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Quran, Hifz & Tajweed
A parent asks

What is the shortest surah in the Quran?

Bloomtivo answers

Surah Al-Kawthar (108) is the shortest surah, with 3 verses and only about 10 words. Al-‘Asr (103) and An-Nasr (110) also have 3 verses but more words. Because it is so short, Al-Kawthar is one of the first surahs children memorise and is often recited in prayer.

Reviewed by Omar Saeed, Bloomtivo teacher · Updated

The full answer

The three-verse surahs

SurahNumberVersesApprox. words
Al-Kawthar108310
Al-‘Asr103314
An-Nasr110319

Surah Al-Kawthar

إِنَّآ أَعْطَيْنَٰكَ ٱلْكَوْثَرَ ۝ فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَٱنْحَرْ ۝ إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ ٱلْأَبْتَرُ

Meaning: We have given you Al-Kawthar. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off. See the meaning of Al-Kawthar for kids.

The longest, for comparison

Al-Baqarah (2) has 286 verses and fills about 48 pages of the Madinah Mushaf.

Teacher’s tip: Al-Kawthar is a great first “I memorised a whole surah!” moment for a 4-year-old. Celebrate it.

Related: what is Juz ‘Amma?

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