Frequently Asked Questions

There is no obligatory time for reciting Ayat al-Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255) in the Quran or hadith — it may be recited at any time. Several hadith reports mention that reciting it before sleep is considered a source of protection, and that including it in morning and evening remembrance is seen as virtuous. Some reports also recommend reciting it after each of the five daily prayers. The number and detail of these reports vary by hadith source; this summarizes the most commonly cited framework.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The Quran consists of 114 surahs and a total of 6,236 verses. Different counts (6,214–6,236) appear depending on how the Basmalah is counted and how some scholars mark the start or end of a surah, but 6,236 is the most widely accepted figure today.

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The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over roughly 23 years. The first revelation came in the cave of Hira in 610 CE; the revelation was completed in 632 CE, shortly before the Prophet's death.

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Ayat al-Kursi is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah, a single verse describing God's oneness, knowledge, sovereignty, and absolute authority over all creation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have described it as "the greatest verse in the Quran." Hadith reports describe reciting it after each obligatory prayer as virtuous, and reciting it before sleep as a source of spiritual protection. The details of these reports vary by hadith source.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

You can use the Prayer Times tool on Verse and Surah to see the daily five prayer times for your location, calculated using the Diyanet method. Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) also publishes official province- and district-level prayer times on its own website.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

According to the majority of scholars, wudu is required to physically hold and read from a printed mushaf. However, scholars generally allow reading from memory or from a screen (phone, tablet, computer) without wudu. The most cautious approach is to have wudu regardless. Listening to Quran recitation does not require wudu at all.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will have a light that shines between the two Fridays (Al-Hakim, Al-Bayhaqi). Because of this, reading Al-Kahf on Fridays has become a widely observed practice. You can listen to Surah Al-Kahf on Verse and Surah at /sure/18.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

A khatm is completing a full reading of the Quran from beginning to end. The pace is entirely up to the reader — many people complete one in 30 days by reading one juz (1/30th of the Quran) per day. Reports describe the Prophet's companions completing a khatm in no less than a week, with reading faster than that generally discouraged. You can track your progress with the Khatm Tracker tool on Verse and Surah.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The Quran was revealed in Arabic, in classical Fusha (formal Arabic) based on the Hijaz dialect. Today, most printed mushafs use the Hafs 'an 'Asim reading, written in what is often called the Uthmani script — the most widely used reading both in Turkey and worldwide. The Arabic text on Verse and Surah uses the verified Uthmani text from the Tanzil Project.

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The Quran contains 15 verses of prostration (sajdah al-tilawah). When these verses are read or heard, performing a prostration is a recommended sunnah (obligatory in the Hanafi school). The prostration requires ritual purity (wudu) and facing the qibla. If a reciter performs the prostration aloud, it is appropriate for listeners to do so as well.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Meccan surahs consist of revelations the Prophet (peace be upon him) received in Mecca before the migration (Hijrah), and generally address monotheism, the afterlife, and core matters of faith in a short, forceful style. Medinan surahs date from after the Hijrah, in Medina, and deal in more detail with worship, transactions, law, and social order — they tend to be longer.

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The Quran contains 114 surahs. The longest is Surah Al-Baqarah, with 286 verses; the shortest surahs are Al-Kawthar and Al-Asr, each with 3 verses. You can browse the full surah list on Verse and Surah at /surahs.

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The qibla is the direction of the great-circle arc from your latitude and longitude to the Kaaba's coordinates (21.4225° N, 39.8262° E). Use the Qibla Finder tool on Verse and Surah to calculate the exact direction for your location.

