I have previously discussed matters around the Tarāwīh prayers with 10 tips to prepare and schedules for the Tarāweeh prayers.
But for those who have not regularly revised the Qur'ān or led Tarāweeh prayers in the past few years, it can be difficult to regain the rhythm and pace of reciting. At times, you will find many weaknesses.
Introduction to the preparation technique for Tarāweeh prayers
Revising the Qur'ān can be a challenging task, especially if you haven't recited it regularly or led the Tarāweeh prayers for a number of years. Especially when you rely heavily on the Tarāweeh prayers to make your Qur'ān stronger. I understand your struggles but you should always revise throughout the year.
There is a method to that could help you rekindle the connection with the Qur'ān and effectively revise it again in time for Ramadān. This method involves a three-step approach, starting with reading 5-10 juz' a day, followed by a comprehensive review of each verse, and concluding with a focused revision at a fast pace in preparation for Ramadān. I'll explore this effective technique in detail and provide some tips and guidance for those who wish to revive their connection with the Qur'ān for Ramadān.
The first step: Reading 5-10 Juz' a day
The first step of this technique is to start reading the Qur'ān on a daily basis, focusing on 5 to 10 juz' (parts) each day. You must start as early as possible and don't delay this. This will help you get back into the rhythm of reciting the Qur'ān and familiarise yourself with its verses once again.
Make this a routine without missing a day. You need to aim to complete 5 khatms of the Qur'ān. This means you have 5 weeks to do this process. To ensure success in this step, it is important to follow these tips:
- Set a consistent schedule: Choose a time each day that you will dedicate to reciting the Qur'ān and stick to it. This could be in the morning, after work, or before bed. The key is to make it a part of your daily routine.
- Set achievable goals: Start with a realistic goal of reading 5 to 10 juz' a day, and gradually increase it as you feel more confident. This will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Read with focus and attention: Try to concentrate and understand the meanings of each verse as you recite. You can also read with translation if needed, or listen to audio recitations to help you understand the Qur'ān better.
- Surround yourself with a supportive community: Seek the support of others, family members, friends, or members of your mosque who are also trying to revise the Qur'ān. This can provide you with encouragement, motivation, and accountability.
This step lays the foundation for the rest of the technique, and will help you build a strong connection with the Qur'ān as you move forward.
If you're finding it difficult to dedicate enough time to read 5 to 10 juz' a day, there are a few options you can consider:
- Reduce the daily target: Start by reading a smaller number of juz' each day, and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. The most important thing is to start reading consistently, even if it's only a few verses a day.
- Make use of spare time: Look for opportunities throughout the day to fit in some Qur'ān recitation, such as during breaks at work, while waiting for someone, or during a commute.
- Prioritise Qur'ān recitation: Consider making Qur'ān recitation a priority and rearrange other activities if necessary. For example, if you usually watch YouTube after dinner, you could spend that time reading the Qur'ān instead.
- Seek help from others: Get some buddies to help you achieve your goal. For example, you could have someone hold you accountable for reading a certain number of juz' each day, or have them join you in reading the Qur'ān.
Remember, the goal is to establish a consistent routine of reading the Qur'ān, so don't get discouraged if you don't reach your target every day. The important thing is to make progress, no matter how small.
The second step: Comprehensive review of each verse
The second step of this technique is to re-memorise the Qur'ān as if you're learning it for the first time once again. Just like you once did with a teacher. This requires one complete round. You don't need to do more than this.
This step involves memorising each āyah (verse) carefully. Bonus if you can also pay attention to meaning, and trying to understand context within the surah (chapter). Here are some tips to help you in this step:
- Read with translation and study the context: This will help you understand the Qur'ān on a deeper level and remember things better. It will also project well in the Tarāwīh.
- Reflect on the verses: Take time to reflect on each ayah and consider what it means to you personally. Think about how you can apply its teachings in your daily life, and how it can help you become a better person.
- Seek knowledge: If you're struggling to understand a particular verse or surah, don't hesitate to seek help from those with knowledge.
