How To Memorize Using The 20-20 Quran Memorization Method

Quran memorization brings with it so many different methods. And the 20-20 method reminds me of the way I memorised the Qur'ān best.

The method is a blend of time-honoured memorisation techniques with the cognitive science principle of spaced repetition. It respects the rhythm of daily life, and the natural cycles of the human mind. The goal of the "20-20 Method" is to give you a structured yet flexible framework so you can absorb, retain, and recite āyāt with confidence and ease.

What is the 20-20 Hifz Method?

Imagine a method that links the rhythm of your daily life with the journey of memorising the Qur'ān—a method that aligns with your natural cognitive patterns, enhancing not only your ability to memorise but also to retain and recall. This is the essence of the 20-20 method.

1. Evenings

It's a simple and powerful routine of recitation and repetition. Each evening, as the world quiets down and you are about to close your day, you open your mus'haf to the verses you have set out to learn. With focused attention, you begin the recitation of these verses, meticulously looking at each word and becoming familiar with it. You do this 20 times, ensuring that the visual imprint of the words and their auditory echo become familiar companions.

2. Mornings

As dawn breaks and you rise for the Fajr prayer, your memorisation journey reawakens. With a mind refreshed from sleep, you recite the same verses another 20 times. This practice harnesses the clarity of your rested mind, reinforcing the connections formed the night before and solidifying the verses even more deeply within your memory.

3. During the day

During the day, you build on this and start memorising verse by verse with sequential memorisation. And then later on, you will recite a few times without looking before your next nightly session.

How Does It Work

The process breaks down into several key stages throughout the day:

1. Evening Session: The memorisation process begins at night, where you recite the your portion 20 times while looking at the Qur'ān to build a foundational memory.
2. Morning Session (After Fajr): Early morning recitation aims to refresh and reinforce the verses familiarised the previous night with another 20 repetitions. You can do this at another time if you wish but the method dictates it be done at Fajr.
3. Sequential Building: You then engage in sequential memorisation, adding one verse at a time to memory. So memorise verse 1, then verse 2, combine both of them, and then do verse 3, combine all of them, and so forth.
4. Afternoon or Evening Session: You now need to recite the portion without looking at the Qur'ān. This checks your retention and cements the memorisation.
5. Night Session: Now you return to the night with another round of recitation to solidify the memory before progressing to new verses.

This is the summary.

Example in Application

A practical example over a month for memorising a page divided into three parts could look like this. This is just an example:

This cycle would continue, with new sections added following the same pattern. When a Juz’ is completed, the method includes regular review slots to revise old sections while continuing to memorise new ones.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The primary advantage of this method lies in the spaced repetition principle, scientifically proven to improve long-term memory retention. It takes advantage of different cognitive states throughout the day, offering varied contexts for reinforcement, which strengthens recall.

The disadvantages include the time commitment required, which can be challenging for those with demanding schedules or limited time for study. Additionally, the method's intensity may lead to fatigue or burnout if not managed carefully.

Possible Adjustments That Can Be Made

If you have less time, then decreasing the number of repetitions or spreading the sessions over more days would be best.

Long-Term Application and Revision Strategy

After completing a Juz', it’s essential to incorporate it into a regular revision schedule. This may involve daily, weekly, and monthly review cycles, depending on the your capacity and retention ability.

Detailed Revision Schedule Example

Upon completing a Juz’, you can set a revision schedule that might look like this:

This schedule ensures that each Juz’ is revisited regularly, embedding it deeply into long-term memory.

There you have it. A quick and easy to follow method. This is another method that has proven to work and many Imams memorised using this method.

May Allāh grant ease and blessings!