How Many Surahs Are in the Quran? (Makki, Madani & Full List)
The Quran contains 114 surahs — 86 revealed in Makkah and 28 in Madinah — arranged not by chronology but by an order preserved exactly as the Prophet ﷺ instructed his companions. Knowing how many surah in Quran there are is the easy part. Learning to read, understand, and eventually recite or memorize them correctly is where most self-taught learners get stuck. This guide breaks down the full list of surah in Quran by Juz, explains the Makki-Madani split in plain English, and shows you exactly what to look for in a tutor who can guide you — or your child — through all 114 chapters with proper Tajweed.
📑 Table of Contents
- How Many Surah in Quran? The Quick Answer
- How Many Makki and Madani Surah in Quran?
- The Full List of Surah in Quran (By Juz & Meaning)
- What to Look For When Choosing an Academy
- Online vs In-Person: The Best Way to Learn
- How Much Does It Cost to Learn the Surahs Online?
- How Many Surah in Al Quran Should Beginners Start With?
- People Also Ask: How Many Ayahs Are in the Quran?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Surah in Quran? The Quick Answer (2026 Update)
There are 114 surahs in the Quran, divided into 30 equal parts called Juz (or Para), and revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over approximately 23 years. This number — 114 — is agreed upon universally across every school of thought and every recitation method used anywhere in the world today.
The surahs vary enormously in length. Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2) is the longest, with 286 ayahs, while Surah Al-Kawthar (Chapter 108) is the shortest, with just three. What surprises many new learners is that the 114 surahs are not arranged in the order they were revealed. The very first verses revealed to the Prophet ﷺ were the opening lines of Surah Al-Alaq, delivered in the Cave of Hira near Makkah — yet Al-Alaq sits as chapter 96, not chapter 1. Scholars describe this arrangement as tawqifi, meaning it was fixed by the Prophet’s ﷺ own instruction rather than left to later compilers.
Understanding how many surah in quran there are is only the starting point. The real challenge — and the real reward — is learning to recite each one correctly, which is exactly why so many families searching for “how many surah in quran” end up looking for a structured, guided course rather than trying to piece it together from scattered videos. You can explore Daan’s structured Quran Reading and Tajweed courses to see how a guided path compares to self-study.
How Many Makki and Madani Surah in Quran? Full Breakdown
Out of the 114 total, 86 surahs are classified as Makki (revealed before the migration to Madinah) and 28 are Madani (revealed after). A small handful of surahs are debated among scholars because they contain both Makki and Madani verses, but 86 and 28 is the figure taught across the overwhelming majority of Tafsir and Islamic studies curricula.
| Category | Makki Surahs | Madani Surahs |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Surahs | 86 | 28 |
| Revealed Over | ~13 years | ~10 years |
| Main Themes | Tawheed, the Day of Judgment, stories of earlier prophets, character-building | Islamic law, social conduct, family matters, community relations |
| Typical Style | Shorter verses, rhythmic, often address “O mankind” | Longer, more detailed verses, often address “O you who believe” |
| Sajdah Verses | 11 of the 14–15 total | 3–4 of the 14–15 total |
Allah describes His own protection of this revelation in the Quran itself. In Surah Al-Hijr, He says:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” — Surah Al-Hijr 15:9
This is precisely why the text has remained unchanged for over 1,400 years, and why the Makki/Madani classification itself has survived intact through generations of scholarly transmission. A tutor who can explain why a surah is Makki or Madani — not just recite the label — is teaching Tafsir, not just Tajweed. This is one of the most common gaps parents notice when comparing how many surah in al Quran their child can actually explain, versus how many they can merely recite from memory.
Real session recording: A native Egyptian tutor walking a student through a surah’s meaning and context in a live 1-on-1 online Quran session, the exact kind of grounding that turns memorized numbers into real understanding. All videos are real, unedited screen-recordings from actual student sessions at Daan Academy, posted with student consent.
