Every Muslim wants to learn the words of Allah by heart. But the Quran has 114 chapters, and the idea of memorizing so much can feel heavy. The good news is that you do not have to start with the long chapters. You can begin with the short surahs of the Quran.
These small chapters are easy to learn, easy to repeat, and full of deep meaning. Muslims recite them in daily prayers, teach them to children, and use them for protection and peace.
This guide lists the easiest short surahs of the Quran to memorize first. You will learn the meaning of each one, the best order to follow, and a simple plan to start today.
What Are Short Surahs of the Quran?
Short surahs of the Quran are the chapters with only a few verses. Most of them are in the last part of the Quran, which is called Juz Amma. They are mostly Makki, which means they were revealed in Makkah. Their style is short, strong, and rhythmic, so the words stay in the mind with ease.
Why Short Surahs of the Quran Are Best to Start With
- They are quick to learn: Some have only three verses.
- They build confidence: Finishing one surah in a day gives you energy to continue.
- You can use them in prayer: After Surah Al Fatiha, you can recite any of them in Salah.
- They teach core beliefs: Many of them speak about tawheed, the Hereafter, and good character.
- They are perfect for children: Young learners enjoy the short lines and the sound.
Where to Find Short Surahs of the Quran
Most short surahs are found in the 30th part of the Quran, called Juz Amma. This part begins with Surah An Naba and ends with Surah An Nas. Many Quran teachers start their students from the end of this part and move backward, because the last surahs are the shortest.
Easiest Short Surahs of the Quran to Memorize First
Here are the best chapters to begin with. Each one is short, clear, and often used in prayer.
Surah Al Ikhlas: A Short Surah of the Quran About Tawheed
Surah Al Ikhlas is the 112th chapter and has four verses. It tells us that Allah is One, that all need Him, that He has no children or parents, and that nothing is equal to Him.
Virtue of Surah Al Ikhlas in the Quran
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Surah Al Ikhlas equals one third of the Quran. Imam Bukhari reported this hadith. This is because the Quran talks about tawheed, stories, and laws, and this surah covers the whole topic of tawheed.
Surah Al Falaq and Surah An Nas in the Quran
Surah Al Falaq (113) has five verses, and Surah An Nas (114) has six verses. In both, we ask Allah for protection. Al Falaq asks for protection from the evil of creation, the darkness of night, and envy. An Nas asks for protection from the whisper of Satan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite Al Ikhlas, Al Falaq and An Nas before sleeping. He would blow into his hands and wipe over his body. Imam Bukhari reported this. These three surahs are a great start for daily habits.
Surah Al Kawthar: The Shortest Surah of the Quran
Surah Al Kawthar (108) has only three verses, so it is the shortest chapter in the Quran. Allah tells the Prophet (peace be upon him) that He has given him abundant good. So he should pray to his Lord and offer sacrifice. It ends by saying that the one who hates him is the one cut off.
Surah Al Asr: Time and Success in the Quran
Surah Al Asr (103) also has three verses. It swears by time and says that every human is in loss, except those who believe, do good deeds, and advise one another to follow the truth and to be patient. Imam ash Shafi’i said that if people only reflected on this surah, it would be enough for them.
Surah An Nasr: A Short Surah of the Quran About Victory
Surah An Nasr (110) has three verses. It speaks about the help of Allah and the conquest of Makkah, when people entered Islam in large groups. The lesson is to answer success with praise and seeking forgiveness, not with pride. It is the only surah in this list that is Madani.
Surah Al Kafirun in the Quran
Surah Al Kafirun (109) has six verses. It is a clear statement about worship. The believer worships Allah alone and does not mix his faith with anything else. At the same time, the surah shows respect and peace by ending with the idea that everyone has their own religion.
Surah Quraysh and Surah Al Fil in the Quran
Surah Al Fil (105) has five verses. It tells the story of an army with elephants that came to destroy the Kaaba. Allah stopped them by sending flocks of birds. Surah Quraysh (106) has four verses. It reminds the tribe of Quraysh about the safe trade trips of winter and summer, and tells them to worship the Lord of the House.
Surah Al Masad and Surah Al Maun in the Quran
Surah Al Masad (111) has five verses and speaks about the loss of Abu Lahab, who opposed the Prophet (peace be upon him). Surah Al Maun (107) has seven verses. It warns against denying the Day of Judgment, being harsh to orphans, neglecting the poor, and showing off in prayer.
Surah Al Fatiha: The Opening of the Quran
Surah Al Fatiha (1) has seven verses. You must recite it in every rakat of the prayer, so most Muslims learn it first. It praises Allah, speaks about the Day of Judgment, and asks for guidance on the straight path.
