How to Complete the Quran in Ramadan: Practical Plans & Tips
As Ramadan begins, mosques and homes fill with the sounds of recitation. Many set a clear goal: to complete the Quran in Ramadan once or even multiple times. However, enthusiasm alone isn’t always enough; many start strong in the first few days but fall behind mid-month, eventually rushing through the final ten days in a way that diminishes Khushu (humility and focus). The secret lies in a realistic plan that starts before the month begins and fits your schedule. In this article, we present three plans, explain how to distribute your reading, and show how to maintain focus and correct recitation.
Ramadan: The Month of the Quran—What Did the Prophet (pbuh) Do?
Allah says: ﴿شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ﴾ “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (Al-Baqarah: 185). Thus, the month is uniquely connected to the Quran.
It is recorded in the Sahihayn (Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Jibril (peace be upon him) “would meet him [the Prophet] every night of Ramadan and study the Quran with him.” This indicates two things: increasing Quranic recitation in Ramadan and studying it with others rather than just reading alone.
The righteous predecessors (Salaf) used to complete the Quran many times during Ramadan. However, the ultimate goal is to read in a way that benefits you; do not let the number of completions become a goal at the expense of presence and Tadabbur (reflection).
Therefore, the best thing to do two weeks before Ramadan is to test your plan: read one Juz (about 20 pages) daily for several days. Observe where you lose time and which parts of the day are best for you. This way, you enter the month knowing your rhythm rather than discovering it halfway through.
Three Plans to Complete the Quran in Ramadan
The standard Mushaf (Madinah edition) is approximately 604 pages, and each Juz is about 20 pages. Based on this, consider these options:
| Plan | Daily Amount | Approx. Time | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Completion | 1 Juz (approx. 20 pages) | 40–60 minutes | Employees and those with busy schedules |
| Two Completions | 2 Juz (approx. 40 pages) | 1.5 to 2 hours | Those with more free time and fluent reading |
| Contemplation Khatmah | 1 Juz with brief Tafsir | Approx. 1.5 hours | Those seeking deeper understanding |
Times are approximate and vary based on your reading speed. If you are a beginner or read slowly, calculate your time before Ramadan: read a full Juz and see how long it takes.
Pay Attention to the Month’s Duration
Ramadan may be 29 days. If you want to complete the Quran by reading one Juz a day, add about one extra page to your daily Wird (assigned portion) in the early days, or read two Juz on a weekend so you don’t miss the final portion.
The Contemplation Khatmah
Read the Juz, then refer to a concise Tafsir (like Al-Tafsir al-Muyassar) for the verses that moved you. ﴿أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا﴾ “Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” (Muhammad: 24). You can combine a relatively fast reading Khatmah with a contemplation Khatmah that extends beyond Ramadan.
How to Divide a Juz Across Your Ramadan Day
The easiest way for a single completion: read four pages after each of the five daily prayers. This turns the Juz into five short sessions instead of one long, exhausting session.
| Time | One Khatmah | Two Khatmahs |
|---|---|---|
| After Suhoor & Fajr | 4 pages | 10 pages |
| After Dhuhr | 4 pages | 8 pages |
| After Asr & before Iftar | 4 pages | 10 pages |
| After Maghrib | 4 pages | 4 pages |
| After Isha/Tarawih or before sleep | 4 pages | 8 pages |
The time after Fajr is one of the clearest parts of the day, and the time before Iftar often brings a sense of spiritual softness to the heart. Conversely, the body often feels heavy immediately after Iftar, so keep your reading portion lighter then.
If You Fall Behind
Do not despair or abandon the plan. Distribute the missed pages over the next three or four days instead of trying to make them all up in a single session.
Maintaining Focus During Long Reading Sessions
Fasting and staying up late can weaken concentration. Here are some practical tips:
- Read aloud: Even if softly; the sound helps focus the mind more than reading silently with the eyes.
- Sit upright: In a quiet, well-lit place, away from your bed.
- Put away your phone: Or use a physical Mushaf during your dedicated reading time.
- Take short breaks: Between sections, especially in the two-completion plan.
- Vary your method: Recite some of your portion during night prayers (Qiyam) and listen to some while following along in the Mushaf.
- Stay hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor: Thirst can fatigue the mind during long sessions.
Above all, renew your intention. Remember that every letter you read is a good deed, and that the Quran “will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions,” as mentioned in the Hadith narrated by Muslim.
A Correct Khatmah, Not a Rushed One: Recitation and Tajweed
A common mistake in Ramadan is rushing so much that letters are dropped or vowels and elongations (Mad) are distorted. Allah says: ﴿وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا﴾ “And recite the Quran with measured recitation” (Al-Muzzammil: 4).
- Read with Hadr (a fast-paced but correct recitation) while observing the rules of Tajweed (rules of pronunciation), not with “Hadh” (incoherent babbling) that loses them.
- Give Mad Tabiee (natural elongation) two counts and Mad Muttasil (connected elongation) four or five counts; do not shorten them due to haste.
- Pay attention to the Ghunnah (nasalization) in the doubled Noon and Meem, which lasts for two counts.
- If you are not confident in your reading, recite part of your Khatmah to a teacher who can correct your Makharij (articulation points).
One correct, deliberate completion is better for you than multiple completions filled with unnoticed errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages should I read daily to complete the Quran in Ramadan?
Approximately twenty pages daily, which equals one full Juz. This is easily divided into four pages after each of the five prayers.
Is it better to do one Khatmah with reflection or multiple completions?
Every Muslim should choose what suits their circumstances and time. Combining both is possible: one for reading and one for reflection. The most important thing is not to sacrifice Tajweed and focus for the sake of quantity.
Does listening to the Imam in Tarawih count toward my completion?
If you are reciting yourself during your own night prayers, then yes, you can count what you recite. However, listening to the Imam is a great act of worship but is different from your own personal recitation.
Is it permissible to read from a phone in Ramadan?
Yes, reading from a digital Mushaf is permissible. However, ensure you turn off notifications to avoid distraction.
What should I do if I fall behind my completion plan?
Distribute the missed pages gradually over the coming days, and do not stop the plan just because of a delay.
If you want your completion this year to be accurate and perfected, check out the Ramadan Quran Program at Quran Web Academy. We offer one-on-one sessions with teachers holding Ijazah (certification) at times that suit your fasting and prayer schedule. Book a free trial lesson today; if you aren’t comfortable with the teacher, you can request a second free trial with someone else before the month begins.