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Surahs and verses with reports recommending them before sleep include: Surah Al-Mulk (described in Bukhari as protecting its reader from the punishment of the grave), Ayat al-Kursi (Bukhari describes reciting it before sleep as bringing God's protection until morning), the last two verses of Al-Baqarah (described in Muslim as being "sufficient" for the night), and the three short surahs Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas (Bukhari describes reciting each three times and wiping the hands over the body). None of these are obligatory; they are considered sunnah practices the Prophet (peace be upon him) maintained.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Known together as "Al-Mu'awwidhatayn" (the two chapters of refuge), Al-Falaq and An-Nas are grouped together because both open with "Say: I seek refuge" and share the theme of seeking refuge in God. Al-Falaq asks for refuge from the darkness, from those who blow on knots, and from the envier; An-Nas asks for refuge from the whisperings of humankind and jinn. Reports in Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi describe the Prophet (peace be upon him) reciting these two surahs together with Al-Ikhlas, three times each, morning and evening.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The root "sabr" appears roughly 90 times in the Quran. Scholars generally group patience into three categories: (1) patience in carrying out acts of worship and commands, (2) patience in avoiding what is forbidden, and (3) patience in the face of hardship. Al-Baqarah 2:153 states "God is with those who are patient." Az-Zumar 39:10 promises that the patient will be rewarded "without measure" — where the Quran elsewhere describes reward in proportion, this verse removes that limit for patience. An-Nahl 16:127 reminds that patience is only possible with God's help.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The Quran emphasizes sincerity and abandoning wrongdoing rather than prescribing a fixed ritual or denominational protocol. At-Tahrim 66:8 commands "sincere repentance" (tawbatan nasuha). Scholars have summarized the conditions of sincere repentance as: remorse, ceasing the sin, a firm resolve not to repeat it, and — where another person's rights were violated — making that right. Az-Zumar 39:53 declares that "God forgives all sins," affirming that the door to mercy never closes. Details around these conditions, and around restoring others' rights, can vary between schools of thought; consult a scholar you trust for personal decisions.

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Mawlid al-Nabi falls on the twelfth night of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Because the Hijri calendar is roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, its Gregorian date shifts every year. For 2026, Mawlid al-Nabi falls on 24 Ağustos 2026 Pazartesi. In Turkey, the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) announces the official dates each year — check Diyanet's annual calendar for future years.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

There is no fixed, obligatory list of verses for Mawlid al-Nabi. Verses commonly associated with the Prophet (peace be upon him) are read, especially Al-Ahzab 33:21 (the excellent example), Al-Anbiya 21:107 (a mercy to all worlds), and At-Tawbah 9:128-129 and Al-Ahzab 33:56 (the command to send blessings on the Prophet). The full Surah Al-Ahzab, Ad-Duha, and Al-Inshirah are also often counted among surahs that address or honor the Prophet. Sending blessings (salawat) is itself a Quranic command (Al-Ahzab 33:56), which gives it particular significance on this night.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

There is no specific command or encouragement in the Quran or authentic hadith to fast on Mawlid al-Nabi. Core Hanafi sources do not assign a fasting ruling specific to Islamic calendar nights. Some scholars consider such occasions suitable days for voluntary (nafl) fasting, but this is a matter of personal choice within the general framework of voluntary fasting, not an obligation or an established sunnah. For jurisprudential detail, consult a scholar or religious authority you trust.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

There is no prayer (with a specific number of units or form) prescribed for Mawlid al-Nabi in the Quran or authentic hadith. That said, the majority of Islamic scholars consider voluntary (nafl) prayer on such nights to be a virtuous act in general. Since there is no binding report specifying a number of units, intention and sincerity are what matters most. Turkey's Diyanet also encourages voluntary prayer on these nights without tying it to a specific count.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

