How the Quran Is Organised: Surahs, Juz, Hizb, Ruku and the Marks in the Margin
The Quran has 114 surahs (chapters) made up of verses (ayat), and a separate set of divisions for reading: 30 juz (parts), 60 hizb (half-juz), 240 rub’ (quarters), and in many South Asian editions 558 rukus (sections). A common count is 6,236 verses, and surahs are broadly classed as Makki (about 86) or Madani (about 28).
Open a mushaf for the first time and you may notice small marks in the margins that do not seem to be part of the text. They are navigation aids, and learning them makes it much easier to find a place, plan your reading and follow a teacher’s instructions. This guide explains the main divisions and what each one is for.
Two kinds of divisions
The Quran is organised in two different ways at once. The first is by content: surahs and verses. The second is by reading length: juz, hizb, rub’ and similar divisions, which are designed to help with pacing and memorisation and do not represent separate topics.
The main divisions
| Unit | Count | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Surah (chapter) | 114 | The main chapters, ranging from 3 verses (Al-Kawthar) to 286 (Al-Baqarah) |
| Ayah (verse) | 6,236 in the common count | The numbered verses inside each surah |
| Juz (part) | 30 | Equal parts for regular reading, about 20 pages each in the Madinah mushaf |
| Hizb | 60 | Each juz divided in two |
| Rub’ al-hizb | 240 | Each hizb divided into four quarters |
| Ruku’ (section) | 558 in many South Asian prints | Groups of related verses, marked with a ع in the margin |
| Manzil | 7 | Seven portions for finishing the Quran in a week |
Verse counts differ slightly between recitation traditions. For example, the Hafs count is 6,236, while the Qalun count is 6,214. Some older counts include the basmalah as a verse at the start of each surah, which gives a higher total.
Makki and Madani surahs
Surahs are traditionally classed as Makki (revealed before the Hijra, about 86 surahs) or Madani (revealed after it, about 28). The labels are a guide, and some surahs contain verses of both types, which scholars of tafsir discuss in detail. Madani surahs tend to have longer verses, and many Makki surahs are shorter, which is part of why Juz Amma is full of short surahs.
How to use these divisions
- Reading plans: one juz a day finishes the Quran in about a month. Our guide to building a Quran reading habit shows how to fit it into a busy day.
- Memorisation: teachers often assign work by page, ruku or juz. See Juz Amma for beginners.
- Navigation: the margin marks tell you where a hizb, rub’ or ruku begins, so you can mark your place.
What the marks in the margin look like
The exact marks vary by edition. Many Madinah mushafs mark each juz, hizb and rub’ with a decorative symbol in the margin. Many South Asian prints add the letter ع at the end of each ruku and number it. A key at the front or back of your own mushaf lists the marks. For other differences between editions, see our guide to choosing a mushaf.
Notes and sources
Numbers follow the widely cited Hafs/Kufan counts. Ruku numbers are common in editions from the Indian subcontinent and are not found in every mushaf.
- Riwaq Al-Quran: structure and ayat count
- Quran.is FAQ: juz, hizb, Makki and Madani
- Way2Quran: about the Quran
Key Takeaways
- 114 surahs are divided separately into 30 juz and other reading units
- Counts such as 6,236 verses follow the Hafs/Kufan tradition
- Marginal marks vary between editions, so read your mushaf's key
Frequently Asked Questions
Are juz the same length?
They are meant to be equal parts for reading, and in the Madinah mushaf most are about 20 pages. The first is slightly longer and the last, Juz Amma, is about 23 pages.
Why do different sources give different verse counts?
Because verse counting is a transmitted tradition and differs slightly between recitation traditions. The common figure of 6,236 follows the Kufan count used for Hafs.
Do I need to know these divisions to learn Tajweed?
No, but they make it much easier to follow a lesson plan and keep your place.
Find your place with a teacher
A teacher can show you the marks in your own mushaf and set a plan using juz and pages. Book a free trial lesson.
Book a Free Trial Class Chat on WhatsApp
