Khatm al-Quran: How to Plan and Complete a Full Reading of the Quran
What khatm (khatam) al-Quran means, plans for completing the Quran in a month, a week or a year, group khatm, and what Muslims traditionally do on completing it.
Last updated: 2026-10-03
Khatm al-Quran (also written khatam, khatmah or khatam Quran) means completing a reading of the whole Quran, from Surah Al-Fatihah (1) to Surah An-Nas (114). Many Muslims aim to complete it at least once a year, and especially in Ramadan.
Choose a plan you can keep
- In a month: one juz a day, or about 20 pages — four pages after each of the five prayers.
- In a week: one manzil (seventh) a day. This was a practice of many early Muslims, but it needs a lot of time.
- In two months: half a juz (one hizb) a day.
- In a year: two pages a day — a good pace for beginners or busy schedules.
A hadith reports the Prophet advising one of his companions to complete the Quran in a month, and allowing shorter periods only down to a few days, so that the reader would still understand. A pace you can sustain with attention is better than a fast one you abandon.
Tips for finishing
- Fix a time and place for daily reading — after the dawn prayer is a common choice.
- Use one mushaf and a bookmark, or an app that remembers where you stopped.
- If you miss a day, split the missed portion over the next few days instead of giving up.
- Read a little of the meaning alongside, so the reading isn’t only sound.
- Listening with the text helps on tired days — see Quran audio.
Group khatm
Families, mosques and friends often complete the Quran together by dividing the 30 juz among participants. Each person reads their share, and when all are finished the group has completed a khatm. It is a popular way to involve children and to read for an occasion or in memory of someone.
On completing the Quran
Completing the Quran is a moment of joy. It is reported that the companion Anas ibn Malik gathered his family when he completed it and made supplication. Many Muslims do the same today, and many mosques hold a gathering on the night they complete the Quran in tarawih during Ramadan.
Many printed copies include a “dua of completing the Quran” at the end. Scholars note that no specific wording is authentically reported from the Prophet for this occasion; any sincere supplication in your own words is appropriate. Many readers begin a new reading straight away, starting again from Al-Fatihah.
Ramadan and the Quran
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed, which is why so many people plan a khatm then. Read more in when the Quran was revealed, and use the 30 juz to plan your days.
Frequently asked questions
- What does khatam Quran mean?
- Completing a full reading of the Quran from beginning to end. It is also spelled khatm, khatam or khatmah.
- Is there a special dua for completing the Quran?
- Many Muslims make a supplication after completing the Quran, and several are in circulation. Scholars note that no specific wording is authentically reported from the Prophet, so any sincere supplication is appropriate.
- How can a group complete the Quran together?
- Divide the 30 juz among participants so each reads their share; when everyone finishes, the group has completed one khatm together.
This article explains common understanding and history for general readers; it is not a religious ruling. For questions of practice, consult a qualified scholar. See the disclaimer.
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