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Is it permissible to review the Qur'an by starting with the last surahs in ascending order?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Reciting a surah and then reciting the one that precedes it in the order of the Mus'haf is called tankees (reciting in reverse order). Scholars have differed regarding its ruling; some disliked it, while others permitted it for surahs but forbade it for verses. The preponderant opinion is that it is permissible for surahs outside of prayer. This is supported by the action of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), and by the fact that the arrangement of verses is divinely ordained (tawqifi), whereas the arrangement of surahs was not. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Ummah after him permitted abandoning the order of surahs in prayer and study.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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