Hizb in the Holy Qur’an

This is further division of Juz’un. There are sixty sub-divisions of the Qur’an also for easy recitation and memorization. Each hizb is further sub-divided into quarters indicated as follows:

a. First quarter hizb (Rub’u hizb)
b. Half of hizb (Nasnu hizb)
c. Third quarter hizb (Thalatha Ruba‘a hizb)

This sub-division of the Qur’an also help pupils, learning the Qur’an by engaging them to complete the hizb within a period of time after which they would fulfil completion of a Juz’un. To such learners, they cannot move to another hizb unless they have mastered the reading of the previous ones.

Juz'un in the Holy Qur’an

Juz’un (pl.ajza) literally means part or portion. The Qur’an is derived in 30 portions of appropriately equal length for easy recitation during the thirty nights of Ramadan.

The learning of the Qur’an in view of its technical nature normally takes some time. Pupils learning the book often spend months and even years before graduation. One easy way of ensuring that a pupil completes the learning in good time is to divide the entire period along the Juz’un. By this, a child will move from one Juz’un to another. Some ceremonies are held for such completion.

Today, in order to further enhance effective recitation of the Qur’an, the holy book is printed in 30 volumes. Thus, with 30 good reciters, the whole Qur’an can be recited through the Juz’un arrangement.

Ayah in the Holy Qur’an

Ayah (pl. ayat) means ‘sign’, but in technical language it refers to the shortest division of the Qur’an, i.e. a phrase or a sentence. Since the revelation of the Qur’an is a guidance to mankind, it is therefore not surprising that its smallest divisions are called ‘signs’. The term verses is only used by English translators, it may not be the most appropriate since Qur’an is not poetry.

An ayah of the Qur’an may carry more than one meaning, while some need to be read along with the next in a surah. Some ayat are self- explanatory while some are allegorical. The proper understanding of these depends on the knowledge of individual who engages on the study of the Qur’an.

Surah in the Holy Qur’an

Surah (pl. Surat or Suwar) literally means ‘row’ or ‘fence’. In technical language, it is the passage with division of the Qur’anic text, i.e. a chapter or part, set apart from the preceding and following text.

In the Qur’an, there are 114 chapters or Suwar. This division is what Qur’anic 2:23 referred to when it challenged the opponents of Islam

“And if you are in doubt as to what we have revealed from time to time to our servant, then produce a Surah like it, and call your witness or helpers beside Allah S.W.T, if your doubts are true”