Six Hands-on Tips for Memorizing the Glorious Quran
The elevated status of one who memorizes the Quran is known through numerous hadiths. This is not in the least surprising, for the Glorious Quran is the uncreated speech of Allah, and is free from all imperfections. Its memorizer (Hafidh) is honored in this world: “…and let the one amongst you who knows Quran most, lead the prayer…” (Bukhari 4302). And in the next (Hereafter): “It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 2914)
Tip #1. Purify your intention (Ikhlas, Sincerity) and make dua.
Allah says: “So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only. Surely, the religion [i.e., the worship and the obedience] is for Allah only.” (Quran 39:2–3) Rest assured that the Prophet (PBUH) has also confirmed that actions are based on intentions. If we memorize the Holy Book with any other intention than to please Allah, all our efforts will be in vain. Sincerity, while performing a good deed solely for Allah’s sake, is a condition for an action to be blessed.
In addition to sincere intentions, a prospective Hafidh-e-Quran must ask for Allah’s assistance in making his task easy. Dua is a believer’s weapon and an act of worship. It is so powerful that it has the potential to change one’s destiny by Allah’s leave: “Nothing can change the Divine decree except dua.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 139).
Tip #2. Memorize in the early morning hours
Quranic memorization must begin at the most productive time of the day, which is before or after Fajr. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said: “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings (i.e., in what they do early in the morning).” (Sunan Ibn Majah 2236). Repeating the Quranic ayat (verses) after Fajr will sharpen the memory and invite Allah’s blessings.
The early morning hours, when the mind and body are fresh, is a time that is conducive to learning the Quran. With or without having breakfast, the mind and memory have clarity at this cherished hour. As the cliché goes: Early to bed, early to rising makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. The wealth that is sought here, though, is instead, the richness of one’s heart.
Tip #3. Stick to a Quran memorization schedule
Sticking to a Quran memorization routine is very rewarding in the long run. The time allotted to the memorization plan, which is meant to be followed religiously, is critical. It bears positive outcomes and also spares time for work and other activities. Allah loves the acts of a believer that are moderate and consistent.
A Quran memorization schedule should be coupled with a progress chart. One that will keep a clear record of the pace at which the Hafidh is advancing. Owing to the fast-paced lives that most of us lead, it is easy to lose track of realities. Every professional in his field has a schedule to follow. Potential Hafidh is no different. He must lead a disciplined life to excel.
Tip #4. Focus primarily on Tajweed (Pronunciation)
Alongside memorization, the focus should be on correct pronunciation. This is accomplished by listening to someone who recites well or has memorized the Quran accurately. Allah’s book should only be learned from a Quran teacher. The Sunnah illustrates that the Prophet (PBUH) learned it orally from Jibrail (A.S), and then the companions (Sahaba) learned it orally from him.
If a student recites Quranic words incorrectly, the meanings may change and render him sinful. And if after Hifdh, he went on to become a Quran online or offline tutor, he would carry the sin of teaching his students incorrect pronunciation. His students would then go on to teach others, and his sins would keep multiplying. It would indeed be wiser to take a Quran Tajweed class in the local masjid or online. This would expedite the Quran memorizer’s proper recitation of the Book of Allah.
Tip #5. Adopt positivity and consistency
Holding onto positivity is every believer’s recipe for success. It is with a positive outlook that a Hafidh confronts all his challenges. It is said that a Muslim’s iman (faith) increases and decreases. So does his interest. It may so happen that there is a loss of interest in the Quran memorization regimen. The Hafidh should not feel dejected but should take a little break until the enthusiasm returns. A firm and the positive believer is better than a weak and dejected one.
Consistency is key to progress in the Quran memorization process. Maintaining the original schedule with consistency is of paramount importance. We are often reminded that the slow and steady wins the race. The chosen method of memorization should be diligently adhered to. All good things come in due course.
Tip #6. Listen, recite, repeat and teach
Listen to the recitation of some accomplished and proficient reciters of the Quran, like Abdul Basit and Shaykh Sudais, etc. Some Quran learners are more receptive to listening to someone recite, as reinforcement of their lesson. While others note down the verses several times before they memorize them. It is vital to know and discover what benefits your style of Quran memorization.
Recite daily the verses that are assigned to you for memorization, before a competent Quran tutor. Repeat them in a quiet room as much as is needed. They say practice makes perfect, and this applies to Quran memorization techniques as well. Draw inspiration from the fact that from among the first to memorize the Quran, were Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and his blessed companions.
Teach others to prepare yourself to receive Allah’s boundless bounties. For, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The best of you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.”
The one who is memorizing the Quran does not need to wait to become a full-fledged hafidh to teach others. As long as he has mastered Tajweed, he can teach little children, for starters. Teaching others the Quran can serve as reinforcement for one’s own memorization. At the same time, the prospective Hafidh will be considered from amongst the best, as assured by the hadith mentioned above.
