Most Important Surahs to Memorize: Memorizing the Quran holds immense significance in Islam, as it is considered one of the noblest acts of worship and a means of drawing closer to Allah. The Quran itself emphasizes the importance of memorization, with Allah promising great rewards for those who commit its verses to memory.
The importance of memorizing the Quran is translated by people through dedication and hard work; as many try to memorize the Quran with courses such as the Quran Hifz course at Shaykhi Academy.
Most Important Surahs to Memorize:
Memorizing the Quran preserves its teachings and ensures that they are passed down from generation to generation without alteration. It also allows Muslims to carry the Quran with them wherever they go, enabling them to reflect on its verses and draw guidance from its teachings in their daily lives.
We will start our list of important Surahs to memorize with short, easy ones that even kids in Quran memorization courses like Shaykhi Academy’s Quran memorization course for kids teach.
1- Surah Al-Fatihah (سورة الفاتحة):
Surah Al-Fatihah, the Opening Chapter of the Quran, holds immense significance in Islamic practice and belief. It is often referred to as the “Essence of the Quran” due to its pivotal role in daily prayers and its foundational nature in understanding the Quranic message.
The Surah in Arabic: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ ١ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ٢ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ ٣ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ٤ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ٥ إِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ ٦ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ ٧
Transliteration: Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm. Al-ḥamdu lillāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn. Ar-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm Māliki yawmi d-dīn. Iyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyāka nastaʿīn. Ihdinā ṣ-ṣirāṭa l-mustaqīm. Ṣirāṭa alladhīna anʿamta ʿalayhim ghayri l-maḡḍūbi ʿalayhim walā ḍ-ḍāllīn.
Translation: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.
2- Surah Al-Ikhlas (سورة الإخلاص):
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a short but profound chapter of the Quran that emphasizes the absolute oneness of Allah. It succinctly expresses the Islamic concept of monotheism (Tawheed) in its purest form, making it a fundamental Surah for understanding and affirming the core belief of Islam.
The Surah in Arabic: قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ١ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ٢ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ٣ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ٤
Transliteration: Qul huwa Allāhu aḥad. Allāhuṣ-ṣamad. Lam yalid wa lam yūlad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan aḥad.
Translation: Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
3- Surah Al-Falaq (سورة الفلق):
Surah Al-Falaq is a chapter of the Quran that seeks refuge in Allah from the evils of the night. It highlights the importance of seeking protection from harm and evil by turning to Allah, the ultimate source of protection and guidance.
The Surah in Arabic: قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ١ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ٢ وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ ٣ وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ ٤ وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ ٥
Transliteration: Qul aʿūdhu birabbi l-falaq. Min sharri mā khalaq. Wa min sharri ghāsiqin iḍā waqab. Wa min sharri naffāthāti fī l-ʿuqad. Wa min sharri ḥāsidin iḍā ḥasad.
Translation: Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak From the evil of that which He created And from the evil of darkness when it settles And from the evil of the blowers in knots And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”
4- Surah An-Nas (سورة الناس):
Surah An-Nas is a chapter of the Quran that seeks refuge in Allah from the evil of people. It teaches believers to seek Allah’s protection from the whispers of Shaytan (Satan) and from the harm that can come from the enmity and jealousy of others.
The Surah in Arabic: قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ١ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ٢ إِلَـٰهِ النَّاسِ ٣ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ٤ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ٥ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ ٦
Transliteration: Qul aʿūdhu birabbi n-nās. Malikin-nās. Ilāhin-nās. Min sharri l-waswāsi l-khannās. Alladhī yuwaswisu fī ṣudūri n-nās. Mina l-jinnati wan-nās.
Translation: Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, The Sovereign of mankind. The God of mankind, From the evil of the retreating whisperer – Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind – From among the jinn and mankind.”
5- Surah Al-Fil سورة الفيل
Surah Al-Fil, “The Elephant,” recounts the miraculous story of how Allah protected the Kaaba from destruction by Abraha’s army, who came with war elephants. It serves as a reminder of divine power and protection.
Here are an example of our courses teaching Surah al-Fil:
The Surah in Arabic:
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ ١ أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ ٢ وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ ٣ تَرْمِيهِمْ بِحِجَارَةٍ مِنْ سِجِّيلٍ ٤ فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَأْكُولٍ ٥Transliteration:
Alam tara kayfa fa‘ala rabbuka bi-ashābil-fīl. Alam yaj‘al kaydahum fī taḍlīl. Wa arsala ‘alayhim ṭayran abābīl. Tarmīhim biḥijāratin min sijjīl. Faja‘alahum ka‘aṣfim ma’kūl.Translation:
Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the people of the elephant? Did He not make their plan go astray? And He sent against them flocks of birds, striking them with stones of hard clay, leaving them like chewed-up straw.
