The Quran is the holy book of Islam, revealed by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a comprehensive guide for mankind. It contains 114 surahs (chapters) and is revered not only for its spiritual depth but also for its precise structure and division. One of the most well-known and practical ways the Quran is divided is into ajzaa’ (plural of juz’). But what exactly is a juz, and how many juz are there in the Quran?
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What Is a Juz in the Quran?
A juz (Arabic: جزء) is one of thirty equal divisions of the Quran. Each juz comprises approximately 20 pages in the standard Madani Mushaf written in the calligraphy of Uthman Taha. This division is primarily a functional one, intended to make it easier for Muslims to recite or memorize the Quran in manageable daily portions—especially during the month of Ramadan, when many Muslims aim to complete the entire Quran.
The primary purpose of dividing the Quran into Juz is to facilitate its complete recitation within a month, especially during Ramadan. A Muslim can recite one Juz daily to complete the Quran in 30 days.
The division into Juz dates back to early Islamic history to assist Muslims in their daily recitations and memorization. For many Muslims, the division into Juz is an essential part of their daily worship, particularly during Ramadan when the entire Quran is recited in Tarawih prayers.
Each juz is divided further into:
- 2 Hizbs (half-parts)
- Each hizb into 4 quarters (أرباع)
- Each quarter can also be subdivided into eighths (أثمان)
While these divisions assist in organized recitation and memorization, they are not part of the original revelation. Instead, they are a scholarly effort that emerged over time to facilitate learning and devotion.
How Many Juz Are There in the Quran?
There are 30 ajzaa’ (juz) in the Quran. This division makes it convenient for a person to complete the entire Quran by reading one juz per day, particularly during the 30 days of Ramadan.
Each juz generally begins and ends mid-surah, although there are exceptions where a juz starts at the beginning of a surah and ends at its conclusion. Some examples of such complete surah-based ajzaa’ include:
- Juz 14 (Surah Al-Hijr)
- Juz 17 (Surah Al-Anbiya)
- The last three juz (Juz 28, 29, and 30)
Historical Background of Quranic Division
The current division of the Quran into ajzaa’ and ahzab (plural of hizb) did not exist during the Prophet’s ﷺ time. While the order of the surahs and verses was divinely instructed, the specific division into 30 parts was a later scholarly effort.
It is widely believed that this structured division began in Iraq during the time of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf Al-Thaqafi, with the help of renowned scholars such as Naser ibn Aasim Al-Laythi and Yahya ibn Ya‘mur. They worked to develop the standardized script of the Quran, add diacritical marks, and divide the Quran for easier recitation and memorization.
List of the 30 Juz in the Quran (with Starting Surah)
| Juz Number | Common Name (if any) | Begins With (Surah) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | Al-Fatiha & Al-Baqarah |
| 2 | – | Al-Baqarah (verse 142) |
| 3 | – | Al-Baqarah (verse 253) |
| 4 | – | Aal Imran |
| 5 | – | An-Nisa |
| 6 | – | An-Nisa (verse 148) |
| 7 | – | Al-Ma’idah |
| 8 | – | Al-An‘am |
| 9 | – | Al-A‘raf |
| 10 | – | Al-Anfal |
| 11 | – | At-Tawbah (verse 93) |
| 12 | – | Hud |
| 13 | – | Yusuf |
| 14 | Juz Al-Hijr | Al-Hijr |
| 15 | – | Al-Isra’ |
| 16 | – | Al-Kahf |
| 17 | Juz Al-Anbiya | Al-Anbiya |
| 18 | – | Al-Mu’minun |
| 19 | – | Al-Furqan |
| 20 | – | An-Naml |
| 21 | – | Al-‘Ankabut |
| 22 | – | Al-Ahzab |
| 23 | Juz Yaseen | Ya-Sin |
| 24 | – | Az-Zumar |
| 25 | – | Fussilat |
| 26 | Juz Al-Ahqaf | Al-Ahqaf |
| 27 | Juz Adh-Dhariyat | Adh-Dhariyat |
| 28 | Juz Qad Sami‘a | Al-Mujadila |
| 29 | Juz Tabarak | Al-Mulk |
| 30 | Juz Amma | An-Naba |
Is There Special Virtue for Certain Juz?
While the entire Quran is sacred, some scholars note specific encouragement for reciting certain sections. For example, the last two parts of the Quran (Juz Tabarak and Juz Amma) together contain around 1,000 verses, and reciting them may fulfill the condition mentioned in the hadith:
“Whoever recites a thousand verses in a night will be recorded among the ‘Muqantareen’ (those who receive immense reward).”
— Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr, reported in Abu Dawud
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Conclusion:
Understanding what a juz is and how the Quran is structured can greatly enhance your engagement with the Book of Allah. Whether you are aiming to memorize the Quran, complete a recitation in Ramadan, or simply want to establish a routine of reflection, the division into ajzaa’ offers a beautifully balanced roadmap.
Let the juz system inspire you to journey through the Quran, one part at a time.
