How to Choose a Quran (Mushaf): Line Count, Size and Script Explained

A Mushaf is a printed copy of the Quran in Arabic. When you shop for one, you will see labels like "13 line", "15 line", "16 line", "jumbo", "pocket", and "tajweedi". These are not brand names. They describe the layout and the print. This guide explains what each one means so you can pick the right Mushaf the first time.

The five things that actually matter

Line count per page. How many lines of Arabic are on each page.
Page ending style. Whether each page ends on a complete verse.
Size and weight. From pocket size to large table size.
Script and print quality. How bold and clear the letters are, and the paper.
Extras. Tajweed colour coding, translation, zip cover, gift packaging.

Line count explained

13 line Mushaf

Each page has 13 lines. Many people who have memorised the Quran (huffaz) in the subcontinent learned from a 13 line layout, so they prefer to keep reading from the same one. The page image stays fixed in memory, which helps with revision.

15 line Mushaf

Each page has 15 lines. This is a very common layout worldwide. In many 15 line Qurans, every page ends on the end of a verse and every juz (para) starts on a fresh page. This is the layout of the Madinah Mushaf that most people have seen. It is a good default for general reading and for new huffaz who have not fixed on a layout yet.

16 line Mushaf

Each page has 16 lines. This is another traditional subcontinent layout. The text is a little more packed than 15 line, so the book can be slightly thinner, but the letters are smaller.

Which line count should you pick?

If you are a hafiz or plan to start hifz, use the line count your teacher or institute uses. Ask before buying.
If you just want to read, a 15 line Mushaf where pages end on complete verses is the easiest to follow.
If your eyesight is weak, line count matters less than overall size and boldness. See the jumbo option below.

Size and weight

Pocket size. Small and light, easy to carry in a bag or keep in a car. Print is small. Some come with a zip cover to protect the pages. Good as a travel copy, not ideal as your main reading copy.
Standard size (around 14x21 cm). The common personal reading size. Fits in one hand and on a rehal (book stand).
Large or jumbo size (around 22x32 cm). Big, heavy, meant to sit on a table or stand. The best choice for older readers or anyone who struggles with small print. Also used in study circles so a group can read from one copy.

Script and print quality

Bold script is easier on the eyes and better for beginners and older readers.
Paper ranges from thin newsprint style to thicker cream or art paper. Thicker paper lasts longer and does not show print from the other side.
"Imported" editions usually use higher quality paper and binding than local print runs, at a higher price.

Useful extras

Tajweed colour coding (tajweedi Quran)

A tajweedi Mushaf prints certain letters in colour to mark tajweed rules, for example where to stretch a sound (madd) or where a letter is not pronounced. It is a helpful learning aid if you are working on your recitation. Our guide on how to learn tajweed explains how to use one.

Single para (juz) copies

Instead of the whole Quran in one book, you can buy a single juz as a thin booklet, or a set of all 30. Schools, mosques and study circles use these so each person can hold one part. The White Para single juz is the best selling item of this kind on Babussalam.

Translation included

Many Qurans include an Urdu or English translation on the same page. If you want to understand as you read, see our guide on choosing an Urdu translation. If you only want the Arabic for recitation, choose a plain Mushaf.

Gift packaging

Some editions come in a hard box or with a protective sleeve, which makes them suitable as a gift for a wedding, Ameen ceremony, or Eid. See our Islamic gift ideas guide for more.

White Para Of Quran Juz 1-30 (Single Para)

Quick picks by situation

A child starting nazra: a clear 15 or 16 line Mushaf with bold script, plus a Qaida first. See teaching your child to read the Quran.
Mushaf Usmani
An adult learning to recite: a colour coded tajweedi Mushaf.
A hafiz revising: the same line count used during memorisation, usually 13 or 15 line.
An elderly parent: a jumbo size with large bold print.
Travel and work: a pocket size, ideally with a zip cover.
A gift: a good quality standard size in gift packaging.

Recommended Books from Babussalam

At the time of writing, the following are listed and, where noted, in stock.

White Para of Quran, Juz 1 to 30 (single para): a single juz booklet, the most ordered Quran item on the site, ideal for schools and study circles.
Mushaf Usmani: a standard full Mushaf in Usmani script for everyday reading.
Al Quran Al Kareem 211 (Jumbo, 15 Lines): large format with a 15 line layout, good for weak eyesight.
Al Quran Al Kareem (13 Lines) Imported: a 13 line layout on better quality paper, suited to huffaz.
Al Quran Al Kareem with Tajweed, 30 Parah Set: a colour coded tajweed Mushaf supplied as a full 30 part set.
Pocket Size Quran with Zip: a compact travel copy with a protective zip cover.
Al Quran Al Kareem 108, Gift Packing: a standard Mushaf presented in gift packaging.

Browse the full range on the Quran (Mushaf) category page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 13 line and a 15 line Quran?

It is the number of Arabic lines printed on each page. A 13 line page has larger, more spaced text. A 15 line page is the layout used in the common Madinah Mushaf, where pages usually end on a complete verse. Huffaz often keep the line count they memorised from.

Which line count is best for hifz?

The one your teacher or institute uses, so the page image stays consistent. In the subcontinent this is usually 13 or 15 line. Ask before buying.

What is a tajweedi Quran?

A Mushaf that prints some letters in colour to show tajweed rules, such as where to lengthen a sound or where a letter is silent. It is a learning aid for correct recitation.

Is imported paper worth the extra cost?

If the Quran will be used daily for years, better paper and binding last longer and are easier to read. For a light use or backup copy, a local edition is fine.

What size Quran is best for an older person?

A jumbo or large format with bold script. Line count matters less than the overall size of the letters.

Do I need a Qaida before a full Quran for my child?

Yes. Children usually start with a Qaida to learn the letters and joining, then move to a full Mushaf for nazra. See our guide on teaching children to read the Quran.