Juz, Hizb, Ruku and Manzil: How the Quran Is Divided
Open a mushaf and you'll see markings in the margins: juz numbers, hizb symbols, the letter ع. These divisions help readers plan their recitation.
Surahs and verses
Surahs vary hugely in length: Al-Baqarah has 286 verses; Al-Kawthar has three.
Juz (جزء) — 30 parts
The Quran is divided into 30 roughly equal parts, each called a juz (in South Asia, a para or sipara). Reading one juz a day completes the Quran in a month — see our khatm plans.
Hizb (حزب) — 60 halves
Each juz is split into two hizb, and each hizb into quarters (rub‘). These are common in Arab and North African mushafs.
Ruku (ركوع) — thematic sections
In South Asian (Indo-Pak) mushafs, the letter ع in the margin marks a ruku‘ — a thematic section often used as a sensible length to recite in one unit of prayer.
Manzil (منزل) — 7 stations
The Quran is divided into seven manzil so it can be completed in a week, one manzil a day.
Which should you use?
- For monthly plans: juz.
- For daily reading or prayer: ruku‘ or rub‘.
- For weekly completion: manzil.
Different mushaf styles mark these differently — see choosing a mushaf. Book a free trial lesson.
Keep reading
Surah Yaseen: Themes, Structure and How to Memorize It
A guide to Surah Yaseen — its main themes, the story of the town and the believing man, the signs in creation, and a practical memorization plan.
Surah Al-Mulk: Meaning, Lessons and a Nightly Habit
Surah Al-Mulk is 30 verses about Allah's sovereignty and the purpose of life. Its meaning, its reported virtue, and how to make it a nightly habit.
Surah Al-Kahf: Its Four Stories and Lessons
A clear guide to Surah Al-Kahf — the People of the Cave, the two gardens, Musa and al-Khidr, and Dhul-Qarnayn — and why many Muslims read it on Fridays.
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