Quick answer: Most traditional Hifz programmes use three daily parts. Sabaq is the new lesson being memorised. Sabqi is recent revision, usually the last few days’ or weeks’ portions. Manzil is older revision that cycles through everything memorised before that. A student who does all three every day keeps what they’ve learnt. A student who only does sabaq usually starts losing earlier portions within weeks.
By Hafiz Azhar, Quran teacher at Quran Specialist Online. Hifz-ul-Quran, 6-year Alim course, 2-year Tajweed course, 7 years’ teaching experience.
When I memorised the Quran, my teachers cared about my revision even more than my new lesson. That hasn’t changed. Online Hifz uses the same method, and the home routine matters even more because the student isn’t in a madrasah all day. Here’s how the three parts work and how to organise them at home.
The three parts explained
Sabaq: the new lesson
This is the portion your child is memorising now. It might be a few lines or more, depending on age, fluency and experience. The test of a good sabaq isn’t whether your child can recite it once in class. It’s whether they can recite it accurately the next day.
Tip: Memorise the sabaq in two or three short sessions rather than one long one. Many students find early morning works best.
Sabqi: recent revision
Sabqi covers the portions memorised just before today’s sabaq, often the last week or the current juz. New memorisation is fragile, so sabqi “sets” it.
Tip: Sabqi should be recited without looking. If your child keeps stumbling, the sabaq is probably too big. Ask the teacher about reducing it.
Manzil: older revision
Manzil works through everything memorised before the sabqi, in rotation. In Level 1 it may be short. By Level 3 it becomes the biggest part of the day.
Tip: Divide everything memorised so far into a cycle, for example a set amount each day, so every part comes round regularly. Your teacher will set the size of the cycle.
How the balance changes across the QSO Hifz levels
At Quran Specialist Online, Hifz runs in three levels:
| Level | Juz | Balance of the day |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Juz 30โ21 | Mostly sabaq and sabqi. Manzil is short but taken seriously |
| Level 2 | Juz 20โ11 | A more even split. Manzil grows steadily |
| Level 3 | Juz 10โ1 | Manzil takes most of the time. Sabaq is still steady but no longer the main focus |
That’s why Hifz can seem to “slow down” in later levels. The student isn’t getting worse. They’re protecting a bigger memorisation.
What happens in an online Hifz lesson
Our lessons are live, one-to-one and 30 minutes on Zoom or MS Teams. A typical class looks like this:
- The student recites yesterday’s sabaq from memory.
- The student recites a sabqi portion.
- The teacher hears part of the manzil, either on a rotating basis or as a spot check.
- The teacher goes through the next sabaq: pronunciation, Tajweed and tricky transitions.
With 30 minutes, the teacher can’t hear every line of revision every day. That’s why home revision with a parent listening is so important. Many Hifz families choose 4 or 5 classes a week.
A sample home week (example only)
Monday to Friday
- Morning (15โ20 min): memorise the new sabaq.
- After school (15 min): recite sabqi to a parent without looking.
- Evening (15โ20 min): manzil portion, read aloud from memory, checking any stumbles in the Mushaf.
Saturday
- Longer manzil session, and fix any weak passages the teacher flagged.
Sunday
- A lighter day: revision only, no new sabaq. Rest matters.
Your teacher will adjust this for your child’s age, school and level.
How parents can help, even without being a Hafiz
- Follow along in a Mushaf. You don’t need to know it by heart to notice a skipped line.
- Keep a simple log of sabaq, sabqi, manzil and any mistakes. It makes the teacher’s job easier.
- Sit in on lessons whenever you like. Parents are always welcome.
- Read the monthly written progress report and ask the teacher one question about it.
- Protect the routine during exams: cut the sabaq, never the revision.
Common revision mistakes
- Skipping manzil to speed up. It feels faster but costs months later.
- Revising silently or by looking. Revision should be recited aloud from memory.
- A sabaq that’s too big. If sabqi is shaky, shrink the sabaq.
- No rest day. Burnout ends more Hifz journeys than difficulty does.
- Waiting for the teacher to find weak spots. Note them at home and raise them in class.
Fees and trial
UK plans are ยฃ30, ยฃ40, ยฃ50 or ยฃ60 a month for 2, 3, 4 or 5 classes a week. Families can switch plans as needs change, and we’ll find a new teacher if the match isn’t right. You can start with a 7-day free trial, with no card needed. Female teachers are available, and lessons are taught in English.
Frequently asked questions
How much sabaq should my child do each day?
As much as they can recite accurately the next day. The teacher will set it and adjust it.
How much manzil is enough?
It depends on how much has been memorised. The teacher will set a cycle so everything is revised regularly.
Can adults use this method?
Yes. Adults use the same three parts, fitted around work.
What if my child has forgotten earlier surahs?
Pause or reduce the sabaq and rebuild the manzil first. This is common and fixable.
Are lessons recorded?
Only with a parent’s permission.
Ready to start or restart Hifz? See Online Hifz classes UK and Quran memorisation (Hifz), or book a 7-day free trial. Related: How long does it take to memorise the Quran online?
Try a free Quran class
Live one-to-one lessons on Zoom or MS Teams for children and adults in the UK and USA. Book a 7-day free trial, no payment needed.