In this article
Students of Quran memorization often hear the words Sanad and Ijazah, and many people use them as if they mean the same thing. They are closely connected, but they are not identical. This guide explains what a Sanad is in Hifz, how it differs from an Ijazah, and how a student can earn both.
What is a Sanad?
Sanad (سند) means “support” or “chain”. In Quranic studies it refers to a connected chain of teachers: your teacher learned from their teacher, who learned from theirs, and so on, generation after generation, back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who received the Quran from Jibreel, peace be upon him. A Sanad shows that the recitation was passed on by direct listening and correction, not only from books.
What is an Ijazah?
Ijazah (إجازة) means “permission” or “authorization”. It is a certificate a qualified teacher gives to a student after the student has recited to them, usually the entire Quran from memory or from the Mushaf, with correct Tajweed. The Ijazah authorizes the student to recite and often to teach that recitation, and it records the teacher’s Sanad, linking the student to the chain.
Sanad vs Ijazah: the difference
| Sanad | Ijazah | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The chain of teachers back to the Prophet ﷺ | The certificate that authorizes the student |
| Who has it | Belongs to the recitation and the teacher | Given to the student who completes the requirements |
| How it relates | Written inside the Ijazah | Connects the student to the Sanad |
In short: the Ijazah is the document, and the Sanad is the chain written in it. When people say “Hifz with Sanad”, they usually mean memorizing with a teacher who holds a Sanad and can grant an Ijazah.
Types of Ijazah in Quran
- Ijazah in recitation (Tilawah): reciting the whole Quran correctly from the Mushaf.
- Ijazah in memorization (Hifz): reciting the whole Quran from memory.
- Ijazah in a specific narration, such as Hafs from Asim, the most widely recited narration today.
- Ijazah in the ten Qira’at, an advanced level for specialists.
How to get an Ijazah with Sanad
- Read correctly and master Tajweed with a qualified teacher.
- Complete your Hifz (for an Ijazah in Hifz) with strong revision.
- Recite the whole Quran to a teacher who holds a Sanad, who corrects every mistake.
- Receive the Ijazah once the teacher is satisfied with the full recitation.
It is a journey of patience. A trustworthy teacher will not rush it, because the Ijazah is a responsibility as well as an honour.
Why a Sanad matters
- It preserves the Quran as it was recited by the Prophet ﷺ, sound by sound.
- It ensures the student is corrected by someone who was corrected before them.
- It connects the student to a blessed chain of scholars across the centuries.
Ijazah at Elbayan Academy
At Elbayan Academy, students can work towards an Ijazah in the narration of Hafs from Asim in live one-to-one classes. The Ijazah fee is $100, paid once when the Ijazah is written. Regular classes cost $5 per 30-minute class, and the first class is a free trial. See our Quran memorization guide, the meaning of Hifz and our pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an Ijazah online?
Yes. Recitation to a qualified teacher by live video is widely accepted, as long as the teacher listens to and corrects the full recitation.
Do I need to memorize the whole Quran for an Ijazah?
For an Ijazah in Hifz, yes. An Ijazah in recitation can be earned by reciting the whole Quran from the Mushaf.
How long does it take?
It depends on your level and schedule. Your teacher will assess you and give a realistic plan.
