The ITQAAN Method For Memorising The Quran

Memorising the Qur'ān can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and a systematic method, you can make the process more efficient and enjoyable. One such method that has gained popularity among students is the ITQAAN method. This method, consisting of five simple steps, aims to help you memorise the Qur'ān with perfection and fluency.

Let's dive into the steps and discover how you can use it for your own Qur'ān memorisation journey.

Step 1: Perfect Your Tajweed and Recitation

The foundation of the ITQAAN method lies in reciting the Qur'ān with proper Tajweed and without any errors. You can achieve this by listening to your teacher or renowned reciters like Minshāwy and Husary. Immerse yourself in the melodious recitation of these experts and let their voices guide you in mastering the correct pronunciation and intonation of each word.

Step 2: Memorise and Recite Off-Hand

Once you have selected a portion to memorise, dedicate yourself to learning it by heart. After memorising the portion, you must test yourself by closing the mus-haf (Quran copy) and reciting it off-hand five times without any mistakes. If you stumble at any point during the recitation, restart from the beginning until you can fluently recite it five times consecutively without errors. This exercise ensures that the memorisation is solidified in your mind.

Many people do this after Fajr, but you can do this at a time in the day or evening when you are able to do so.

Step 3: Repeat and Reinforce

Repetition is the key to firmly embedding the memorised portion in your memory.

Take the memorised section and recite it off-hand an additional 50 times without referring to the mus-haf. Divide this repetition into no more than two sessions, allowing yourself to absorb the verses thoroughly. Many students do this after 'Ishā'.

This step helps reinforce your memorisation and increases your familiarity with the portion.

The First-Day Routine

Steps 1 to 3 mentioned above form the typical routine for the first day of the ITQAAN method. Now that you have laid the groundwork, let's explore how the subsequent days unfold.

Step 4: Daily Review and New Memorisation

Before starting to memorise a new portion, begin by reciting the portion you memorised the previous day off-hand. This serves as a quick review to maintain the freshness of your memory. Once you have recited the previous day's portion, proceed to memorise the new portion using steps 1 to 3.

Day 3 and Beyond

As you progress, the routine becomes more dynamic. On the third day, before memorising the new portion, recite the portions you memorised in the last two days off-hand. This consolidates your memory of the previous days' portions while allowing you to focus on learning the new section. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the new portion.

The 20-Page Review

Continue following this pattern, adding new pages to your memorisation while reviewing the previous portions. When you reach a total of 21 pages, drop off the very first page or portion you memorised. This ensures that your daily review focuses on the most recent 20 pages of your memorisation. As you add new pages, the oldest portion is gradually phased out, making space for the new material.

Step 5: Enter the Muraja'ah List (Revision)

As you drop off pages from your daily 20-page review, these pages enter a separate list known as the murajā'ah list. The murajā'ah list consists of portions that you have previously memorised but are not part of your daily review. The frequency of reviewing these portions depends on the extent of your memorisation. If you have memorized less than 30 hizb (15 juz'), your daily murajā'ah should cover 4 hizb (2 juz'). However, if your memorisation exceeds 30 hizb, your daily murajā'ah should encompass 6 hizb (3 juz'). This way, you ensure that all your memorised portions are regularly reviewed every week.

Additional Tips to Maximise Results

Remember to allocate only six days for new memorisation, allowing one day for comprehensive review. Use this day, such as Friday, to recite all the portions you have memorised throughout the week seven times off-hand. This thorough review solidifies your memory and helps you maintain a strong connection with the verses you have learned.

The method is not too different to others but it's not complicated as others might be. It's also not as intensive as others.

In this way, the ITQAAN method provides a comprehensive framework for Qur'ān memorisation, enabling you to approach this noble endeavour with focus and determination. By perfecting your recitation, committing to regular review, and implementing the dynamic system of adding new pages while dropping off older ones, you can achieve remarkable progress in your Qur'ān memorisation journey.

May Allāh grant blessing.