Question

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu.

If a Muslim wishes to memorise the whole Qur'an and with the help of Allah accomplish that with Tajweed to the best of his ability and tries to practise the teachings of the Qur'an in his life...is he regarded as haafidh of the Qur'an or must he obtain an Ijaazah from a Qaari who has a chain going back to the Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa sallam?

Also, if we desire to obtain an Ijaazah where and how does one go about it? Is it only possible in Saudi Arabia?

Jazakumullahu Khairun and may Allah reward you for this site. Aameen

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh. 

If a Muslim has memorized the Qur'an and has made that memorization firm by regular and thorough review, then he/she is a haafith.  The point about review should not be taken lightly.  It would be incorrect for a Muslim to memorize the Qur'an part by part, without proper review and then think of himself/herself a haafith.  You do not need to have an ijaazah to be a haadith of the Qur'an.  An ijaazah is a higher level.  An ijaazah requires reciting the whole complete Qur'an from to someone with an ijaazah with complete tajweed and excellent memorization.  To obtain an ijaazah is a great achievement, and honor from Allah.  Upon getting the ijaazah, the haafith now is certified and approved to transmit the Qur'an to others with the big responsibility of transmitting it as the Prophet,  recited it. 

To obtain an ijaazah, and we ask Allah to make it easy for you and all that desire this noble goal, you need to find someone with an ijaazah willing to take you on as an ijaazah student.  It is possible anywhere in the world where there is someone with an ijaazah.  This is not exclusive to Saudi Arabia by any means. 

The method used that we are accustomed to is: First, there is a test in the memorization of the whole complete Qur'an done within a months time.  The test can be in parts of 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 etc. as is possible by the student and teacher, but should be complete within one month of initiation.  Second, the Jazariyyah poem should be completely memorized and recited to the sheikh giving the ijaazah, and an ijaazah obtained in the Jazariyyah.  The explanation of the Jazariyyyah should be studied and understood.  Third, there should be a period of time training, for improvement in the applied tajweed of the student.  This period time may be very short or quite long depending on the ability of the student to correct their mistakes and perfect their tajweed and the time of the sheikh (or sheikhah) giving the ijaazah.  Once these steps are completed satisfactory, the ijaazah may be started. The start of the ijaazah is always at the discretion of the sheikh or sheikhah giving the ijaazah.

Wa iyyakum wa-l-muslimeen.