How Long Does It Take to Read the Quran? Average Times Explained

Is it a race to finish the Qur’an by just reading? What if the most important spiritual goal wasn’t just to read the entire Qur’an, but to truly connect with its message? For every Muslim, the Qur’an is the ultimate guide, a divine light for the heart, and a way to seek closeness to Allah. While many wonder, how long does it take to read the Quran, the answer is far more nuanced than a simple number.

It’s a deeply personal journey influenced by one’s recitation skills, knowledge of tajweed, and spiritual intention. As scholars remind us, the true objective is not speed but rather a careful balance of correct pronunciation, profound reflection, and unwavering consistency.

Factors Affecting Reading Time: Fluency, Tajweed, Pauses

When we ask how long does it take to read the Quran, the first thing to consider is the reader’s situation. Several key factors play a role in determining the time needed as:

Fluency in Arabic

A person who grew up speaking Arabic or has studied it thoroughly tends to read faster than someone learning Arabic as a second language. Many Muslim non-Arabs spend more time on letters, vowels, and pronunciation.

Knowledge of Tajweed

Scholars affirm that  tajweed is not optional—it is a responsibility to recite the Quran with correct rules. Using tajweed, such as lengthening vowels, observing pauses, and pronouncing letters properly, can make the recitation take longer, but it helps in preserving the Quran’s sacredness.

Pauses for Reflection

The Prophet ﷺ would sometimes pause after a verse to think about its meaning and explain that for his companions.Scholars highlight that taking time to understand and reflect on the verses (tadabbur) is just as important as reading continuously. Someone who frequently stops to think and reflect will take more time to finish.

Purpose of Reading

If one is simply reading for barakah (blessings), the pace may be faster. But if one is reviewing memorization (hifz) or studying tafsir, the time is naturally longer.

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How Long Does It Take to Read the Quran on Average

According to studies and experiences shared by scholars and students, the average time to read the entire Quran aloud with tajweed ranges between 20 to 30 hours for someone fluent. If one reads around one juz (part) per day, it typically takes 30 days to complete.

If we ask more directly, how long does it take to read the Quran in one sitting without long pauses, some skilled reciters may complete it in about 15–20 hours. But scholars caution against rushing, However, it is better not to read it in less than three days, as mentioned in the hadith of Abdullah ibn Amr: ‘He does not truly understand who reads it in less than three days.’  The better approach is to observe humility, proper recitation, and reflection in reading. The aim is not speed, but rather to benefit from it.

The Prophet ﷺ advised: “The one who is skilled in reciting the Qur’an will be with the noble angels, while the one who struggles but still tries gets double the reward.” (Bukhari, Muslim). This shows that even if it takes longer, there is great reward.

So, how long does it take to read the Quran for an average Muslim who reads slowly? It may take 50–60 hours spread over several days or weeks. This is not a problem, as what matters is consistency and sincerity.

Reading Schedules for Ramadan and Beyond

The best approach in this matter is what the Prophet ﷺ explained to Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As when he asked him about how to read the Qur’an.

Abdullah told the Prophet ﷺ that he used to complete it every day and fast continuously. The Prophet ﷺ instructed him to fast and break the fast, to sleep and to pray, and to complete the Qur’an once a month. He said: ‘Your self has a right over you, your family has a right over you, and your guest has a right over you. So give each their due right.’ Abdullah then asked to do more, until the Prophet ﷺ told him to finish it in a week, saying: ‘Read it in seven days.’

Thus, the best period to complete the Qur’an is seven days. If one extends it to a month, twenty days, or more, there is no harm. The minimum, however, is three days, as the hadith states: ‘He does not truly understand who reads it in less than three days’.

When a person becomes accustomed to completing it in seven days, as many of the Companions used to do, they would divide it into seven portions and finish it every week. This was the practice of several Companions رضي الله عنهم جميعا.  

Aws said: “I asked the Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, ‘How do you divide (ḥizb) the Qur’an?’ They said: ‘Three, five, seven, nine, eleven, thirteen, and the ḥizb of al-Mufaṣṣal alone.’” Narrated by Abu Dawud.