The Full List of Surah in Quran (By Juz & Meaning)
The complete list of surah in Quran runs from Surah Al-Fatihah (chapter 1) to Surah An-Nas (chapter 114), spread across 30 Juz, with the shortest and most frequently memorized surahs concentrated in the final Juz. The 30th Juz, known as Juz Amma, alone contains 37 surahs — from An-Naba (78) to An-Nas (114) — which is why it’s almost always where beginners and children start.
| # | Surah | Meaning | Type | Ayahs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Fatihah | The Opener | Makki | 7 |
| 2 | Al-Baqarah | The Cow | Madani | 286 |
| 3 | Aal-e-Imran | Family of Imran | Madani | 200 |
| 67 | Al-Mulk | The Sovereignty | Makki | 30 |
| 78 | An-Naba | The Great News | Makki | 40 |
| 112 | Al-Ikhlas | Sincerity | Makki | 4 |
| 113 | Al-Falaq | The Daybreak | Makki | 5 |
| 114 | An-Nas | Mankind | Makki | 6 |
This is a snapshot, not the complete 114-row table — for the full verse-by-verse listing, Quran.com’s index is the most reliable free reference. What matters more for progress than the list itself is the order you actually study it in. Our guide on learning Noorani Qaida from zero to mastery covers the foundational reading skills that should come before tackling the full list of surah in Quran in sequence.
Steps to Work Through the Full List of Surah in Quran
- Master the Arabic letters and Tajweed basics through Noorani Qaida before attempting full surahs.
- Start with Juz Amma (surahs 78–114) — short, rhythmic, and used daily in Salah.
- Add the frequently recited surahs — Al-Mulk, Al-Kahf, Ya-Sin, Ar-Rahman — one at a time.
- Move to Juz 1–2 once recitation is confident, beginning with Al-Fatihah and Al-Baqarah.
- Progress systematically through the remaining Juz with a tutor tracking your accuracy, not just your pace.
What to Look For When Choosing an Academy to Learn All 114 Surahs
A quality Quran academy should offer native-speaking certified tutors, 1-on-1 (not group) sessions, transparent pricing, and a structured curriculum that tracks your progress surah by surah. Many platforms fall short on at least one of these, which is usually where students stall out after a few months.
Native, Certified Tutors
Unlike platforms that rely on non-native or unverified instructors, every tutor at Daan Quranic Academy is a native Egyptian Arabic speaker, formally trained in Quranic sciences, and fluent in English — so nothing gets lost in translation during a correction.
Verified Ijazah Chains
Look for academies where tutors hold a certified Ijazah, ideally in multiple Qira’at with a documented chain of transmission back to the Prophet ﷺ. Many of Daan Academy’s tutors meet this exact standard, which is worth confirming before you commit to any provider.
Real Progress Tracking
Where most academies offer generic curricula with no visible progress record, Daan’s Smart Student Dashboard lets students and parents track sessions, attendance, and monthly progress reports in one place — so you always know exactly how many surah in Quran your child has actually mastered.
Quick Checklist Before You Enroll
- Are sessions private (1-on-1) or group-based?
- Are tutors native Arabic speakers with formal training?
- Is there a free trial before any payment?
- Is pricing clearly published, or hidden behind a sales call?
- Is there a system for tracking progress across all 114 surahs?
You can see how Daan Academy stacks up against these criteria on our Why Choose Us page, which breaks down tutor credentials and teaching methodology in more detail.
Online vs In-Person: The Best Way to Learn How Many Surah Are There in Quran
Online learning generally wins for consistency and access to specialized tutors, while in-person classes offer face-to-face presence — but for most English-speaking families outside the Middle East, online 1-on-1 sessions with native Egyptian tutors close that gap entirely.
| Factor | Online (1-on-1) | In-Person / Local |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor Selection | Access to certified native Egyptian tutors worldwide | Limited to whoever is available locally |
| Scheduling | Flexible, any time zone, any day | Fixed class times, travel required |
| Class Format | Private, 1-on-1 sessions | Often group-based |
| Cost | From $9/hr | Varies widely, often higher with travel/mosque fees |
| Progress Tracking | Digital dashboard, session reports | Usually informal or absent |
Some parents worry that online means less accountability — in practice, the opposite is often true. With smart notifications before every session and a recorded progress history, an online academy can actually be easier to stay consistent with than a weekly drop-off at a local mosque class. That said, tutor quality matters more than format. This is where the tutor credentials and vetting process behind any academy you choose deserves real scrutiny.
