Almost every Muslim wishes to memorize Al Qur’ân Al Kareem and many have embarked upon the journey of doing so, yet a number among them do this task rather randomly, which leads to difficulty in the process of memorization as well as increasing their chances of forgetting what they have memorized. In view of the great need of ensuring the successful memorization of Al Qur’ân Al Kareem, some practical steps toward efficient memorization and avoiding setbacks are stated in this article:

1.   Try to use the same Mushaf (copy):

The use of the same Mushaf (copy) when you read Al Qur’ân Al Kareem and stick to it so that you may become familiar with it and know the sites of various verses and how to find them quickly when you revise what you have memorized.

2.   Recite:

Try to find a knowledgeable reciter, such as a Sheikh or a Imân who is well versed in the rules of Tajweed (correct recitation). Start reading with him, what you intend to memorize previously so that he may correct any wrong pronunciation.

3.   In a group:

Read and memorize Al Qur’ân Al Kareem within a group rather than individually. Members of groups help each other in correcting mistakes and thus make the task easier.

Narrated Abû Hurairah Radi-Allahu 'anhureported that the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam (may peace be upon him) said: He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for one who is hard pressed, Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala would make things easy for him in the Hereafter, and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter. Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of know- ledge, Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala (mosques) and recite the Kitab of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and they learn and teach Al Qur’ân Al Kareem (among themselves) there would descend upon them the tranquillity and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala makes a mention of them in the presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) descent does not make him go ahead. Sahîh Muslim, Book 035, Number 6518. (*TMH).

4.   Repeating:

Repeat what you have memorized to yourself frequently, try to do this as last thing to do before you go to bed, and try to do this as first in the morning. Do this one a daily base.

5.   Tajweed:

Learn the basic rules of Tajweed before you start memorising and try to apply these rules while memorising. Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says in Al Qur’ân Al Kareem:

Sûrah Al-Muzzammil, Ayât 4:

أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلا Or a little more; and recite Al Qur’ân Al Kareem (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. (*TMQ)

6.   Supplication:

Supplicate to Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala to help you in memorizing what you have read of Al Qur’ân Al Kareem.

7.   Sequence of Sûrah’s:

Begin memorizing Al Qur’ân Al Kareem from and work backwards, as the Sûrah’s in the last Juz' Amma section are shorter and more familiar.

8.   Audio (MP3, DVD & CD):

Listening to an audio (MP3, DVD or CD) of Al Qur’ân Al Kareem will assist you in memorizing what you have read and make it easier for you to know the right pronunciation and intonation; however, you must choose a reciter who is well known for being skilled, so that you can memorize Al Qur’ân Al Kareem correctly.

9.   Location:

Try to read Al Qur’ân Al Kareem in a quiet location and stick to this if you can, as this will put you in the right mood to memorize Al Qur’ân Al Kareem and keep you away from any distractions. An example of such a place is the Masjid.

10. Time:

Make reading and memorizing Al Qur’ân Al Kareem a daily activity and allocate a special time devoted to this purpose. Try to choose a suitable time when you are fresh and not tired. The best time is at dawn, as Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala Says:

Sûrah Al-Isrâ, Ayât 78:

أَقِمِ الصَّلاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَى غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا Perform As­ Salât (Iqamat-as-Salât) from mid-day till the darkness of the night (i.e. the Duhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, and 'Ishâ' prayers), and recite Al Qur’ân Al Kareem in the early dawn (i.e. the morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of Al Qur’ân Al Kareem in the early dawn is ever witnessed (attended by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night). (*TMQ)

11. Understanding:

Try to understand the meaning of what you memorise, as this will assist further memorisation and enable you to act upon what you read.

12. Review:

Always review what you have memorised and make this a regular habit; otherwise you will tend to forget what you have memorised after a while. It is advisable to review the whole Al Qur’ân Al Kareem every thirty days.

13. Encouragement:

Encouragement of your household, particularly the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem, will help them to compete with each other, particularly if you also reward them with gifts. Memorizing Al Qur’ân Al Kareem at an early age is very rewarding as the ability to register and recall knowledge and information is quicker and easier then than in later years. Also, when you get older, your responsibilities increase and you might find it difficult to find enough time to achieve your goals.

14. Niyah:

You should be sincere to Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala Says and make your intention to seek the reward from Him before beginning memorizing the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem. You should feel that the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem is there to guide mankind to good. Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says in the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem:

Sûrah Al Baqarah, Ayât 2:

وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَبِالآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ This is the Book (Al Qur’ân Al Kareem), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqûn [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. (*TMQ)

One should also realise the great reward of reading and studying the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem, and there are many Hadîth’s which emphasise this point. Not only are the Muslims who read the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem rewarded, but those who listen to it are as well; Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says:

Sûrah Al-A’râf, Ayât 204;

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ So, when the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [I.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Sûrah Al-Fâtihah), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tasfir At-Tabari, Vol.9, Pages 162-4] (*TMQ)

Reading and memorizing the Al Qur’ân Al Kareem is not difficult, and this fact was stated clearly in the Qur’ânic Ayât:

Sûrah Al-Qamar, Ayât 17:

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ And We have indeed made the Qur’ân Al Kareem easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? (*TMQ)

15. Avoid Ostentation:

After memorizing the Qur’ân Al Kareem, avoid showing off and arrogance. Being given the ability to memorize the Qur’ân Al Kareem is a blessing from Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, and people might become proud of themselves to have accomplished this task. Some people might then want everybody to know of their achievement and thus be admired. This is a kind of Shirk (associating others with Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala in worship) which is a dangerous and punishable act. One should be thankful to Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala as it is He who made it easy for him to memorize and understand the Qur’ân Al Kareem.

16. Loud:

Try to read with a reasonably loud voice and listen to your reading. Avoid reading silently - this will also help you to overcome laziness and tiredness.

17. Set an Amount to Read and Memorize:

Set a certain amount of Ayat’s to read and memories from the Qur’ân Al Kareem at every session. Start with a small amount and then increase gradually. Do not be driven by your enthusiasm as this will shortly wear out. It is more important to persevere in memorizing, no matter how small the amount is.

18. Manners:

Once you have memorised the Qur’ân Al Kareem, endeavour to acquire its manners, apply it in your life and act upon it, as this obligation is more emphasised on those who know it by heart.