Understanding the difference between Juz and Hizb is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with the Quran. These terms are often encountered by students of the Quran and those aiming to organize their memorization or recitation journey. While both Juz and Hizb are divisions of the Quran, they serve distinct purposes in terms of structure, ease of recitation, and memorization techniques.
In this article by Sabil Al-Quran, we’ll break down the meaning, significance, and practical use of each division, helping you build a clearer understanding of how the Quran is arranged and how this knowledge can support your spiritual journey and Quranic studies.
Divisions of the Quran
The Quran, revealed in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is structured into various divisions to make its recitation and memorization easier. Below is an overview of these divisions:
1. Surahs (Suwar)
The Quran consists of 114 surahs (chapters), each made up of multiple verses (ayat). The longest is Surah Al-Baqarah with 286 ayat, while the shortest is Surah Al-Kawthar with only 3.
2. Ayat (Verses)
Each surah is divided into ayat. In total, the Quran contains 6,236 ayat. This division is divinely ordained and forms the core structure of the Quran.
3. Ajza (Juz’)
For ease of reading, especially during Ramadan, the Quran is divided into 30 equal parts known as ajza (singular: juz’), allowing one part to be read each day.
4. Ahzab (Hizb)
Each juz’ is further split into two halves called ahzab (plural of hizb), making 60 hizb in total.
5. Arba’ (Quarters)
Each hizb is divided into four quarters, known as rub’ al-hizb, nisf al-hizb, and thalathat arba‘ al-hizb, leading to a total of 240 quarters in the Quran.
6. Ruku‘at (Ruku)
In South Asian prints of the Quran, surahs are divided into thematic sections called ruku. Each ruku groups ayat with related meanings, making it easier for recitation and understanding.
Difference Between Juz and Hizb at Quran
Both Juz and Hizb are divisions in the Quran designed to help Muslims with recitation and memorization. However, they serve different purposes and have different levels of granularity, making each suitable for different needs and preferences in daily Quranic practices.
What is Hizb in the Quran?
A Hizb (plural: Ahzab) is one of the sixty equal divisions of the Quran. Each Hizb represents half of a Juz’, providing a more detailed and manageable structure for recitation and memorization. While the Quran is commonly divided into 30 Ajza’ (parts) for ease of reading one section per day,especially during Ramadan,the division into Ahzab allows readers to follow a more gradual pace, suitable for daily engagement outside of Ramadan. This system supports structured study and recitation, helping individuals connect more consistently with the Quran, whether through Surahs, Juz’, or Hizb.
What Is Juz in the Quran?
A Juz (plural: Ajzaa’) refers to one of thirty equal parts into which the Quran is divided. Each Juz consists of two Hizbs, and this structured division makes it easier for Muslims to complete the Quran in a set timeframe, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Reciting one Juz each day allows for the completion of the entire Quran in 30 days.
The concept of dividing the Quran into Juz emerged early in Islamic tradition to support consistent recitation and memorization. Today, it remains a vital tool for worshippers.
Importance and Goals of Juz and Hizb
Both divisions are not arbitrary; they serve important purposes that enhance our spiritual connection with the Quran.
- Facilitating Daily Recitation
The divisions of the Quran into Juz and Hizb allow for easy structuring of daily recitation. Reciting one Juz per day during Ramadan enables the completion of the entire Quran in a month, while reciting Hizbs allows for smaller, more manageable portions. This makes it possible to maintain a consistent recitation habit, even for those with busy schedules. - Supporting Memorization (Hifz)
The divisions of Juz and Hizb make memorizing the Quran more feasible. Breaking the Quran into manageable chunks reduces the intimidation factor and provides a structured approach to Hifz (memorization). - Enhancing Reflection
Reciting and reflecting on smaller portions of the Quran, whether in a Juz or a Hizb, allows for a deeper understanding of its teachings. This approach encourages Muslims to internalize the meanings and messages more effectively. - Supporting Imams During Prayers
During Ramadan, when Taraweeh prayers involve reciting a portion of the Quran every night, the division into Juz helps Imams lead the prayers efficiently, ensuring that the entire Quran is recited by the end of the month. This structure allows for the optimal use of Ramadan as the month of the Quran.
In conclusion the division of the Quran into Juz provides a structured and spiritual framework for Muslims to engage with the Quran consistently. Whether for daily recitation, memorization, or in-depth study, each Juz allows for a meaningful connection with Allah’s words. The difference between Juz and Hizb in the Quran lies in their size, with each Juz containing two Hizbs.
Reading a Juz daily offers numerous benefits, including strengthening faith, promoting inner peace, and fostering discipline in one’s spiritual practices. These divisions make it easier to commit to regular recitation and deepen one’s relationship with the Quran.
FAQ about Difference Between Juz and Hizb
How many juz are in the Quran?
The Qur’an is divided into thirty equal parts called Juz’, making it easier to read or recite the entire Holy Book within a month, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan.
What is the difference between juz and surah?
The main divisions of the Quran are Surahs (chapters) and Ayahs (verses). The Quran is also divided into 30 equal sections called Juz’ (plural: Ajza). While Surahs are the chapters that vary in length, Juz’ are divisions designed to make recitation and memorization easier, especially for completing the entire Quran within a month. Each Juz’ contains multiple Surahs and Ayahs, allowing for more manageable portions of the Quran to be read or memorized.
How to identify juz in Quran?
Each Juz’ in the Quran is a roughly equal portion of the text, designed for easier recitation and memorization. However, these divisions are not based on thematic content. For instance, Juz’ 1 begins with Surah Al-Fatiha and continues into Surah Al-Baqarah, while Juz’ 30 contains shorter surahs, such as Surah An-Naba and Surah An-Nas. This division allows for structured reading but doesn’t group verses by subject matter.