Chapter: The Division of the Quran According to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)
Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, who revealed the Quran as guidance for mankind, with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, who conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, and sincerely advised the Ummah, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
Section 1: The Concept and Importance of Dividing the Quran
1. Definition of "Tahzeeb" (Division) in Language and Terminology
Linguistically, "Tahzeeb" is derived from "Hizb," meaning a portion or a group. In Islamic terminology, it refers to dividing the Quran into specific sections to facilitate regular recitation, memorization, and review.
2. Importance and Benefits of Dividing the Quran
- **Organized Recitation**: Assigning specific portions for daily or weekly reading.
- **Ease of Memorization**: Repeating designated sections aids retention.
- **Regular Completion**: Enables finishing the Quran in a set period (e.g., weekly or monthly).
- **Reflection and Understanding**: Allows deeper contemplation of verses.
- **Daily Devotion**: Following the Prophet’s practice of consistent recitation.
3. Difference Between "Tahzeeb" and "Tajzee’ah" (Segmentation)
"Tahzeeb" is broader than "Tajzee’ah," which refers to equal divisions (like the modern 30 parts). "Tahzeeb" includes any systematic division, whether by length, themes, or Surahs.
Section 2: The Division of the Quran in the Prophet’s Sunnah
1. Division Based on Time Duration
Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
*"Complete the Quran in a month."* When Abdullah said he could do more, the Prophet replied: *"Then finish it in seven days, and do not exceed that."* (Bukhari & Muslim).
This indicates dividing the Quran according to a recitation schedule.
2. Completing the Quran in Seven Days
The Prophet’s approval of a seven-day completion suggests a structured division, akin to the "Mufassal" section (Surah Qaf to An-Nas).
3. The Prophet’s Daily Recitation Routine
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would recite the "Musabbihat" (Surahs beginning with "سبح" or "يسبح") before sleeping, as narrated:
*"The Prophet never slept without reciting the Musabbihat."* (Tirmidhi, Hasan).
These Surahs include Al-Isra, Al-Hadid, Al-Hashr, As-Saff, Al-Jumu’ah, At-Taghabun, and Al-A’la.
4. Division by Surahs
The Prophet (peace be upon him) recited specific Surahs at designated times, such as:
- **Surah Al-Kahf** on Fridays.
- **Al-Mu’awwidhat** (Surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas) before sleeping.
- **Ayat al-Kursi** after prayers.
5. Division by Number of Verses
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
*"Whoever prays with ten verses will not be recorded as negligent; whoever prays with a hundred will be among the devout; and whoever prays with a thousand will be among the rewarded."* (Abu Dawud).
This encourages dividing recitation by verse count.
Section 3: Methods of Division in the Prophet’s Era and Beyond
1. Division by Surahs
Some companions would:
- Recite **Surah Al-Ikhlas** and the Mu’awwidhat three times nightly.
- Recite **Ayat al-Kursi** and the closing verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
2. Division by Portions (Thirds, Quarters, Halves)
Some companions recited:
- **One-third of the Quran** in a night.
- **Half of the Quran** in a day (as reported from Ibn Mas’ud).
3. Division by Prostration (Sajdah) Verses
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would prostrate at every Quranic verse of prostration, indicating a division based on these markers (Bukhari & Muslim).
4. The Modern 60-Part Division (Ahzab)
The current division into 60 "Ahzab" (each with four quarters) was later established to facilitate recitation and memorization.
Section 4: Practical Benefits of Dividing the Quran
1. **Consistency**: Daily or weekly portions ensure steady progress.
2. **Memorization**: Repetition strengthens retention.
3. **Reflection**: Allows deeper engagement with verses.
4. **Time Management**: Enables recitation in spare moments.
5. **Completion Goals**: Achievable targets (e.g., monthly khatmah).
Section 5: Guidelines for Dividing the Quran
1. **Purpose-Driven**: Division should aid worship, not become ritualistic.
2. **Reflection Over Speed**: Prioritize understanding over finishing quickly.
3. **Sunnah Compliance**: Emulate the Prophet’s recitation habits.
4. **Flexibility**: Adapt divisions to personal capacity.
Conclusion
The division of the Quran is rooted in the Prophet’s Sunnah, with companions adopting varied methods for systematic recitation. Muslims should adopt a flexible approach, prioritizing reflection and consistency. By aligning with the Prophet’s guidance, we fulfill the Quran’s purpose: guidance and righteous action.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions
This translation maintains the original meaning while adapting phrasing for clarity in English. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!
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