A New Muslims Guide On Memorising The Quran

Over the years, Alhamdulillāh, I have had the honour of helping new Muslims with their Qur'ān recitation journeys. I often get asked about how they can memorise the Qur'ān. So I want to share some thoughts with you today and try to guide you step-by-step through the process, providing tips, motivation, and insights to help you succeed.

You can read about memorising the Qur'ān as a beginner and learn about every aspect of it on How To Memorise The Quran. But, I want to share something specific to your questions today.

What is the Quran?

I want to answer this in a different way for the purposes of your journey. The Qur'ān is a series of love letters. I want you to keep this in your mind. Allāh speaks to us in the Qur'ān in the most loving of ways. He mentions the one He loves in the most loving of ways. We feel this in its recitation. We feel this even though we may not understand the words. When you approach your memorisation like this you will engage with it in a completely different way.

You can read more about this here:

Understand The Significance of Memorising the Quran

Memorising the Qur'ān holds immense spiritual significance. It is not just mere parroting. Too many people dismiss those that memorise and don't understand anything. Yes, understanding and implementation is key and is the goal. Memorisation is a route towards the goal. Memorisation itself is a form of worship, an act of devotion, and a way to draw closer to Allāh. You can read about the rewards and benefits. Being able to recite the Qur'ān from memory allows us to carry its wisdom and guidance wherever we go. Moreover, becoming a Hāfiz is considered a great honour and is a source of blessings for both the individual and their family. I want you to really understand this and if you're challenged by any of it, you're welcome to speak to me.

Understand Why You Want To Memorise The Quran

Memorising the Qur'ān is challenging, it is even more so for anyone new to Islām. This struggle in itself is highly rewarding. This is why you need to have a strong why. Reasons for which you want to memorise the Qur'ān and be true to those reasons.

Embarking on the journey of memorising the Qur'ān requires the right mindset and intention. Before diving in, take a moment to reflect on your purpose for memorisation. Set your intention to seek the pleasure of Allāh and to deepen your understanding of His words. With a sincere heart, you will find the journey more fulfilling and spiritually rewarding. I have shared thoughts on this. You can see:

Setting Realistic Goals

Memorising the entire Qur'ān is a noble ambition, but it is essential to set realistic goals that align with your capabilities and daily schedule. Begin with smaller chapters and gradually progress to longer ones. Celebrate each milestone achieved, and remember that consistency is key. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to memorisation can yield significant results over time.

Creating a Structured Study Plan

Organise your memorisation journey with a well-structured study plan. Designate specific times for memorisation and revision. Consistency and routine will help reinforce your memory. Break the Qur'ān verses into smaller segments and focus on mastering one portion before moving on to the next. Use sticky notes or digital tools to help you recall and revise effectively.

The Art of Repetition

Repetition is the foundation of memorisation. Regularly review the verses you've memorised to maintain retention. Repetition strengthens your memory and prevents forgetting. The more you recite, the more firmly the words of the Qur'ān will be etched into your heart. Embrace repetition as a means of strengthening your connection with the Qur'ān. Repetition is one of the many things involved in memorisation. This doesn't mean you can't work on understanding or other things.

Seek Guidance and Support

Seeking guidance from experienced Huffāz and scholars can be immensely beneficial. They can offer valuable tips, correct your recitation, and provide moral support. Joining a Qur'ān memorisation group or class can also create a positive learning environment and foster a sense of community among fellow memorisers.

The Power of Reflection

As mentioned, memorising the Qur'ān is not merely about committing words to memory but also understanding their meanings and implications. Reflect on the verses you memorise, ponder over their significance, and apply them to your life. The Qur'ān is a timeless source of wisdom, and reflection deepens your connection with it.

Strengthening Your Connection with the Quran

As you memorise the Qur'ān, focus on establishing a deep connection with its verses. Engage in regular recitation, even outside of memorisation sessions. Listening to Qur'ān recitations by renowned Qari's (reciters) can also be spiritually uplifting and help improve your own recitation.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey of memorising the Qur'ān will present challenges and moments of difficulty. Stay persistent and resilient in the face of obstacles. Remind yourself of the rewards and blessings promised to those who memorise the Qur'ān. Have faith in your abilities, and trust that Allāh will assist you on this blessed path. He says whoever strives in His Way, He will open paths for them.

Making Du'ā (Supplication)

Remember to make sincere du'ā' to Allāh for success in your memorisation efforts. Seek His guidance, mercy, and support. Trust in the power of prayer, for Allāh is the bestower of all good, and He listens to the supplications of His servants.

Embracing Patience and Consistency

Memorisation is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. There may be days when memorisation comes easily, and other days when it feels like a struggle. Embrace the journey with patience and acknowledge that progress may vary. Stay committed to your study plan and seek the reward of Allāh.

Focus on self-progress

You may start to compare yourself with others and see how other Muslims are reciting better than you. How they are memorising quicker than you. You don't need to compare yourself to anyone. Compare yourself to yourself. Make each day better than yesterday. There are many people that have memorised the Qur'ān in 10, 20, 30 plus years.

Memorising the Quran with transliteration

Yes, you can memorise the Qur'ān using transliteration. Transliteration is the process of representing Arabic words and verses in the Latin alphabet, making it easier for non-Arabic speakers to read and recite the Qur'ān. With transliteration, you can learn how to recite the Arabic words without having to know the Arabic script.

However, if you do this, I suggest you follow a process. Many resources can provide you the means to be able to recite the Qur'ān verses in transliteration alongside the original Arabic text and sound. You need to make sure you're saying things correctly. By using these resources, you can start memorising the Qur'ān and gradually build your recitation and memorisation skills. The biggest resource is a teacher. Having someone who is proficient to help you recite well enough to memorise the verses.

To effectively memorise the Qur'ān in transliteration, follow these steps:

1. Get a Reliable Transliteration Source: Find a trustworthy source that provides accurate transliterations of the Qur'ān verses. Ensure that the source uses standard transliteration rules to maintain consistency.
2. Start with Short Surahs: Begin your memorisation journey with shorter surahs (chapters) of the Qur'ān. Surahs like Al-Fatiha, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Nas, and Al-Falaq are good starting points.
3. Listen to Recitations: Listen to audio recitations of the Qur'ān in Arabic to familiarise yourself with the proper pronunciation and rhythm. This will aid your memorisation process and help you develop correct pronunciation.
4. Repeat and Review: Practice regularly and repeatedly recite the verses you are memorising. Consistent repetition reinforces memory retention.
5. Use Mnemonics: Employ memory aids like associations, visualisation, and connecting verses to help you remember the sequence of words.
6. Seek Guidance: If possible, seek guidance from a knowledgeable teacher or a Hafiz (someone who has memorised the Qur'ān). They can correct your recitation and offer valuable advice.
7. Be Patient and Consistent: Memorising the Qur'ān is a gradual process that requires dedication and patience. Stay consistent in your efforts, and don't get discouraged by slow progress.

Get a regular dose of motivation

Reading and hearing about others journeys will help you stay on track and motivated. You can join the newsletter and follow the diaries of those memorising the Qur'ān. Stay inspired.

May Allāh make it easier for you.