How Many Ayahs in the Quran: A Detailed Breakdown by Surah for Beginners

The Qur’an, the final revelation from Allah (SWT) to humanity, is a divine guide for Muslims around the world. One of the most frequently asked questions by beginners and new students of the Qur’an is: “How many ayahs in the Quran?” 

This article offers a comprehensive, beginner-friendly breakdown of the number of ayahs (verses) in each surah (chapter), while also shedding light on the structure of the Qur’an and its spiritual significance.

Whether you’re a new Muslim, a non-native Arabic speaker, or simply someone curious about the Qur’an, this guide will help you understand the organization of the Qur’an, with a special focus on the number of ayahs per surah. We’ll also introduce you to Resala Academy, an outstanding online platform for learning Arabic and the Qur’an.

What is an Ayah?

An ayah (آية) in Arabic literally means “sign” or “miracle.” In the context of the Qur’an, an ayah refers to a verse—a unit of the Qur’anic text. Each surah (chapter) of the Qur’an is composed of a varying number of ayahs, ranging from just 3 to over 280.

The Qur’an contains a total of 6,236 ayahs (excluding Bismillah), or 6,349 ayahs (including Bismillah at the beginning of each surah except Surah At-Tawbah). The difference in count is due to various methods of counting used by different scholars and schools of thought.

How Many Ayahs in the Quran?

• Total Ayahs (excluding Bismillah): 6,236
• Total Ayahs (including Bismillah): 6,349
• Total Surahs: 114
• Shortest Surah: Al-Kawthar (3 ayahs)
• Longest Surah: Al-Baqarah (286 ayahs)

Structure of the Qur’an

The Qur’an is divided into:

• 114 Surahs (Chapters)
• 30 Juz’ (Parts)
• 60 Hizb (Sections)

Each surah is made up of ayahs, and each ayah is a unique sign from Allah. The Qur’an is not arranged chronologically but rather in a manner that reflects divine wisdom and thematic coherence.

Detailed Breakdown of Ayahs by Surah

Here is a surah-by-surah breakdown of the number of ayahs in each chapter of the Qur’an:

For the full list of all 114 surahs with ayah counts, visit this Qur’an Surah Index.

Significance of Ayahs in the Qur’an

Each ayah is a divine message—a miracle in itself. The Qur’an says:

وَلَقَدْ جِئْنَـٰهُم بِكِتَـٰبٍ فَصَّلْنَـٰهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ هُدًۭى وَرَحْمَةًۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يُؤْمِنُونَ
“We have certainly brought them a Book which We have detailed with knowledge—a guidance and mercy for a people who believe.”
— Surah Al-A’raf 7:52

This verse highlights the purpose and depth of the Qur’an. Each ayah is designed to guide, heal, and inspire.

Examples from the Qur’an and Hadith

1. Surah Al-Baqarah: The Longest Surah

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَۛ فِيهِۛ هُدٗى لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2

2. Surah Al-Kawthar: The Shortest Surah

إِنَّا أَعۡطَيۡنَٰكَ ٱلۡكَوۡثَرَ
“Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar.”
— Surah Al-Kawthar 108:1

3. Hadith on the Importance of the Qur’an

خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه
“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 5027

Why Knowing the Number of Ayahs Matters

Understanding the number of ayahs in the Qur’an helps in:

• Memorization (Hifz): Knowing the length of each surah helps students plan their memorization.
• Tajweed Practice: Practicing proper pronunciation and recitation.
• Tafsir Studies: Deepening understanding of the meanings behind each verse.
• Spiritual Reflection: Contemplating the divine signs in each ayah.

Evidences from the Qur’an and Hadith

1. Surah Al-Baqarah: The Longest Surah

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَۛ فِيهِۛ هُدٗى لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2

2. Surah Al-Kawthar: The Shortest Surah

إِنَّا أَعۡطَيۡنَٰكَ ٱلۡكَوۡثَرَ
“Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar.”
— Surah Al-Kawthar 108:1

3. Hadith on the Importance of the Qur’an

خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه
“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 5027

