and can recite it accurately from memory.
- Ijazah in the different Qira'at: advanced certification in the recognised styles of recitation.
How do you earn an ijazah?
The path is demanding but clear. You recite the entire Quran to a teacher who already holds an ijazah, applying Tajweed correctly throughout. The teacher listens closely, corrects every error, and — once satisfied that your recitation is accurate from beginning to end — grants the ijazah, naming you in their chain of transmission. For Hifz, you recite the whole Quran from memory.
Can you get an ijazah online?
Yes. Because the process is fundamentally about a teacher hearing you recite the entire Quran accurately, it works well one-to-one over live video — and many students now pursue ijazah this way. It requires a qualified teacher, consistent effort and time, but distance is no longer a barrier.
Is an ijazah necessary to teach?
It isn't strictly required to teach beginners, but it's a highly respected credential that reassures parents and reflects deep mastery. Many aspiring teachers work towards it. If teaching is your goal, see our guides on how to become a Quran teacher and earning from teaching the Quran.
Whether you're working towards an ijazah yourself or simply want to perfect your recitation, a qualified teacher is the key. You can book a free trial lesson to discuss your goal and level.