Short Surahs of the Quran List by Number of Verses
Use this list to choose the surah that fits your time:
- 3 verses: Al Kawthar, Al Asr, An Nasr
- 4 verses: Al Ikhlas, Quraysh
- 5 verses: Al Falaq, Al Fil, Al Masad, Al Qadr
- 6 verses: An Nas, Al Kafirun
- 7 verses: Al Maun, Al Fatiha
Best Order to Memorize Short Surahs of the Quran
You can follow any order, but this one works well for beginners:
- Surah Al Fatiha
- Surah Al Ikhlas
- Surah Al Falaq
- Surah An Nas
- Surah Al Kawthar
- Surah Al Asr
- Surah An Nasr
- Surah Al Kafirun
- Surah Quraysh
- Surah Al Fil
- Surah Al Masad
- Surah Al Maun
How to Memorize Short Surahs of the Quran Step by Step
Before You Start Learning Short Surahs of the Quran
- Make a sincere intention to learn for the sake of Allah.
- Choose a fixed time, such as after Fajr, when your mind is fresh.
- Use one copy of the Quran so the page looks the same each day.
- Find a teacher or a trusted reciter to correct your pronunciation.
Daily Method for Short Surahs of the Quran
- Read the translation first, so you know what the verses mean.
- Listen to a good reciter three to five times.
- Read the first verse aloud ten times.
- Add the second verse and repeat both together.
- Continue until the surah is complete.
- Close the Quran and recite from memory.
- Recite it in your prayer the same day.
How to Revise Short Surahs of the Quran
Revision is the secret of strong memory. Repeat what you learned the next morning, then after three days, then after one week. Recite your old surahs in your daily prayers so they stay fresh. Write a short list and tick each surah after you revise it.
Four Week Plan for Short Surahs of the Quran
- Week 1: Learn Al Ikhlas, Al Falaq and An Nas.
- Week 2: Learn Al Kawthar, Al Asr and An Nasr.
- Week 3: Learn Al Kafirun, Quraysh and Al Fil.
- Week 4: Learn Al Masad and Al Maun, and revise everything.
This plan is gentle. If you need more time, take it. Allah values a small and regular effort.
Tips for Children Learning Short Surahs of the Quran
Children learn best through sound and play. Let them listen to a surah while they eat or ride in the car. Teach one verse at a time and praise every small step. Sit with them for five or ten minutes daily, and avoid shouting or pressure. When a child feels love for the Quran, the memory stays for life. Parents can also learn along with the child, which makes the habit stronger for the whole family.
Benefits of Learning Short Surahs of the Quran
- Better prayer: You can recite different surahs and think about each one.
- Daily protection: The three Quls are recited in the morning, evening and before sleep.
- Strong faith: Their messages remind you about Allah, the Hereafter and patience.
- A habit of the Quran: Small wins help you move to longer chapters.
- Reward: Every letter you recite brings good deeds, and each good deed is multiplied by ten. Imam at Tirmidhi reported this.
Common Mistakes When Memorizing Short Surahs of the Quran
- Learning without a teacher and repeating wrong pronunciation
- Memorizing too many verses in one day
- Skipping revision and then forgetting
- Ignoring the meaning of the words
- Comparing yourself with others
- Giving up after missing a few days
Short Surahs of the Quran Checklist
- I know the names of the first five surahs I want to learn.
- I have chosen a fixed time every day.
- I have read the translation of each surah.
- I have a teacher or a good audio reciter.
- I revise old surahs every day.
- I recite what I learned in my prayer.
Conclusion on Short Surahs of the Quran
Short surahs of the Quran are the best door to memorizing the words of Allah. They are small, but their meaning is big. Start with Al Ikhlas, Al Falaq and An Nas, then move step by step through the list above. Revise every day, understand the meaning, and make dua for ease. With patience and a sincere heart, you will be surprised how much of the Quran you can carry in your heart.
Short Surahs of the Quran FAQs
1. What are the shortest surahs of the Quran?
The shortest are Al Kawthar, Al Asr and An Nasr. Each one has three verses.
2. Which short surah of the Quran should I memorize first?
Start with Surah Al Fatiha because it is in every prayer. Then learn Al Ikhlas, Al Falaq and An Nas.
3. How long does it take to memorize short surahs of the Quran?
It depends on your time and practice. Many people learn a short surah in one or two days with daily repetition.
4. Which surah is the easiest in the Quran?
Many teachers say Al Kawthar and Al Ikhlas are the easiest because they are short and have a clear rhythm.
5. Can children memorize short surahs of the Quran?
Yes. Children learn quickly by listening and repeating. Make it fun and keep each session short.
6. Can I recite short surahs of the Quran in prayer?
Yes. After Surah Al Fatiha, you may recite any surah or part of the Quran you know.
7. Do I need to know Arabic to memorize short surahs of the Quran?
No. You can learn with audio and a teacher. Reading the translation helps you understand what you recite.
8.What is the best time to memorize short surahs of the Quran?
Many people find after Fajr the best time because the mind is calm and fresh.
9. Why is Surah Al Ikhlas special in the Quran?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said it equals one third of the Quran, because it explains the oneness of Allah.
10. How can I stop forgetting the short surahs of the Quran?
Revise daily, recite in prayer, and review old surahs every week. Regular repetition keeps the memory strong.
