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How to Organize a Group Khatm: Sharing Juz and Khatm for the Deceased

Last updated: · Published by: DODO İLERİ TEKNOLOJİ VE TİCARET A.Ş. (Mumin App) · Reading time about 5 min

A group khatm means dividing the thirty juz (parts) of the Holy Quran among several people so that together they complete one full recitation. In Turkey it is a common practice during Ramadan, before Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), and in times of illness or bereavement. This article explains how a group khatm can be organized and how the customs of khatms after a death differ from actual religious obligations.

For information only. For religious rulings, consult the Diyanet (Alo 190 Fatwa Line).

What is a group khatm?

By tradition, after a death, relatives share out the juz and recite them on the day of the funeral, on the 7th, 40th and 52nd days, and on anniversaries; the reward is then dedicated to the deceased with a khatm dua and often a mawlid recitation. The view that a khatm can be completed by sharing juz is widespread. For questions about religious rulings, you can consult Diyanet (Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs).

In a group khatm, each participant reads the juz assigned to them. The number of juz read and the responsibility of finishing are shared within the circle, so 30 juz can be completed in a day by 30 people, in a few days by 10 people, or within a week by 5 people.

Step-by-step organization

  1. Set the purpose: It might be for the deceased, for healing, for Ramadan, for Laylat al-Qadr, for an exam, for a journey, or a general intention. Writing the intention in the circle makes things easier.
  2. Choose the unit: You can divide by 30 juz (recommended), by 604 pages, or by surahs such as Yasin and Ikhlas. No special virtue should be attached to any particular number.
  3. Set a deadline: For example, by Friday or before Laylat al-Qadr. A short timeframe increases participation.
  4. Invite people: Invite participants through a WhatsApp group or an invitation link. Use a table or list so that everyone takes one juz.
  5. Follow up: Each reader marks their juz as "read"; send gentle reminders to those who are behind and, if needed, hand their juz to someone else.
  6. Finish with the khatm dua: When all the juz are complete, the khatm dua is recited. You can ask an imam or a knowledgeable relative about the khatm dua.

Khatm for the deceased: the 7th, 40th and 52nd days

Reciting the Quran, making dua and giving charity for a person who has passed away is a widespread practice among Muslims. However, the 7th, 40th and 52nd days are not religious obligations; they are family and community customs, and not observing them is not a religious shortcoming. It is also noted that specific numbers such as "41 Yasin" have no religious basis. Diyanet regards introducing prayers or remembrance (dhikr) with fixed numbers as an innovation (bid'ah) when no such specific act of worship has been prescribed.

Therefore, families who wish to continue these days as a custom should not present them as an obligation, nor criticize relatives who do not attend. A khatm and dua can be offered at any time, without being tied to a memorial day.

Practical tips

Reading from a device and special circumstances

For those who read the Quran on a phone or tablet, Diyanet's fatwa is as follows: the Quran on an electronic device does not have the ruling of a physical mushaf in itself, so the device may be touched without wudu, though reading with wudu is recommended. People who read their juz from a screen in a khatm circle can benefit from this information.

The schools of thought hold different views on Quran recitation by women during menstruation or postnatal bleeding. Diyanet's fatwa states that according to the Hanafi, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools the Quran may not be recited, but verses that carry the meaning of a supplication may be recited with the intention of dua and dhikr, while according to the Maliki view it may be recited for the purpose of teaching and learning. For this reason, those who organize a group khatm should not ask a participant why she cannot read her juz, and should allow the juz to be gently passed to someone else.

Sharing pages rather than juz (604 pages in total) offers smaller portions for the elderly or beginners. Whichever unit you choose, keeping a list that clearly states each participant's portion prevents confusion.

Group khatm with digital tools

WhatsApp groups and spreadsheets are common solutions. People who have not installed the app can join a khatm circle you create in Mumin App through a link, and the circle's information is encrypted; see the home page for details. Whichever tool you choose, pay attention to whom you share the circle's information with.

Frequently asked questions

Can a group khatm be done?

Sharing the juz and completing one khatm together is a widespread practice in Turkey, and the view that a khatm can be done by sharing juz is common. For a detailed religious assessment, you can contact Diyanet (Alo 190).

Is it obligatory to recite on the 7th, 40th and 52nd days after a death?

No. These days are not a religious obligation but a family and community custom. Dua and Quran recitation can be done at any time.

In how many days should a khatm be completed?

There is no religious time limit. Depending on how many people take part and on your intention, it can be completed within a day or within a few weeks.

Sources

For information only. For religious rulings, consult the Diyanet (Alo 190 Fatwa Line).

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