For centuries, Muslims have dedicated their lives to memorizing and preserving the Quran. Becoming a Hafiz, one who memorizes the entire Quran, is one of the highest honors in Islam. Beyond memorization, some also choose to study Qirat, which is the science of reciting the Quran in the authentic modes passed down through generations.
Traditionally, Hifz was learned in local madrasas or directly under a teacher in the mosque. Today, things look very different. With strong Islamic institutions like Qiratul Quran across the UK and the rise of online Quran learning, students now have multiple paths to achieve their goals. Whether you’re a child beginning your memorization journey, an adult balancing studies with work, or a parent looking for a structured course for your child, the options are wider and more flexible than ever.
This guide will walk you through the key questions people often ask about Hifz and Qirat: how long a Hifz course typically takes, how certification works, what a Qirat course in the UK actually entails, and whether Hifz can realistically be completed online. Along the way, we’ll also look at the pros and cons of online versus in-person study, so you can choose the path that works best for you. If you’re looking for a structured Hifz course for UK students, check out our main article online Hifz course in the UK.”
How Long Does a Hifz Course Take?
The time it takes to complete Hifz depends on several factors: your age, your schedule, your memory strength, and most importantly, your consistency.
Full-time Hifz courses: Students who dedicate several hours a day, usually in our institute or specialized Hifz programs, can complete memorization in 2 to 4 years.
Part-time Hifz programs: Many students, especially in Western countries, study for one or two hours a day alongside school or work. This pace usually means 5 to 7 years to finish.
Intensive Hifz programs: Our institute offers accelerated courses where students study 6–8 hours daily. With strong discipline and guidance, it’s possible to complete Hifz in 1.5 to 2 years, though this is rare.
But here’s the bottom line: speed doesn’t guarantee success. A student who memorizes quickly but neglects revision can lose large portions in a matter of months. On the other hand, someone who takes longer but reviews consistently may retain their memorization for life. For most people, a steady, balanced pace works best.
How Do You Get Certified as a Hafiz?
Many parents and students ask about certification. After all, completing the Quran memorization course is one step, but how do you prove it?
Certification typically works like this:
Completion under a qualified teacher – A Hafiz-in-training must study with a recognized Quran teacher, whether in-person or online.
Oral testing – The student is tested by reciting different parts of the Quran from memory, often chosen at random. This confirms accuracy and consistency.
Institute approval – Islamic schools or academies then confirm that the memorization is complete and correct.
Certificate or Ijazah – A certificate is awarded, sometimes called an Ijazah, which not only recognizes the student as a Hafiz but also links them to a chain of transmission going back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
This certification matters for several reasons. Spiritually, it’s an acknowledgment of a major accomplishment. Practically, it opens doors for the student to teach Quran, lead prayers, or pursue higher Islamic studies.
What Is a Qirat Course in the UK?
While Hifz focuses on memorization, Qirat is about recitation. Specifically, it’s the study of the authentic Qira’at, the variations in pronunciation, intonation, and style that were taught by the Prophet ﷺ and passed down through generations.
A Qirat course usually covers:
Mastering Tajweed rules (the science of proper Quranic pronunciation).
Learning the 10 Qira’at, or at least the most commonly taught ones.
Developing fluency, melody, and rhythm in reciting the Quran.
Understanding the historical authenticity of different recitation styles.
In the UK, many Islamic institutes and online academies like Qiratul Quran offer Qirat programs for both adults and children. Some are structured as short-term Tajweed classes, while others are full diploma-style programs that take years to complete.
For someone who already memorized the Quran, a Qirat course is often the next step. For beginners, starting with Tajweed before moving into Qirat is usually recommended.
Can You Do Hifz Online?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can.
Online Hifz classes have become especially popular in the last decade, and thousands of students around the world now complete their memorization entirely online. This option is particularly attractive to families in the UK, USA, and Canada who want qualified teachers but may not have strong local institutes nearby.
Benefits of Online Hifz
Flexibility: Study from home at times that fit your schedule.
One-to-one learning: Our online hifz program pairs students with a dedicated tutor.
Global access: Learn from Egyptian, Saudi, or Pakistani teachers without leaving your home.
Tracking progress: Our Online platform often includes progress reports and structured lesson plans.
Challenges of Online Hifz
Of course, online learning requires discipline. Students may face distractions at home, and the lack of in-person interaction means parents often need to supervise younger children. Still, for many families, the flexibility outweighs the drawbacks.
Online vs In-Person: Which Is Better?
This is the big question for many parents and students. The truth is, neither is objectively “better”; it depends on your lifestyle and learning style.
In-person courses: Offer community, peer support, and a traditional environment. They work well for children who thrive in structured classrooms.
Online courses: Offer flexibility and access to global teachers. They’re ideal for adults, working professionals, and families with busy schedules.
Some families even combine the two, starting with our best online Quran classes UK for flexibility, then moving into a local institute for discipline and community.
The Spiritual Side of Hifz and Qirat
Beyond the logistics of course length, certification, and format, it’s important to remember the heart of the journey. Becoming a Hafiz or studying Qirat is not just about acquiring a certificate. It’s about building a lifelong relationship with the Quran.
Memorization requires patience, humility, and constant revision. Qirat requires careful attention to the beauty of recitation. Both are paths of worship, not competition. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely will be with the noble and obedient scribes (angels).”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
This reminder grounds us in what matters most: sincerity and consistency.
Conclusion
Whether you’re aiming to memorize the Quran in full, earn recognition as a Hafiz, or dive into the study of Qirat, the opportunities available today are broader than ever. Students in the UK can choose between traditional institutions and online institutions like Qiratul Quran. Adults with busy schedules can complete Hifz from home. Children can benefit from one-to-one tutors or group madrasa environments.
The journey may take years, but the reward is eternal. The key is not how fast you finish, but how well you preserve and live by the Quran. Choose the path that suits your life, stay consistent, and remember that sincerity matters more than speed.
