20 Easy Quran Surahs to Memorize for Beginners (Short Surahs)
Author : Al Furqan Academy LTD | Published On : 29 Aug 2026
Starting Quran memorization can feel challenging, especially if you are unsure which surahs to learn first. The good news is that you do not need to begin with long passages. The Quran contains many short surahs that are suitable for beginners and can help you build confidence step by step.
If your goal is short surah memorization, starting with a few verses at a time can make the process more manageable. With regular recitation, careful listening, and consistent revision, you can gradually increase the amount you memorize.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 easy Quran surahs to memorize, explain why they are suitable for beginners, and share practical techniques to help you retain what you learn.
Why Start Quran Memorization With Short Surahs?
Short surahs are a practical starting point because they allow beginners to experience progress without feeling overwhelmed.
A shorter surah can often be divided into small sections and practiced repeatedly. Many short surahs are also commonly recited during Salah, which gives you a natural opportunity to review them.
However, the number of verses is not the only thing that determines difficulty. Your familiarity with Arabic, pronunciation, Tajweed, listening habits, and previous Quran study can all affect how quickly you memorize.
The most important principle is to prioritize correct memorization and regular revision over speed.
20 Easy Quran Surahs to Memorize
1. Surah Al-Kawthar
Surah 108 | 3 verses
Surah Al-Kawthar is one of the shortest surahs in the Quran, making it a popular starting point for beginners.
Because it contains only three verses, you can focus on learning each verse carefully before connecting the entire surah.
For new learners, it is a good example of how small daily goals can lead to meaningful progress.
2. Surah Al-Asr
Surah 103 | 3 verses
Surah Al-Asr is another very short surah consisting of three verses.
Although brief, its message is profound. It highlights the importance of faith, good deeds, truth, and patience.
Understanding this message while memorizing the Arabic can make the learning process more meaningful.
3. Surah An-Nasr
Surah 110 | 3 verses
With three verses, Surah An-Nasr is another manageable choice for beginners.
Its concise structure makes it easy to divide into small memorization sections. Repeated listening followed by recitation from memory can help reinforce the order of the verses.
4. Surah Al-Ikhlas
Surah 112 | 4 verses
Surah Al-Ikhlas contains four verses and is one of the most familiar short surahs for many Muslims.
Its short length makes it suitable for beginners, while its powerful message about the oneness of Allah makes understanding the surah an important part of learning it.
Try memorizing one verse at a time rather than attempting the entire surah in a single sitting.
5. Surah Quraysh
Surah 106 | 4 verses
Surah Quraysh contains four verses and has a relatively compact structure.
It can be a useful addition to a beginner's memorization routine after learning some of the shortest surahs.
Read the Arabic carefully and listen to a reliable recitation to become familiar with the pronunciation and rhythm.
6. Surah Al-Falaq
Surah 113 | 5 verses
Surah Al-Falaq contains five verses and is frequently included in personal Quran recitation.
Its short length makes it approachable for beginners. Rather than simply repeating the words mechanically, learn what each verse means and connect the meaning with the Arabic.
7. Surah Al-Fil
Surah 105 | 5 verses
Surah Al-Fil consists of five verses and presents a memorable account involving the people of the elephant.
Its narrative structure can make the sequence of verses easier to remember.
One useful method is to visualize the progression of the message while reciting the verses.
8. Surah Al-Masad
Surah 111 | 5 verses
Surah Al-Masad, also known as Surah Al-Lahab, has five verses.
It is short enough for beginners to tackle in small sections. Focus on accurate pronunciation and avoid moving to the next verse until you are comfortable with the previous one.
9. Surah Al-Qadr
Surah 97 | 5 verses
Surah Al-Qadr has five verses and discusses the significance of Laylatul Qadr.
Its short length makes it suitable for learners who are building their first collection of memorized surahs.
Learning the meaning of the verses can also help you remember their sequence.
10. Surah Al-Kafirun
Surah 109 | 6 verses
Surah Al-Kafirun contains six verses.
Some of its wording has a repetitive structure, which can be helpful during memorization. At the same time, similar phrases require careful attention so that you do not accidentally combine or skip parts of different verses.
11. Surah An-Nas
Surah 114 | 6 verses
Surah An-Nas is the final surah of the Quran and contains six verses.
Many beginners learn it together with Surah Al-Falaq. Because both are short, they can become part of a regular daily revision routine.