6- Surah Al-Lail (سورة الليل)
Surah Al-Lail, “The Night,” is a profound chapter of the Quran that highlights the contrast between righteousness and wrongdoing, emphasizing the consequences of one’s actions. It serves as a reminder of divine justice and the rewards awaiting those who strive for goodness.
An example of one of our students recites it:
The Surah in Arabic:
وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَىٰ ١ وَالنَّهَارِ إِذَا تَجَلَّىٰ ٢ وَمَا خَلَقَ الذَّكَرَ وَالْأُنثَىٰ ٣ إِنَّ سَعْيَكُمْ لَشَتَّىٰ ٤ فَأَمَّا مَنْ أَعْطَىٰ وَاتَّقَىٰ ٥ وَصَدَّقَ بِالْحُسْنَىٰ ٦ فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِلْيُسْرَىٰ ٧ وَأَمَّا مَنْ بَخِلَ وَاسْتَغْنَىٰ ٨ وَكَذَّبَ بِالْحُسْنَىٰ ٩ فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِلْعُسْرَىٰ ١٠ وَمَا يُغْنِي عَنْهُ مَالُهُ إِذَا تَرَدَّىٰ ١١ إِنَّ عَلَيْنَا لَلْهُدَىٰ ١٢ وَإِنَّ لَنَا لَلْآخِرَةَ وَالْأُولَىٰ ١٣ فَأَنذَرْتُكُمْ نَارًا تَلَظَّىٰ ١٤ لَا يَصْلَاهَا إِلَّا الْأَشْقَى ١٥ الَّذِي كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ ١٦ وَسَيُجَنَّبُهَا الْأَتْقَى ١٧ الَّذِي يُؤْتِي مَالَهُ يَتَزَكَّىٰ ١٨ وَمَا لِأَحَدٍ عِندَهُ مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ تُجْزَىٰ ١٩ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ الْأَعْلَىٰ ٢٠ وَلَسَوْفَ يَرْضَىٰ ٢١
Transliteration:
Wal-laili iza yaghsha. Wan-nahari iza tajalla. Wama khalaqaz-zakara wal-untha. Inna sa’yakum lashatta. Fa-amma man a’ta wattaqa. Wasaddaqa bil-husna. Fasanuyassiruhu lilyusra. Wa-amma man bakhila wastaghna. Wakadhdaba bil-husna. Fasanuyassiruhu lil’usra. Wama yughni ‘anhu maluhu iza taradda. Inna ‘alaina lalhuda. Wa inna lana lal-aakhirata wal-oola. Fa anzartukum naran talazza. La yaslaha illa al-ashqa. Alladhi kadhdhaba wa tawalla. Wasayujannabu-hal-atqa. Alladhi yu’ti malahu yatazakka. Wama li-ahadin ‘indahu min ni’matin tujza. Illab tighaa’a wajhi rabbihil-a’la. Wa lasawfa yarda.
Translation:
By the night when it covers, and by the day when it shines. And by He who created male and female, indeed, your efforts are diverse. As for the one who gives and fears Allah, and believes in the best reward, We will ease him towards ease. But as for the one who withholds and considers himself self-sufficient, and denies the best reward, We will ease him towards difficulty. And his wealth will not help him when he falls. Indeed, upon Us is guidance. And indeed, to Us belong the Hereafter and the first life. So I warn you of a blazing Fire. None will enter it except the most wretched, who denies and turns away. But the righteous one will be kept away from it—he who gives his wealth to purify himself and expects no favor in return, only seeking the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High. And he will surely be satisfied.
7- Surah Al-Inshirah (سورة الإنشراح):
Surah Al-Inshirah, also known as “The Expansion,” is a chapter of the Quran that offers comfort and solace to the Prophet Muhammad during times of difficulty. It reminds believers that with hardship comes ease, and encourages them to be patient and grateful for Allah’s blessings.
The Surah in Arabic:
أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ. وَوَضَعْنَا عَنكَ وِزْرَكَ. الَّذِي أَنقَضَ ظَهْرَكَ. وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ. فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا. إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا. فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانصَبْ. وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ.
Transliteration: Alam nashrah laka sadrak. Wa wad’ana ‘anka wizrak. Alladhi anqada dhahrak. Wa rafa’na laka dhikrak. Fa innama’al ‘usri yusra. Innama’al ‘usri yusra. Fa idha faraghta fansab. Wa ila rabbika farghab.
Translation: Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast? And We removed from you your burden. Which had weighed upon your back. And raised high for you your repute. For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.
8- Surah Al-Qadr (سورة القدر):
Surah Al-Qadr, meaning “The Night of Decree,” is a chapter of the Quran that highlights the significance of Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Decree, which occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It emphasizes the tremendous value of this night, during which the Quran was revealed, and encourages believers to seek its blessings through worship and devotion.