This step will strengthen your Hifz. This step will also help you appreciate the beauty and wisdom of the Qur'ān, and strengthen your Imān and resolve.
The third step: Focused revision at a fast pace
The third and final step of this technique is to revise the Qur'ān as if you're leading Taraweeh with someone else to listen to you. This means reading it in hadr, which is the fast pace usually used during Tarāweeh prayers. If you can't have someone to listen to you then you can use an app like Tarteel or record yourself. The goal of this step is to help you refresh your memory and regain their confidence in leading the prayers.
You have to do this round three times. So the first step had 5 rounds or cycles, the second had one round, and this final step has three rounds.
Here are some tips to help you in this step:
- Set a pace: Start by reading the Qur'ān at a moderate pace, and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. The aim is to reach a pace that is fast enough to challenge you but not so fast that you struggle to follow along.
- Practice regularly: Make sure to practice reading the Qur'ān at this pace regularly, especially in the weeks leading up to Ramadān. The more you practice, the easier it will become, and the more confident you will feel in leading Tarāweeh.
- Focus on accuracy: While it's important to recite the Qur'ān at a fast pace, it's equally important to maintain accuracy with Tajweed. Make sure to read each āyah correctly, and pay attention to any mistakes you make so you can avoid them in the future.
These three steps have helped many huffāz prepare for Ramadān in a situation where they have struggled to lead for at least 5 years. You will be able to lead the prayers with comfort.
What if you don't have much time and you haven't started revising yet?
We are now quickly approaching the half way point of Rajab, which means we have at least a month and half remaining till Ramadān. The time you need for this whole process would depend on several factors, such as the speed at which you recite and revise the Qur'ān, the number of cycles you complete in each step, and the amount of time you dedicate to it each day.
If you dedicate around 5 weeks to step one, a month to step two, and a month or more to step three, the whole process could take anywhere from 11 to 16 weeks (2 to 3 months), or longer if you choose to continue revising beyond the original plan. It's important to remember that this is a process and the goal is to make progress, not to rush through it.
If you want to cut down the amount of rounds you need then you can either increase the amount you do per day or reduce the number of rounds required. For example, you may take any of the methods or schedules used by Duraid or others.
The Benefits of this Method
This technique offers numerous benefits to those who have not led Tarāweeh in a while or have not revised the Qur'ān regularly. Here are some of the key benefits of this method:
- Improved memory: By reading the Qur'ān in cycles and revising it at a fast pace, you will strengthen your memory. This will help you recall the Qur'ān more easily and accurately, both during Tarāweeh and in your daily life.
- Stronger connection: By engaging with the Qur'ān on a daily basis like this, you will build a stronger connection with it.
- Confidence in leading: By revising the Qur'ān for Tarāweeh, you will regain your confidence in leading the prayers, and feel more comfortable and competent in doing so. This will help you lead the Tarāweeh prayers with ease and inspire others to follow your example.
Tips and summary of the method
Whether you haven't led Tarāweeh in a few years or haven't revised the Qur'ān regularly, this technique provides a structured and effective way to refresh your memorisation.
The method consists of three steps:
- Read the Qur'ān in a cycle of 5, with the goal of reading 5 to 10 juz' a day.
- Go through the full Qur'ān as if you're learning it for the first time. Do this once.
- Revise the Qur'ān for as many cycles as possible, aim for three, reciting it in hadr (a fast pace) as though you are leading Tarāweeh.
The benefits of this technique are numerous, including improved memory, deeper understanding (if you incorporate this), a stronger connection with the Qur'ān, confidence in leading Tarāweeh, and better preparation for Ramadān.
Make sure you being consistent, staying focused, setting achievable goals, seeking support, and celebrating your progress.
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Final words
The Qur'ān is a timeless treasure that contains the wisdom and guidance that we need to live our lives to the fullest. Revisiting it regularly is an investment in our personal growth and development, and a way to deepen our connection with its teachings. So, embrace this opportunity with courage and determination.
In shā' Allāh, you will emerge from this process feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to lead Tarāweeh with confidence. So, get started!
May Allāh grant success!
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