The Institute of Qur’an Recitation, established at IUR, admits hafize students only (having achieved complete or partial memorization of the Qur’an) to develop their knowledge of the Qur’an (memorization, recitation, reading and knowledge of the Qur’an) by means of intensive courses. In addition to the memorization and recitation of the Qur’an, students of the Institute of Qur’an Recitation follow courses of hadith (sayings of Prophet) and tafsir (commentary of the Qur’an). As diction is one of the most important parameters in the pronunciation aspect of a language, the Institute of Qur’an recitation focuses on the phonetic and phonological levels as a requirement for Muslims readers of the Qur’an, either in prayer or speeches.

Aims and objectives

The ultimate aim is to train expert readers in the Netherlands with knowledge of the precious “ten-fold style recitations.” The Institute of Qur’an Recitation aims at teaching students how to correctly read and recite and memorizing the Qur’anic Texts, and cultivating their skills of memorization, recitation and deepening their knowledge of the Qur’an. The focus is placed on some chapters of the Qur’an, with concentration on meanings and reading according to the rules of recitation. Attention is also paid to linguistic construction and rhetorical features. One of the most cherished goals of most Muslims readers of the Qur’an is the correct memorization and recitation of the holy book of Allah, the Qur’an, from the beginning till the end. The title “hafiz” is given to those who achieve the memorization of the Qur’an from the opening verse until the closing verse (N=100.000 Surats). Reading Qur’an properly is very important for all believers and especially for those leading the prayers and lecturing on the recitation of the Qur’an to others.

Curriculum of the Institute of Qur’an Recitation

Recitation, selection and recitation laboratory

Muslims, particularly the students who are naturally expected by the Muslim community to recite the Qur'an well at least up to the minimum standard of recitation, which is indispensable for every Muslim during his prayer (salat). The Institute of Qur’an Recitation explores important aspects of reading (Tilawah) and reciting (Tajwid) the Qur’an, in addition to its classes in Qur’anic recitation. Undoubtedly, the Qur'an as the prime source of Islam teaching needs serious attention with regards to both it content and proper recitation with Tajwid. The Institute of Qur’an Recitation admits hafize students only. Any reading weakness among the students would certainly open room for the audience to put into question their recitation and/or memorization quality. To identify the week readers, students of the Institute of the Qur’an Recitation are required to sit for the Qur'anic Recitation Placement Test conducted at the beginning of every academic year. A new chance is given to those students who fail this test. They are often asked to register and attend the Reading, Recitation and Memorizing of Qur’anic classes. The Institute organizes special Tilawah and Tajwid classes for students who are poor in their Qur'anic reading ability. The Institute of Qur’an Recitation has a laboratory to monitor the memorization recitation and correct reading of the Holy Qur’an to help the student absorb and correctly recite God's Book.

Enrollment requirements

To have a hafize education background

Proficiency in Dutch and Arabic, if not, willingness to follow these courses

Valid resident permit in the EU Countries

An admission certificate obtained from the Board of Admissions and Examinations

Post-graduation possibilities

Studies in the Faculty of Islamic Sciences

Studies of the Faculty of Languages and Civilizations

Studies of the Faculty of Islamic Arts

Professional prospects

Islamic organizations (i.e., mosques)