What is a juz, para, hizb, manzil or ruku?
Understand common Quran reading divisions: 30 juz or para, 60 hizb, seven manzil and thematic ruku sections. Browse all 30 juz.
The Quran's chapters are called surahs, and its verses are called ayahs. Additional divisions help readers organise recitation; they are not extra chapters or separate texts.
Juz and para: the 30-part division
A juz is one of 30 reading portions of the Quran. Para is a common South Asian term for the same division. Juz boundaries do not always follow surah boundaries.
This division makes a one-juz-a-day, 30-day reading plan convenient.
Hizb: a smaller reading portion
In the common 60-hizb division, each juz contains two hizb. Many editions also mark quarters of a hizb. These marks can help readers pause or plan shorter sessions.
Manzil: seven reading portions
The traditional seven-manzil division groups the Quran into seven portions, often used to organise a weekly reading. These portions are not equal in page count. Choose a manageable pace rather than assuming you must finish in a week.
Ruku: thematic reading sections
Ruku marks in many South Asian editions indicate groups of verses arranged as reading sections, often around a theme. Their marking can vary by edition; a printed ruku mark does not by itself mean a reader must bow at that point.
These reading divisions are different from religious rulings about where to pause or perform a prostration. For such questions, ask a knowledgeable teacher or local scholar.
Frequently asked questions
Are juz and para the same?
Yes. Para is a common South Asian name for one of the Quran's 30 juz.
How many hizb are there?
The common division has 60 hizb, two per juz. Some editions also show quarter-hizb markers.
Is a manzil the same as a surah?
No. A surah is a chapter. A manzil is one of seven traditional reading portions and can include several surahs.
Must I stop at every ruku mark?
Do not treat a section marker alone as a binding rule. Ask a Quran teacher about suitable pauses and the notation in your edition.