12. Surah Al-Ma'un
Surah 107 | 7 verses
Surah Al-Ma'un contains seven verses and teaches important lessons about sincere worship and concern for others.
It is a natural next step for someone who has already memorized several shorter surahs.
Try learning two or three verses at a time, followed by a full review.
13. Surah Ash-Sharh
Surah 94 | 8 verses
Also called Surah Al-Inshirah, Ash-Sharh contains eight verses.
The surah offers reassurance and reminds believers of the relationship between hardship and ease.
Its message makes it especially rewarding to study alongside memorization.
14. Surah At-Takathur
Surah 102 | 8 verses
Surah At-Takathur consists of eight verses and provides a reminder about becoming distracted by worldly competition and possessions.
Its relatively short length makes it suitable for learners who are ready to move beyond the shortest chapters.
15. Surah Az-Zalzalah
Surah 99 | 8 verses
Surah Az-Zalzalah has eight verses and describes the earth's great upheaval and the presentation of people's deeds.
Its vivid imagery can help learners connect the meaning of each verse with the words they are memorizing.
16. Surah At-Tin
Surah 95 | 8 verses
Surah At-Tin contains eight verses and reflects on human creation, faith, and accountability.
Because it is short, you can break it into manageable sections and practice each section before combining them.
17. Surah Al-Humazah
Surah 104 | 9 verses
Surah Al-Humazah contains nine verses and warns against harmful behavior such as mockery and excessive attachment to wealth.
It is slightly longer than the earliest surahs on this list, making it a useful progression for learners who have developed a basic memorization routine.
18. Surah Al-Adiyat
Surah 100 | 11 verses
Surah Al-Adiyat has 11 verses and features vivid imagery and a distinctive rhythm.
It may require more repetition than a three- or four-verse surah, but its imagery can provide useful memory cues.
Consider memorizing one or two verses per session.
19. Surah Al-Qari'ah
Surah 101 | 11 verses
Surah Al-Qari'ah contains 11 verses and focuses on the Day of Judgment and the weighing of deeds.
For beginners, it can be helpful to learn the surah in small sections and regularly recite the complete passage from memory.
20. Surah Ad-Duha
Surah 93 | 11 verses
Surah Ad-Duha contains 11 verses and is a beautiful surah of reassurance and reflection on Allah's blessings.
It can be a good choice once you are comfortable memorizing shorter surahs.
Because the surah has a clear flow of ideas, understanding the message can help you remember the progression of its verses.
Best Order to Memorize Short Surahs
If you are completely new to Quran memorization, you don't have to follow the order of the Quran.
A gradual approach can be easier:
- Al-Kawthar
- Al-Asr
- An-Nasr
- Al-Ikhlas
- Quraysh
- Al-Falaq
- Al-Qadr
- Al-Fil
- Al-Masad
- An-Nas
- Al-Kafirun
- Al-Ma'un
- Ash-Sharh
- At-Tin
- At-Takathur
- Az-Zalzalah
- Al-Humazah
- Al-Adiyat
- Al-Qari'ah
- Ad-Duha
This is simply a suggested learning sequence. You can change it according to your familiarity, goals, and teacher's recommendations.
How to Memorize a Surah Step by Step
Effective memorization is not only about repeating the same words. A structured routine can make your practice more productive.
Step 1: Listen Before Memorizing
Choose a reliable Quran recitation and listen to the surah several times.
Follow along with the Arabic text so that your eyes and ears become familiar with the words.
Step 2: Learn the Correct Pronunciation
Do not memorize incorrect pronunciation and try to fix it later.
If possible, learn from a qualified Quran teacher who can correct your recitation and Tajweed.
Step 3: Understand the Meaning
Read a reliable translation and, where appropriate, a trusted explanation of the surah.
Understanding the message can give you meaningful associations that support memorization.
Step 4: Memorize Small Sections
Instead of trying to learn an entire surah at once, divide it into individual verses.
Repeat the first verse until you can recite it without looking. Then learn the next verse and connect the two.
Continue until you can recite the entire surah.
Step 5: Recite Without Looking
Looking at the Mushaf while practicing is useful, but eventually you need to test your memory without visual assistance.
Close the Mushaf and recite the surah from memory. If you make a mistake, check the text, correct it, and repeat the difficult section.
Step 6: Review Regularly
Revision is one of the most important parts of Quran memorization.
