Keep A Unique Perfume Just For Quran Memorisation

The human mind is a marvel, capable of storing vast amounts of information. Memorising the Qur'ān is no different. At a young age, Sayyiduna 'Abdullāh ibn 'Abbās (Allāh be pleased with them) memorised the Qur'ān but also knew of its knowledge (meanings).

Our memory has many means of storing information. One of few senses are as evocative as smell. Fragrances have the power to transport us across time and space, invoking vivid memories and deep emotions. Your Mus'haf might have a distinct smell, or your environment, or a friend. They trigger memories.

It's the sense of smell that I want to explore today. An idea that I have never heard discussed before in the field of Qur'ān studies. There is actually an interesting intersection of science and spirituality—how a unique perfume could enhance the process of Qur'ān memorisation.

The first step is to understand something about how smell and memory work.

The Olfactory System: A Portal to Memories

Olfaction, responsible for our sense of smell, isn't just about distinguishing between a rose and a lily. It's our most primal sense, deeply intertwined with our memory centers. The olfactory bulb, which processes scents, is directly connected to regions like the amygdala and hippocampus, pivotal for emotion and memory. This intimate neural connection is why a mere scent can catapult us back in time, resurfacing long-forgotten memories.

Smells as Memory Anchors

Research reveals that smells serve as potent memory triggers. An aroma associated with an event can serve as an anchor, tethering that memory securely. When encountered again, the scent can pull up even distant memories with remarkable clarity.

Odour-Linked Memories: Emotional and Vivid

Certain memories evoked by smells, termed "odour-linked memories," are not just potent but often emotionally charged. These memories are so vivid that they can significantly influence our mood and well-being.

Well-being and Stress Reduction

Positive memories, evoked by pleasant scents, can enhance our mood and reduce stress. Given that stress can manifest physically as headaches or muscle tension, understanding the power of smells can be pivotal for well-being. And, yes, sometimes smells can give us headaches!

Key Studies on Olfaction and Memory

Various studies have illuminated the profound relationship between scent and memory. A study from Leon and his team revealed that daily exposure to certain smells over four months resulted in a staggering 226% improvement in verbal memory. The participants also exhibited distinctive changes in their brain scans, suggesting structural or functional enhancements.

Another intriguing research published in the Chemical Senses Journal demonstrated the 'transfer effect' of olfactory training. Participants trained with olfactory tasks showed marked improvements in untrained visual memory tasks, indicating the broader cognitive benefits of olfactory training.

Smell-Based Memory Training: A Paradigm Shift

There's an innovative concept of smell-based memory training that offers a structured approach to leverage olfaction for memory enhancement. Here's a glimpse into the process:

1. Systematic Exposure: Participants undergo daily exposure to specific scents over extended periods, sometimes spanning several months.
2. Training Tasks: Engaging tasks challenge participants to identify and recall scents. For instance, finding matching pairs of odours in odourant-filled cans.
3. Transfer Effects: One of the standout findings is olfactory training's ability to produce 'transfer effects.' Participants trained in olfactory tasks showed improvements in untrained visual tasks—a testament to olfaction's wide-reaching cognitive benefits.
4. Evaluation: Post-training, participants' memory performances are meticulously evaluated, painting a clearer picture of the training's efficacy.

Perfume & Quran Memorisation: The Sacred Symbiosis

Given olfaction's prowess, a unique perfume for Qur'ān memorisation seems like a natural progression. Perhaps we can make use of perfume when memorising. It's not only a sunnah, a good habit, but also done out of respect for the Qur'ān. But what makes it so potent?

1. Targeted Memory Recall: Associating Qur'ān with a specific scent can create a powerful sensory anchor. Each subsequent exposure to this smell can trigger a flood of associated verses, aiding in revision and recall.
2. Deepened Emotional Resonance: The Qur'ān isn't merely text—it's a complete guide. A dedicated fragrance can intensify this emotional bond, making each memorisation session more profound.
3. Consistent Sensory Context: Creating a consistent sensory environment (akin to a dedicated study space) can optimise learning. A specific scent becomes synonymous with Qur'ān study, priming the mind for focused learning.
4. Cognitive Boost: Beyond memory recall, the olfactory system's responsiveness to training suggests holistic cognitive enhancements. This means better mental agility and focus during memorisation sessions.

How Different Scents Affect the Brain

Not all scents are created equal. While some fragrances like lavender and chamomile are associated with relaxation and calmness, others like rosemary and peppermint are believed to enhance alertness and memory. The choice of scent for Qur'ān memorisation should ideally align with those known for their memory-enhancing properties. This ensures that the olfactory stimulus works in tandem with the cognitive process of memorisation.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporate Scents

1. Choosing the Right Fragrance: Based on research, opt for scents known for their cognitive benefits. Rosemary, peppermint, and lemon are excellent starting points.
   • Rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender are some of the smells that have been used in studies to improve memory.
   • The fragrance method used in a recent study involved a simple scent, which was a combination of rose and lemon. The researchers found that this scent produced a significant boost in memory.
   • Another study showed that older adults who slept with a diffuser releasing seven different odours at night experienced improvements in verbal memory.
   • A recent study found that the strategic use of aromas while learning and during sleep might improve exam performance. The study used rose scent to boost memory performance in students. What I find so interesting about this is that when I was memorising in Egypt, I used to buy rose and it is what I used to primarily put on every day when I was memorising.
2. Consistency is Key: Use the chosen scent exclusively during Qur'ān memorisation sessions. Over time, the brain will associate this specific scent with the act of memorising, enhancing recall ability.
3. Creating a Ritual: Make the application of the scent a ritual. Before beginning the memorisation, take a moment to inhale the fragrance deeply, allowing it to set the stage for the session ahead.

But, like any method, smell-based memory training isn't without its challenges:

• Olfactory Fatigue: Prolonged exposure to a particular scent can lead to 'nose blindness' or olfactory adaptation. It's crucial to ensure that the chosen fragrance remains potent and effective as a mnemonic device.
• Individual Variations: Not everyone responds to scents in the same way. Personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can influence how a particular fragrance is perceived and processed.

Is there any guidance from Hadith?

I have mentioned previously, a tradition attributed to Sayyiduna 'Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) that says:

خمس يذهبن بالنسيان ويزدن في الحفظ ويذهبن البلغم السواك والصيام وقراءة القرآن والعسل واللبان
"Five things remove forgetfulness, increases the memory and prevents phlegm; miswāk, fasting, reciting the Qur'ān, honey and frankincense."

It is also mentioned in the books that several companions prescribed luban (frankincense) to treat a weak memory.

Also Imām Ibn ‘Adiy (Allāh have mercy upon him) and Imām Bayhaqi (Allāh have mercy upon him) have recorded a narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (Allāh be pleased with them): “Use the miswāk, for it purifies the mouth, pleases Allāh, pleases the Angels, increases good deeds, it is Sunnah, sharpens the eyesight, cures scurvy [a disease affecting the gums], strengthens the gums, removes phlegm and fragrances the mouth” (weak).

Many scholars have mentioned honey, frankincense, reciting Qur'ān by looking, and many others things as being beneficial for memory through knowledge and experience.

So the next time you sit to memorise, consider keeping a perfume that you use from time to time only for this purpose.

I wanted to share this with you as a matter of interest. Thought you might find it interesting too!

Allāh grant khayr.