hafiz

In Islam, a title for those who have memorized the whole of the Koran (or Qur'an). There are thousands of Muslims worldwide who have achieved this spiritual quest. The significance of such an achievement is heightened when it is realized that for many who are granted the title hafiz, Arabic, the language of the Koran, is not their first language. These people are regarded highly by the Muslim community and are awarded certain privileges. For example in Saudi Arabia, those called hafiz can have their sentence reduced if convicted of a crime.