In the quest to memorise the Qur'ān, many students struggle with perfection. I get it. It's a constant battle to get that flawless recitation and retention. But, an excessive focus on perfection can be a daunting and often an unattainable goal, leading to frustration and burnout.
Instead, you should be focusing on 'Ihsaan'—excellence or spiritual excellence—which offers a more compassionate and productive path to personal growth. Today I want to explain why aiming for excellence, rather than perfection, is not only beneficial but also is the way of our Deen.
The right side of perfectionism is called Ihsaan.
Excellence (Ihsaan) vs. Perfection (Kamaal): Understanding the Distinction
Excellence (Ihsaan) is an ongoing process of improvement where we learn from mistakes, adapt, and persist. It is dynamic, allowing for growth. Ihsaan, often translated as "spiritual excellence," is a concept that refers to doing things to the best of one's ability, with a consciousness of Allāh (ﷻ). It implies a continuous effort to improve while being content with one's capabilities and sincere efforts.
Ihsaan comes from the root meaning of 'being beautiful' conveying the meaning of excellence, benevolence and virtue. It's not just a spiritual excellence but it's moral excellence and carrying beauty in every way. The Qur'ān, time and time again, speaks about the people of excellence and how Allāh loves them.
When the great angel Jibreel (peace be upon him) asked, 'Tell me about excellence (Ihsaan).' The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'It is to worship Allāh as though you see Him, and if you not see Him, know that He sees you.' (al-Bukhārī, Muslim, and others)
This describes the highest states of spiritual excellence and it is part of our Deen. It is something to strive for and the best of us are those that struggle to make ourselves the most excellence we can be.
Perfection (Kamaal), on the other hand, is a static state, often an unattainable ideal that can create unrealistic expectations and hinder progress. High standards may be a stretch to achieve, but they are attainable. They are things that we can accomplished with effort, practice, and persistence.
Perfectionism can cause depression and stress and other kinds of “significant psychopathological burden,” as a study on college students found. Recent studies from Finland to Italy have linked perfectionism to burnout—particularly during the pandemic.
How do you combat this?
By keeping on the path of Ihsaan.
Understanding Ihsaan in Memorisation
Memorising the Qur'ān is an act of worship that requires patience, persistence, and a sincere intention. Ihsaan in this context means striving to memorise with accuracy and understanding, reflecting on the meanings, and applying the teachings in one's life. It is not merely about perfect recall but about letting the words transform you and guide your actions.
Acceptable Shortcomings
In the journey toward excellence, it is essential to recognise that human error is inevitable. Mispronunciations, forgetfulness, and fluctuating concentration levels are all part of the learning process. These shortcomings are acceptable when they lead to increased effort and reliance on Allāh (ﷻ), rather than causing despair.
Focusing on What Truly Matters
The ultimate goal of memorising the Qur'ān should be to strengthen one's relationship with Allāh (ﷻ) and to live by the Qur'ān. So, it's crucial to discern where exactitude is essential—such as in the pronunciation of the letters and words—and where there is room for flexibility, such as the pace of memorisation.
Islamic Perspectives on Ihsaan
I have already briefly mentioned the importance of Ihsaan but let's look at it practically. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allāh has prescribed Ihsaan in all things..." (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith tells us the value placed on excellence in every aspect of life, including the pursuit of knowledge and worship. This extends to our journey with the Qur'ān.
Practical Strategies for Embracing Excellence
- Consistent Daily Practice: Dedicate a specific time each day for Qur'ān, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Understanding Becomes Part of Memorisation: Engage with the meanings and exegesis (Tafsir) of the verses to deepen your connection with the Qur'ān.
- Seeking Knowledgeable Teachers: Learn from those who exemplify Ihsaan in their teaching and recitation, and can guide you on the path of excellence. Ihsaan is not truly possible without a guide.
- Incorporating Reflection: Regularly reflect on the verses and how they apply to your life, which is a form of Ihsaan in action.
- Community Involvement: Join a community or study circles that encourage mutual support and shared growth in memorising the Qur'ān.
Other Strategies for Pursuing Excellence
Embrace a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, is the cornerstone of excellence. It encourages resilience and a willingness to face challenges head-on.
Set Realistic Goals
Clearly defined, attainable goals act as stepping stones towards excellence. They provide direction and a sense of accomplishment as each milestone is achieved.
Foster Continuous Learning
Commitment to learning is integral to excellence. It involves staying curious, seeking feedback, and being willing to adapt one’s approach.
Cultivate Resilience
Resilience enables us to bounce back from setbacks and view failures as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
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