This is genuinely debated among Islamic scholars, with no single answer. Some scholars argue that since the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions did not establish such a night, celebrating it is a later innovation (bid'ah). Others hold that remembering the Prophet favorably and rejoicing in his birth is generally permissible, and consider Mawlid celebrations acceptable on that basis. In Turkey, the Diyanet treats these nights as part of the nation's religious culture. This page does not take a side on which view is "correct" — it is a matter of ongoing scholarly discussion. Consult a scholar you trust for personal religious decisions.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Mawlid al-Nabi 2026 falls on 24 Ağustos 2026 Pazartesi, per the official 2026 Islamic Observances list (ATIB). Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, its dates shift roughly 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. You can follow current Islamic calendar dates on the Islamic Calendar page on Verse and Surah.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Mawlid al-Nabi is traditionally associated with the twelfth night of Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Hijri calendar is lunar, this night's Gregorian date shifts every year. The TDV Encyclopedia of Islam's entry on "Kandil" (candle/observance nights) discusses this association in its historical context.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Surah Ya-Sin is one of the surahs commonly read on Islamic calendar nights and special occasions in Turkey, and it can be read on Mawlid al-Nabi as well. However, presenting it as "the specific, obligatory act of worship for this night" would be inaccurate. A more grounded approach for this night is a calm reading or listening session centered on verses that recall the Prophet and the theme of sending blessings on him, such as Al-Ahzab 33:56 and Al-Anbiya 21:107.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

No, wudu is not required simply to listen to Quran recitation. You may listen to recitation from a phone, computer, or audio recording without wudu. Out of respect for the Quran, being in a clean and attentive state is considered good practice where possible, but it is not a jurisprudential requirement. Physically touching a printed mushaf is a separate matter and requires wudu in most schools of thought, particularly Hanafi.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Digital devices like phones, tablets, and computers are not treated the same as a physical mushaf. Diyanet sources note that touching the Quran text on a screen is not equivalent to touching a printed mushaf. So having wudu while reading the Quran on a phone is considered good etiquette, but not a jurisprudential requirement. Still, a clean and attentive state is preferable where possible.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

There is no issue with listening to Quran recitation before sleep when done with a respectful intention. What matters is not treating it as an unconscious background noise. Falling asleep from tiredness while listening is a different matter — intention is what counts. A good approach is a short, sustainable recitation routine, closing it with a brief supplication if possible. The Before Sleep listening routine on Verse and Surah is designed to support this habit.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The most practical window for reading Surah Al-Kahf on Friday spans from Thursday evening through Friday evening — morning, afternoon, or night all work within that window. If you don't have time for the whole surah, reading part of it, listening to it, or following one story from a translation is fine. What matters is building a weekly connection with Al-Kahf without an "all or nothing" pressure. You can listen to Surah Al-Kahf on Verse and Surah at /sure/18.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

In the Quran, rizq (provision) is not limited to material livelihood — it covers every kind of blessing God grants, including health, knowledge, peace of mind, and love. Hud 11:6 states "there is no creature on earth whose provision is not due from God." Adh-Dhariyat 51:22 states "your provision is in heaven," pointing to the ultimate source of every blessing. Ibrahim 14:7 links gratitude and provision. A person's duty is to seek provision through lawful means and to be grateful for what they receive. The Quran does not offer a promise that "reading these verses will make you rich" — it teaches that God is the true source of provision, and gratitude reinforces that awareness.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

If "tightness in my chest" refers to emotional distress, inner pressure, or anxiety, there is no issue with listening to Surah Al-Inshirah — the surah is precisely about the opening of the chest and the theme of ease coming with hardship. But if you have real physical symptoms — chest pain, shortness of breath, pain spreading to the arm or jaw — always seek medical help first. Listening to a surah is not a substitute for that.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The surah most often recalled by people feeling overwhelmed is Al-Inshirah, known for its message that "with hardship comes ease." Alongside it, the patience verses in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153, 2:286) and Surah Ar-Ra'd's verse "hearts find rest only in the remembrance of God" (13:28) are also commonly read together.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

No. If chest tightness is accompanied by shortness of breath, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, cold sweats, or a feeling of being about to faint, call emergency services or get to the nearest medical facility immediately. Listening to a surah or verse is a means of spiritual reflection, not a substitute for medical care.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

There is no fixed or obligatory number of times to read Surah Al-Inshirah in the Quran or hadith. You may read it as often as you like — what matters is not a numerical count, but the intention and attentiveness brought to the reading.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Surah Al-Inshirah is best known for the phrase "with hardship comes ease" in verses 5 and 6. The phrase is repeated back to back within the surah; classical tafsir tradition describes this repetition as reinforcing the message.