Key Points to Understand the Ayah Count and Its Relevance

• The Qur’an contains 6,236 verses when not counting the opening Bismillah (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم) at the start of each surah, except Surah At-Tawbah. Including every Bismillah, the total reaches 6,349 ayahs, depending on the method of enumeration used by different Islamic traditions.
• The ayah count varies slightly between the Hafs and Warsh recitations, which are two of the most widely accepted qira’at (recitations) of the Qur’an. This minor variation is due to different methods of segmentation, not differences in content.
• Knowing how many ayahs are in the Quran helps students structure their memorization goals, especially when using a juz-by-juz (part-by-part) approach. Each juz contains approximately 20 pages, and the number of verses per juz can vary significantly.
• Surah Al-Baqarah, with its 286 verses, is the longest chapter and includes the longest ayah in the Qur’an—Ayah 282, known as Ayat al-Dayn (The Verse of Debt), which emphasizes the importance of recording financial transactions.
• Short surahs like Al-Kawthar (3 verses) are ideal for beginners who are just starting to memorize or recite the Qur’an. These shorter chapters are often taught first to build confidence and fluency in pronunciation.
• Thematic distribution of ayahs is another fascinating aspect. For example, Meccan surahs typically have shorter, more rhythmic verses focusing on Tawheed (monotheism), while Madinan surahs have longer verses dealing with laws and social matters.
• Tajweed and ayah segmentation go hand-in-hand. Understanding where one ayah ends and another begins is crucial for applying the correct rules of recitation, especially for those aiming to perfect their Qur’anic fluency.
• Learning how many ayahs are in each surah also aids in tafsir (exegesis) studies. Scholars often analyze the structure of a surah by examining how its verses are grouped thematically or chronologically.
• Search trends show a growing interest in queries like “total number of verses in the Quran” and “ayah count by surah,” particularly among non-Arabic speakers. This highlights the need for accessible, structured Qur’anic education platforms like Resala Academy.

Specialized Knowledge for Non-Native Learners: Why Ayah Counts Matter in Qur’anic Studies

For non-native speakers and new Muslims, understanding how many ayahs are in the Quran is not merely academic—it’s a strategic tool for spiritual and educational growth. 

Here’s how this knowledge becomes a cornerstone in structured Islamic learning programs:

Benefits of Knowing the Ayah Count in Structured Learning

• Creates a roadmap for memorization: Students can set achievable goals by dividing their memorization based on the number of verses in each surah. For example, starting with surahs under 10 verses builds momentum and confidence.
• Improves time management during study sessions: Knowing the length of each surah allows learners to allocate time efficiently, especially during Ramadan or Qur’an competitions.
• Supports curriculum development in online academies like Resala Academy, where courses are often structured around surah length and complexity.
• Enhances revision cycles: Students can plan their review sessions based on surah length. For instance, reviewing 3 short surahs in one session versus one long surah in another.
• Aids in linguistic analysis: For students learning Arabic, analyzing the number of words and verses in each surah helps in understanding sentence structure, vocabulary frequency, and grammatical patterns.
• Encourages spiritual reflection: Knowing that the Qur’an has over 6,000 divine signs encourages believers to reflect on each verse as a unique message from Allah, rather than rushing through recitation.
• Facilitates teaching methodologies: Educators can design lesson plans based on verse count, ensuring that students are not overwhelmed and can progress steadily.
• Empowers female learners and children: Shorter surahs with fewer ayahs are often used in beginner classes for women and young learners, making the ayah count a practical tool for inclusive education.
• Guides spiritual milestones: Many Muslims aim to complete reading the Qur’an during Ramadan. Knowing the verse count helps in dividing the Qur’an into manageable daily portions.

By understanding how many ayahs in the Quran, students and educators alike gain a deeper appreciation of its structure, while also unlocking practical strategies for learning, teaching, and spiritual reflection. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this knowledge is a vital part of your Qur’anic journey. Continue your journey with Resala Academy, where structured learning meets divine inspiration.

Tips for Beginners Learning the Qur’an

• Start with short surahs like Al-Falaq, An-Nas, and Al-Ikhlas.
• Use audio recitations from renowned Qaris like Mishary Rashid Alafasy.
• Enroll in a structured course with feedback, such as those offered by Resala Academy.
• Practice daily recitation and review.
• Reflect on the meanings of the ayahs, not just memorization.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many ayahs are in the Quran?

The Qur’an contains 6,236 ayahs (excluding Bismillah) and 6,349 ayahs (including Bismillah). The difference arises from counting methods.

2. What is the longest surah in the Qur’an?

The longest surah is Surah Al-Baqarah, which has 286 ayahs. It covers various aspects of Islamic law, guidance, and stories of previous nations.

3. What is the shortest surah in the Qur’an?

Surah Al-Kawthar is the shortest, with only 3 ayahs. Despite its brevity, it holds deep spiritual meaning.

4. Can non-Arabic speakers learn the Qur’an effectively?

Absolutely! With platforms like Resala Academy, non-native speakers can learn Arabic, Tajweed, and Qur’an memorization through structured online programs.

5. Why is it important to know the number of ayahs in each surah?

Knowing the ayah count helps in memorization, recitation planning, and understanding the structure of the Qur’an. It also aids in setting achievable learning goals.

Conclusion

Understanding how many ayahs are in the Quran is more than just a numerical curiosity—it is a gateway into the divine structure of Allah’s final revelation. Each ayah is a sign, a miracle, and a message. 

For beginners, knowing the ayah count by surah helps in planning their learning journey, whether for recitation, memorization, or deeper understanding.

With the right guidance and resources, especially from trusted platforms like Resala Academy, anyone—regardless of language or background—can embark on a transformative journey through the Qur’an.

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