What is the chain of transmission (sanad) that is taken after completing the recitation of the Qur’an, and how is it obtained? Is it a prerequisite for a student of knowledge to have memorized the Qur’an first in order to obtain the chain of transmission?

The isnad (definition) (chain of transmission) refers to the series of men who transmitted the Qur'anic recitations from the shaykh to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The permission to transmit and teach the Qur’an is granted to students who have mastered and memorized it, and who are knowledgeable of its rules, script, and ضبط (diacritics/orthography). This certification is called an "ijazah" or "sanad," and it requires complete memorization and mastery.