Meaning of Ijazah isn’t just about a certificate, it’s a legacy of trust, learning, and spiritual connection in Islamic tradition. From Quranic recitation to Hadith narration, the ijazah system preserves authentic knowledge through a verified chain of teachers.
In this article, presented by Sabil Al Quran, we’ll uncover What Is Ijazah Meaning, its types, and why it remains vital for every serious student of the Quran.
What Is the Ijazah Meaning in Arabic?
Ijazah is an Arabic word meaning “authorization” or “permission,” and in Islamic tradition, it refers to a formal certificate granted by a qualified scholar to a student who has mastered Quran recitation and memorization with proper Tajweed.
This certification serves as a testament to the student’s proficiency and grants them the right to teach or transmit the Quran to others.
What makes the ijazah truly significant is the sanad, or chain of transmission, which connects each certified student back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through a trusted line of scholars. This ensures the accuracy, authenticity, and continuity of Quranic knowledge across generations.
What Is The Importance of Ijazah in the Quran?
Receiving an Ijazah in Quranic recitation is a milestone of both spiritual and scholarly significance. It reflects not only the student’s mastery of memorization and Tajweed, but also their deep commitment to preserving the divine words of Allah as they were revealed.
This certification encourages precision in recitation, helping learners refine their skills to ensure error-free reading that aligns with authentic oral traditions.
More than just a personal achievement, an ijazah connects the student to an unbroken chain of transmission (sanad) that leads back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Through this chain, the learner becomes part of a noble legacy trusted to carry and transmit the Quran to future generations. The Prophet ﷺ himself cherished listening to the Quran from others, as shown in his request to Abdullah ibn Mas’ud: “Recite the Qur’an to me.” This moment emphasizes the value of correct transmission, which is at the heart of the ijazah tradition.
In essence, ijazah is a bridge between past and present, safeguarding the authenticity of the Quran while empowering new generations to teach it with confidence, reverence, and
Types of Ijazah in the Quran
Ijazahs differ based on the level of proficiency and the specific area of study. Here are some common types of Ijazah in the Quran:
1. Ijazah in Quran Memorization (Hifz)
This type of Ijazah is granted to students who have successfully memorized the entire Quran while adhering to proper Tajweed rules. It certifies that the student has completely memorized the Quran and can recite it accurately without errors. Online Quran memorization classes are an excellent choice for students aiming to achieve this level of mastery.
2. Ijazah in Quran Recitation with Tajweed
This Ijazah is awarded to students who have reached a high level of proficiency in reciting the Quran while following the rules of Tajweed and maintaining a melodious tone. It certifies that the student has mastered various recitation styles (qira’at), ensuring accurate pronunciation, Tajweed, and rhythm.
This type of Ijazah is further divided into several sub-types:
- Ijazah with one narration, such as Hafs ‘an ‘Asim.
- Ijazah with the seven Qira’at of ash-Shatibiyyah.
- Ijazah with three Qira’at of Durrat Al-Maa’nia.
- Ijazah with ten Qira’at of Tayyibat An-Nashr.
3. Ijazah in Tajweed
This Ijazah focuses specifically on the rules of Tajweed, requiring students to master the correct pronunciation of Quranic letters, elongation, pauses, and other technical aspects of recitation. It ensures that the student can recite the Quran with precise adherence to Tajweed rules.
4. Ijazah in Qira’at
Qira’at refers to the various methods of reciting the Quran, based on authentic narrations passed down from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This Ijazah involves studying and mastering a particular recitation style, such as Hafs ‘an ‘Asim, and ensures that these styles are transmitted accurately and faithfully.
Common Misconceptions about Ijazah
There are several misconceptions surrounding the Ijazah system that need clarification:
- Is it limited to scholars?
While Ijazah was historically reserved for scholars, today, it is available to anyone who meets the required standards of Quranic memorization or recitation, regardless of their background. It is no longer exclusive to religious elites or scholars. - Is obtaining an Ijazah an easy task?
Securing an Ijazah is far from simple. It demands years of commitment, effort, and discipline. The process involves in-depth study, constant practice, and perseverance to ensure that the individual has mastered Quranic recitation or memorization. - Can Ijazah be bought or sold?
Ijazah is a certificate earned through dedication and serious study, not a commodity to be bought or sold. Unfortunately, some misconceptions or fraudulent practices may arise, with some individuals attempting to sell counterfeit Ijazahs. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of the institution or teacher granting the certification.
Would you like to embark on an educational journey to master Quranic recitation with Tajweed rules? Join the Ijazah Program today and start your studies with Sabil ALQuran to receive certified and connected Ijazah.
In conclusion, the Meaning of Ijazah holds both spiritual and academic significance, as it is not only a mark of academic achievement in Quranic studies but also a means of preserving the sacred knowledge of the Quran. It connects individuals to a long-standing tradition of Quranic scholarship and piety.
The pursuit of Ijazah encourages a lifelong commitment to learning, humility, and seeking knowledge from qualified scholars. This is why the Meaning of Ijazah remains relevant today, both as a badge of honor and a profound spiritual accomplishment.
FAQ About Meaning of Ijazah
Who Can Give Ijazah?
To obtain the Ijazah, the student must recite the Quran from beginning to end, adhering to all the rules of Tajweed, in front of a qualified Qari who is authorized to grant the Ijazah. Therefore, only a professor who has himself obtained it through an authentic chain of transmission can grant it.
Can I teach the Quran without Ijazah?
A teacher should not teach Quranic recitations outside the accepted regional style without first obtaining Ijazah from qualified scholars.
How long does an Ijazah take?
The duration to obtain an Ijazah can vary. For a single style of recitation, such as Hafs, it may take 2 to 3 years to master the rules and perfect the recitation. However, if studying multiple Qira’at, the process could take 4 to 6 years or longer to receive Ijazah in each one.