Companions divided the reading as following:

Day	Number of Surahs	Surahs
First day	3	al-Baqarah, Aal ‘Imran, al-Nisa’
Second day	5	al-Ma’idah, al-An‘am, al-A‘raf, al-Anfal, al-Tawbah
Third day	7	Yunus, Hud, Yusuf, al-Ra‘d, Ibrahim, al-Hijr, al-Nahl
Fourth day	9	Subhan (al-Isra’), al-Kahf, Maryam, Ta-Ha, al-Anbiya’, al-Hajj, al-Mu’minun, al-Nur, al-Furqan
Fifth day	11	al-Shu‘ara’, al-Naml, al-Qasas, al-‘Ankabut, al-Rum, Luqman, Alif-Lam-Mim al-Sajdah, al-Ahzab, Saba’, Fatir, Ya-Sin
sixth day	13	al-Saffat, Sad, al-Zumar, Ghafir, Ha-Mim al-Sajdah (Fussilat), Ha-Mim ‘Ayn-Sin-Qaf (al-Shura), al-Zukhruf, al-Dukhan, al-Jathiyah, al-Ahqaf, (Al-qetal) Muhammad, al-Fath, al-Hujurat
Seventh day	Hizb al-Mufassal (from Surah Qaf until the end)	Qaf → al-Nas

This was the practice of a group of the Companions, and it is a good method, with ease and without hardship. And if someone completes it in a month, or in twenty days, or in more, the matter is flexible, and all praise is due to Allah.

According to Ramadan, many Muslims wonder how long does it take to read the Quran during Ramadan. Since Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, people often aim to complete one full recitation (khatm). A common method is:

One Juz per day	Finish in 30 days
Two Juz per day	Finish in 15 days (two completions in Ramadan)
Four Juz per day	Finish in 7–8 days (possible for Huffaz and fluent readers)

So  teachers recommend a realistic balance: do not push yourself to read so fast that you lose focus, but do not delay so much that you lose momentum. 

Experiences of Students Completing the Qur’an

Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned in Zad al-Ma‘ad the scholarly difference of opinion regarding which is better: reading the Qur’an quickly with greater quantity, or reading less with careful recitation and reflection. He answered: The correct view in this matter is that the reward for reciting with deliberation and reflection is greater in quality and higher in rank, while the reward for reciting in large quantity is greater in number.

The first is like a person who gives charity with a single precious jewel or frees a valuable slave.

The second is like a person who gives charity with many small coins or frees a number of slaves of lesser value.

Accordingly, it is permissible to read the Qur’an without reflection, but it is preferable that the reciter strive to reflect. It should also be understood that reflection (tadabbur) does not necessarily require consulting the books of tafsir; rather, it is sufficient to engage the heart in understanding and taking admonition. If something is unclear in meaning, then one should ask the people of knowledge.

From their experience, scholars advise us to combine between studying tafsir and ordinary recitation: that we sometimes read a few verses to ponder their meanings, while at other times we dedicate sessions to reading larger portions without pausing for tafsir.

When you ask how long does it take to read the Quran, you should also ask: how much will my heart absorb? A short completion with deep reflection may be more valuable than a quick one without meaning.

Setting Realistic Goals for Daily Reading

For Muslims seeking to maintain a connection with the Qur’an, the key is consistency. The question how long does it take to read the Quran can be answered by breaking it into smaller goals:

10 -15 minutes daily	You can read 2–3 pages, completing in about a year
30 minutes daily	Around half a juz, completing in 2 months
1 hour daily	One full juz, completing in 30 days

Scholars emphasise not overburdening yourself. Even if it takes longer, steady progress is beloved to Allah. As the Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

So, instead of only asking how long does it take to read the Quran, a better question is: How can I build a sustainable habit of Qur’an recitation in my daily life? Explore the answer with our QURAN & QIRAAT STUDIES sessions by Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs in Egypt.

Conclusion

So, to put it simply, the  answer to how long does it take to read the Quran depends on how fluent you are, how well you pronounce the words (tajweed), how often you pause, and your intention. On average, someone who reads smoothly might finish in 20 to 30 hours, while someone learning might take 50 to 60 hours. Of course, this time is divided over days, weeks, or months, as the Prophet ﷺ advised that no one should complete the Qur’an in less than three days.

Reading quickly shouldn’t take the place of thoughtful reflection, proper pronunciation, and genuine sincerity. Whether it takes weeks or months, the Quran is meant to be a lifelong guide, not something to rush through. What really matters is forming a strong and meaningful connection with the words of Allah.

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FAQs

How long does it take to read the Quran in one sitting?

For a fluent reciter, about 15–20 hours, but scholars discourage rushing through.

How long does it take to read the Quran if I am a beginner?

It may take 50–60 hours or more, depending on fluency. Beginners are rewarded even more for their effort.

Can I complete the Quran in Ramadan?

Yes, by reading one juz per day. If you ask how long does it take to read the Quran in Ramadan, the answer is usually 30 days with this schedule.

Do I have to finish the Quran quickly?

The true value is consistent reading with tajweed and reflection over speed.

How long does it take to read the Quran if I read 30 minutes daily?

Around two months. A daily habit ensures a lasting connection.