A surah that you memorized last week can become difficult to recall if you never revisit it.
Create a simple rotation so that older surahs continue to receive attention.
A Simple Daily Quran Memorization Routine
You don't need hours every day to begin.
A beginner could try a routine such as:
5 minutes: Listen to the selected passage.
10 minutes: Memorize a small section.
5 minutes: Recite it without looking.
5 minutes: Review previously memorized surahs.
The exact schedule is less important than consistency. Choose a time when you can practice without distractions and try to make it part of your daily routine.
How Can You Memorize Quran Faster?
It is tempting to focus on speed, but faster is not always better.
If you memorize five verses today but cannot remember them next week, you may have made less progress than someone who carefully memorized two verses and retained them.
Instead of asking, “How many verses can I memorize today?” consider asking:
“Can I still recite what I learned accurately tomorrow?”
Strong memorization comes from a combination of new learning and revision.
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Trying to Memorize Too Much
Taking on too much new material can quickly become overwhelming.
Start with a small amount and increase it gradually.
Ignoring Pronunciation
Memorizing the words incorrectly can make correction harder later.
Pay attention to pronunciation from the beginning and seek qualified guidance when possible.
Skipping Revision
New memorization feels exciting, but revision protects what you have already learned.
Keep older surahs in your daily or weekly practice.
Depending Only on Audio
Listening is extremely useful, but you should also actively recite.
Your goal is to develop the ability to recall and pronounce the verses yourself.
Memorizing Without Understanding
You do not have to become an Arabic scholar before memorizing Quran. However, learning the general meaning of what you recite can make the experience more meaningful and can provide useful memory cues.
Should Children Start With Short Surahs?
Yes. Short surahs can be particularly suitable for children because they allow young learners to experience achievable milestones.
Parents and teachers can make memorization more engaging by:
- Keeping sessions short and consistent.
- Using repetition without turning practice into pressure.
- Celebrating progress.
- Listening to the child recite.
- Correcting mistakes gently.
- Revising previously learned surahs regularly.
The goal should be to develop a positive relationship with the Quran, not simply to complete a checklist.
What Is the Easiest Surah to Memorize?
For many beginners, Surah Al-Kawthar is an obvious starting point because it contains only three verses.
Surah Al-Asr and Surah An-Nasr are also very short. After these, you can move to four- and five-verse surahs such as Al-Ikhlas, Quraysh, Al-Falaq, and Al-Qadr.
However, there is no single surah that is guaranteed to be easiest for everyone. Familiarity, language background, pronunciation, and previous Quran experience all make a difference.
How Long Does It Take to Memorize a Short Surah?
The answer depends on the learner.
A very short surah might take one person a single session and another person several days. Both can be making excellent progress.
Instead of measuring yourself against someone else, focus on accurate recitation and retention.
Even 10–20 focused minutes a day can become valuable when practiced consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Quran surah should I memorize first?
A beginner can start with a very short surah such as Al-Kawthar, Al-Asr, or An-Nasr. If you already know one of these, choose another short surah that feels familiar.
What are the shortest surahs in the Quran?
Some of the shortest surahs by verse count include Al-Kawthar, Al-Asr, and An-Nasr, each with three verses.
How many surahs should a beginner memorize?
There is no required number for beginning your memorization journey. It is better to memorize a small number accurately and maintain them through revision than to rush through many surahs.
Is it better to memorize Quran in the morning?
Some learners find the morning helpful because they are less distracted and mentally fresh. Others prefer another consistent time. The best time is one that you can maintain regularly.
Can I memorize Quran without knowing Arabic?
Yes, many non-Arabic speakers memorize Quran. However, learning basic meanings and receiving help with Arabic pronunciation and Tajweed can make the process more effective.
Final Thoughts
Quran memorization is a journey built through patience, consistency, and sincere effort. You do not need to start with a large goal. Begin with one short surah, learn it carefully, revise it regularly, and then move on to the next.
The 20 easy Quran surahs to memorize in this guide provide a practical starting point, from three-verse surahs such as Al-Kawthar and Al-Asr to slightly longer chapters such as Ad-Duha.
Most importantly, don't measure success only by how quickly you memorize. Aim to recite accurately, understand what you are learning, and retain it over time.
One verse learned well is better than many verses quickly forgotten. Start small, stay consistent, and allow your memorization journey to grow naturally.
