The 30th Juz' (or para), also known as Juz' 'Amma, is often the starting point for the journey of memorising the Qur'ān. Sometimes people can become overwhelmed by seeing the many Surah in it and aren't sure how to go about memorising the Juz'.
So I wanted to share some thoughts for those of you that are looking to start Hifz.
About the 30th Juz' and why it's often the first place to start Hifz
The 30th Juz' of the Qur'ān consists of 37 Surahs, starting with Surah An-Naba' (78) and ending with Surah An-Nas (114). These Surahs are generally shorter and easier to memorise compared to other parts of the Qur'ān, making it an ideal starting point for beginners.
Additionally, many of these Surahs are frequently recited during daily prayers, which helps reinforce memorisation through regular practice. So it's not only regarded as easier but it is the most often heard part of the Qur'ān too.
The Juz' has all types of verses in it which also makes it a great starting point for memorising. There are other routes as well.
How do you memorise the 30th Juz' as a whole?
- Familiarise yourself with the structure: Begin by understanding the order of the Surahs in the 30th Juz' and their respective lengths. This will help you plan your memorisation strategy.
- Set a realistic goal: Determine how much time you can dedicate to memorisation daily and set achievable targets, such as memorising one Surah or a specific number of verses per day.
- Start with Surah An-Naas (114) and work your way up: Since the Surahs in the 30th Juz' are more or less arranged in descending order of length, starting with the shortest Surahs can help build confidence and momentum.
- Break down each Surah into smaller sections: Depending on the length of the Surah, you can memorise it line by line, verse by verse, or page by page. Find the approach that works best for you.
- Consistent practice and review: Regularly recite the Surahs you have memorised during your daily prayers and set aside time for revision to ensure long-term retention.
How do you memorise each Surah in the 30th Juz'?
Each Surah in the 30th Juz' presents its own challenges, but with the right approach, it shouldn't be too difficult. Here are some tips for memorising each Surah:
- Understand the meaning: Familiarise yourself with the translation and context of each Surah. This will not only help you appreciate the message but also make memorisation easier.
- Identify patterns and repetitions: Many Surahs in the 30th Juz' have repeated phrases or similar verse structures. Recognising these patterns can aid in memorisation.
- Use audio resources: Listening to recitations by renowned Qāris can help improve your pronunciation and intonation, making it easier to memorise the Surahs.
- Tackle challenging Surahs strategically: For longer or more complex Surahs, break them down into smaller sections and focus on mastering one section at a time.
- Seek guidance from a teacher or mentor: If you encounter difficulties or have questions, consult a knowledgeable person who can provide guidance and support. You can reach out to the Hifz communities and groups too!
Remembering the order of the surah names
You can remember the order in many ways as mentioned in another post. The interesting ones are when you have stories and poetry.
Some surah specifics and similar verses
When you memorise the surah, you may get confused with some verses in their similarities. Here are some of the most common trip ups to be wary of:
- Surah an-Nāzi'āt, verse 34 vs Surah 'Abasa, verse 33
- Surah 'Abasa, verses 5-6 vs Surah 'Abasa, verses 8-10
- Surah at-Takwīr, verse 6 vs Surah al-Infitār, verse 3 [look at the alphabet and link with surah name technique]
- Surah at-Takwīr, verse 14 vs Surah al-Infitār, verse 5 [look at the alphabet and incrementals technique]
- Surah at-Inshiqāq, verse 25 vs Surah at-Tīn, verse 6 [incrementals technique]
- Surah at-Burooj, verse 11 (words after "anhār" and "al-kabeer" ending)
- Surah al-Fajr, verse 15 vs Surah al-Fajr, verse 16
- Surah al-Burooj, verse 11 vs Surah al-Bayyinah, verse 6 vs Surah al-Bayyinah, verse 8 [incrementals technique]
- Surah at-Takāthur - sometimes people mix the verses here. Look at the meanings.
May Allāh make it easy. If you have questions or comments, please leave an email.