The Surah in Arabic: إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ١ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ ٢ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ٣ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ٤ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ ٥
Transliteration: Innā anzalnāhu fī laylati l-qadr. Wa mā adrāka mā laylatu l-qadr. Laylatu l-qadri khayrun min alfi shahr. Tanazzalu l-malā’ikatu war-rūḥu fīhā bi-idhni rabbihim min kulli amr. Salāmun hiya ḥattá matlai l-fajr.
Translation: Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.
9- Surah Al-Qariah (سورة القارعة):
Surah Al-Qariah, meaning “The Striking Calamity,” is a chapter of the Quran that warns about the Day of Judgment and the consequences that will befall mankind. It serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of this world and the ultimate accountability before Allah.
The Surah in Arabic: الْقَارِعَةُ ١ مَا الْقَارِعَةُ ٢ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْقَارِعَةُ ٣ يَوْمَ يَكُونُ النَّاسُ كَالْفَرَاشِ الْمَبْثُوثِ ٤ وَتَكُونُ الْجِبَالُ كَالْعِهْنِ الْمَنفُوشِ ٥
Transliteration: Al-qāriʿah. Mā al-qāriʿah. Wa mā adrāka mā al-qāriʿah. Yawma yakūnu n-nāsu ka l-farāshi l-mabthūth. Wa takūnu l-jibālu ka l-ʿihnī l-manfūsh.
Translation: The Striking Calamity. What is the Striking Calamity? And what can make you know what is the Striking Calamity? It is the Day when people will be like scattered moths, And the mountains will be like wool, fluffed up.
10- Surah At-Takathur (سورة التكاثر):
Surah At-Takathur, meaning “The Rivalry in World Increase,” is a chapter of the Quran that warns against the distractions of worldly desires and the obsession with accumulating wealth and material possessions. It reminds believers of the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter.
The Surah in Arabic: أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ ١ حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ ٢ كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ ٣ ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ ٤ كَلَّا لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عِلْمَ الْيَقِينِ ٥ لَتَرَوُنَّ الْجَحِيمَ ٦ ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّهَا عَيْنَ الْيَقِينِ ٧
Transliteration: Alhākumu at-takāthur. Ḥattā zur tumu l-maqābir. Kallā sawfa taʿlamūn. Thumma kallā sawfa taʿlamūn. Kallā law taʿlamūna ʿilma l-yaqīn. La tarawunna l-jaḥīma. Thumma la tarawunna hā ʿayna l-yaqīn.
Translation: Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards. No! You are going to know. Then no! You are going to know. No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty… You will surely see the Hellfire. Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty.
11- Surah Al-Qiyamah (سورة القيامة):
Surah Al-Qiyamah, meaning “The Resurrection,” is a chapter of the Quran that vividly describes the Day of Judgment and the events that will occur when the world comes to an end.
It opens with a powerful affirmation of the certainty of the Day of Resurrection, stating that humans are in a state of heedlessness about this event. The Surah then describes the resurrection of all people, the gathering before Allah, and the accountability for one’s deeds. It paints a picture of the chaos and confusion that will prevail on that day, with hearts trembling and eyes humbled.
Here is a class with one of our students memorizing Surah al-Qiyamah:
The Surah emphasizes that on that day, no soul will have any power or control except by the will of Allah. It describes the division of people into two groups: those who will receive their book of deeds in their right hand and those who will receive it behind their back. The former will enter Paradise, while the latter will face punishment in Hell.
The Surah concludes by highlighting the Quran’s role as a reminder and warning for humanity, urging people to reflect on its teachings and prepare for the Day of Judgment.
12- Surah Al-Mulk (سورة الملك):
Surah Al-Mulk, meaning “The Sovereignty,” is a chapter of the Quran that emphasizes the majesty and dominion of Allah over all creation.
It opens with a declaration of Allah’s power as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, highlighting His control over life and death. The Surah then describes the beauty and complexity of the natural world as signs of Allah’s existence and wisdom. It challenges humanity to ponder over these signs and recognize the truth of Islam.
The Surah also warns about the consequences of disbelief and disobedience to Allah. It describes Hell as a punishment for those who reject the truth and highlights the contrast between the fate of the believers and the disbelievers. The Surah concludes by reminding believers to seek Allah’s protection from the torment of Hell and to strive for righteousness.
Shaykhi’s Best Program of Hifz Quran for Adults and Kids
The Quran Hifz course at Shaykhi Academy is designed to help you memorize the Quran at your own pace, regardless of your age or background.
With expert guidance and personalized support, you’ll embark on a profound spiritual journey that will deepen your connection with the Quran and enrich your life.
Don’t miss this opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream and become a part of the rich tradition of Quran memorization. Join now and start memorizing the Quran today!
Overall, memorizing the Quran is a deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching endeavor that is highly encouraged in Islam.