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Yes — because of its short length, Al-Inshirah is a common choice for the surah read after Al-Fatihah in prayer. There is no jurisprudential requirement around which short surah to choose; it depends on what the person has memorized.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

The repetition in verses 5-6 of Surah Al-Inshirah is understood as reinforcing the message so it settles firmly in the heart, and as a reminder against despair. In a difficult moment, hearing something once may not be enough to feel it fully — the verse delivers the message twice to reinforce it.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

No, the verse gives no fixed timeline. Without dismissing the hardship, it reminds that ease exists alongside it. Rather than reading it as "everything will be fixed right away," it is more accurate to understand it as encouragement toward patience and trust that God brings ease.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Cite the reference correctly (Al-Inshirah, 94:5-6), and avoid framing it as a "guaranteed fix" or a promise that "everything will be resolved within days." The verse itself makes no such promise of timing or certainty.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

There is no ruling in the Quran assigning Surah Ya-Sin a specific purpose; its content addresses monotheism, prophethood, and resurrection after death. In Turkey, reading it during hospital visits or at the time of death is a common tradition; the reports this practice is based on are debated among scholars and should not be presented as settled doctrine.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Surah Ya-Sin has 83 verses and was revealed in Mecca; it falls within the 22nd juz of the Quran.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

Reports in hadith sources such as Tirmidhi describe reciting Surah Al-Mulk before sleep, which is why it commonly appears on nightly recitation lists. There is no fixed or obligatory time — it can be read at any point during the day as well.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

One hadith report describes Surah Al-Mulk as a means of protecting its reader from the punishment of the grave. This should be understood within the framework of that report, not presented as a guaranteed outcome — it is best considered alongside sincere intention and a broader life of worship.

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Al-Baqarah brings together verses revealed at different times during the Medinan period, covering matters of faith, worship, social rulings, and narratives all within one surah. Its length reflects the wide range of topics (worship, law, ethics) the Muslim community in Medina needed to address.

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"Which of your Lord's favors will you deny?" is repeated throughout Surah Ar-Rahman. Following each blessing that is listed, this repetition functions as a refrain inviting reflection and gratitude; the verse addresses both humankind and jinn.

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Calling Surah Al-Waqi'ah the "surah of provision" is a widespread popular belief; the chain of transmission for the hadith cited in this context is disputed among hadith scholars. The surah's actual subject is the Last Day, the moment of death, and the three groups people will be divided into — provision is not its central theme, so it should not be framed as "read this and your provision is guaranteed."

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Surah Al-Jumu'ah calls believers to the Friday prayer and instructs that trade be set aside once the call to prayer is made; it also draws a lesson from an earlier community that failed to uphold the trust (the Torah) given to it.

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The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not explicitly stated in the Quran or authentic hadith. The 27th night of Ramadan is traditionally highlighted, but hadith reports recommend seeking it among the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan's last ten nights — so it is more accurate to describe the date as "likely" rather than fixed.

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One hadith report describes Surah Al-Ikhlas as "equal to a third of the Quran." This is understood not as literally dividing the reward into thirds, but in the sense that it conveys, with great density and concision, one of the Quran's three central themes: the oneness of God (tawhid).

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A khatm is a complete reading of the Quran from beginning to end. There is no required timeframe — you can set your own daily reading amount (a juz, or a few pages) and complete it in 30 days or over a longer period. You can track your progress by marking completed surahs with the Khatm Tracker tool on our site.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.

In seven verses, Surah Al-Fatihah combines praise of God, mercy, ownership of the Day of Judgment, the affirmation of God's oneness and of servitude to Him, and a request for guidance to the straight path — which is why some tafsir works describe it as a summary of the Quran's central themes. It is also the only surah required to be recited in every unit (rak'ah) of every prayer.

For general information only; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views.