How Much Does It Cost to Learn the Surahs of the Quran Online? (Pricing & Value)
Online Quran classes typically range from $9 to $15 per hour depending on the tutor’s qualifications and whether sessions are private or group-based. At the lower end, expect group classes or less experienced tutors; at the higher end, you’re usually paying for certified, native, 1-on-1 instruction.
Plans at Daan Quranic Academy start from just $9/hr with native Egyptian tutors. Compare our three flexible pricing tiers — Essential ($9/hr), Pro ($10.99/hr), and Elite ($12.99/hr, with a family discount) — each designed for different learning goals and budgets.
Some platforms keep pricing vague until after a sales call. Daan’s three plans are listed openly, so families can compare affordable Quran classes without pressure. A referral program is also available — invite a friend and both households receive a discount, which is a small but genuine way the cost comes down further over time for long-term learners working through the full 114 surahs.
How Many Surah in Al Quran Should Beginners Start With?
Beginners should start with 5–10 short surahs from Juz Amma — such as Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, and Al-Kawthar — before attempting longer chapters. These are the surahs used daily in Salah, so they double as both a learning milestone and a practical necessity.
خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ
“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” — Narrated by Uthman ibn Affan, Sahih al-Bukhari 5027
This hadith is part of why teaching, not just self-study, is emphasized so heavily in Islamic tradition — the transmission of the Quran has always been a taught skill, passed tutor to student. At Daan Quranic Academy, families across 15+ countries have used exactly this beginner-to-advanced pathway, moving from Juz Amma through Noorani Qaida foundations into full memorization. For students ready to go further, our guide on memorizing the Quran while busy with work or studies covers realistic pacing for adult learners specifically. New students can test this exact pathway with a free trial session before committing to a plan.
People Also Ask: How Many Ayahs (Verses) Are in the Quran?
The most widely accepted count is 6,236 ayahs, based on the Hafs recitation used by the vast majority of the Muslim world. You may have come across the figure 6,666 — this is a popular but inaccurate myth with no basis in any recognized counting method. Depending on whether Bismillah is counted at the start of each surah, some scholarly counts put the figure closer to 6,348, but 6,236 remains the standard reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do online Quran classes cost?
Most reputable online academies charge between $9 and $15 per hour for private 1-on-1 sessions. Daan Quranic Academy’s plans start from $9/hr — see the full pricing breakdown for what each tier includes.
Is it safe for my child to learn the Quran online?
Yes, provided the academy uses vetted, background-checked tutors and keeps every session private and recorded for accountability. Daan Academy pairs each child with a certified native Egyptian tutor and offers 24/7 support for any concerns during class.
Can I try a Quran class before committing to a plan?
Yes. Daan Quranic Academy offers a completely free trial session with no commitment required, so you can experience a real class before choosing a plan.
How long does it take to learn all 114 surahs?
Timelines vary widely by age, consistency, and prior Arabic exposure. Most students comfortably read (not necessarily memorize) through the shorter Juz within several months of consistent weekly sessions, while full memorization of all 114 surahs typically takes several years of structured Hifz study.
Do I need to know Arabic before starting Tajweed classes?
No. Most students begin with Noorani Qaida to learn the Arabic letters and basic Tajweed rules before moving into full surah recitation, so no prior Arabic knowledge is required to start.
How many surah in Quran do I need to know for daily prayers (Salah)?
At minimum, Salah requires Al-Fatihah plus one short additional surah per rakah — commonly Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas, or Al-Kawthar. Most practicing Muslims know 5–10 short surahs well enough to pray comfortably, though learning more expands the recitation used in daily prayer.
Ready to Learn All 114 Surahs the Right Way?
Knowing how many surah in Quran there are is just the beginning — real progress comes from consistent, guided practice with a tutor who can correct you in real time. Book a free trial and see how Daan Academy structures the journey from your first surah to your last.
No commitment required. One free session to experience the Daan Academy difference.
Final Thoughts
The number itself — 114 surahs, 86 Makki, 28 Madani, 30 Juz — is easy to memorize in a minute. Living with the Quran, reciting it correctly, and passing that knowledge on is a lifelong pursuit that goes far beyond trivia. Whichever stage you or your child are at, the right tutor makes the difference between stalling after Juz Amma and steadily working through the entire list of surah in Quran with confidence. Explore more guidance on our blog, or start today with a free trial session.
May Allah make the Quran a source of light, guidance, and mercy for you and your family. Ameen.
