Hafezs

Hafezs is a term used to refer to individuals who have memorized the Qur'an in full. The standard title is hafiz (plural hafizes or hafizs), derived from the Arabic hafiz, meaning guardian or memorizer. In English transliteration, spellings vary, and "Hafez" or "Hafezs" may appear in some texts as alternatives. The usage and social weight of the term vary by language and region.

The word is distinct from Hafez, the name of the 14th-century Persian poet Khwāja Shams-ud-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi. The poet’s surname is often treated as a proper name rather than a religious title, though both share the same etymological root.

Becoming a hafiz typically involves extensive study under a teacher and years of memorization, aiming to recall all 114 Surahs of the Qur'an. Memorization is usually paired with instruction in tajweed, the set of rules governing proper pronunciation and recitation. Hafizes may serve as Qur’an reciters in mosques, lead certain prayers, or teach Qur’anic reading to students and adults. The status is widely respected in many Muslim communities and can be integrated into religious education and community events.

Regional variations exist in how hafizes are perceived and integrated into daily life. In some contexts, the title accompanies formal recognition or social honor; in others, it is a practical qualification for teaching and leadership within religious settings. The term Hafezs thus encompasses a recognized religious achievement and, in some contexts, a surname or cultural reference.