So You Want To Memorize The Quran?

By Dr. Muddassir Khan

Memorization (tahfeedh) of the Quran was the earliest form of transmission of the text and has been practiced by Muslims since the beginning of revelation. The Quran is perhaps the only book in human history that has such an exceptional tradition of oral transmission that can be traced back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself. Although many Muslims known as hufadh (memorizers) have memorized the entire Quran, every Muslim should memorize as much as possible. It is narrated by Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "He in whose heart there is no part of the Quran is like an abandoned house."

Reciting the entire Quran in a melodious voice, without error or hesitation, is a dream for some, and a reality for others. Yet the Word of Allah is true:

"And We have indeed made it easy to understand and memorize the Quran. Is there anyone who will remember?" (Surah Al-Qamar 17)

Most of us assume that we have a bad memory that cannot keep important and sometimes even basic information and that memorizing the Holy Quran is one of the most difficult tasks a person can embark on.

We often think that "this is not for me" or that "I could never do it". These are some of the many obstacles that we tend to create that ultimately discourage us from the idea of starting to memorize the Holy Quran.

Among people are those who have memorized the whole of the Quran. We find men, women, children, scholars, ordinary people, workers, peasants, illiterates, people who do not understand a word of Arabic - but they have memorized the Quran

What do they have in common? Their love for Allah and His Book, the firm will to memorize and endurance in the effort that this task implies.

This book is intended to be the starting point and the roadmap for all those who sincerely wish to memorize the Quran but do not know how to do it.

Each of us can learn the Quran in whole or in part. It is only necessary to know the conditions and rules which govern this knowledge, to choose an effective method, and to be patient and constant in the effort.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Muddassir Khan
• Release date: Mar 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201527907

Book preview

So You Want To

Memorize The Quran?

Dr. Muddassir Khan

Copyright © 2020

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem.

In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

A Muslim is encouraged to utter certain phrases at the mention of Allah, the Prophet, other Prophets, the angels, the companions of the Prophet, and righteous Muslims. Please say these phrases whenever you come across them in the book.

Allah: Say "Subhaanahuu wa ta’aalaa" which means ‘Glorified and Exalted is He.’

Prophet Muhammad: Say, "Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salam" which means, ‘May the peace and blessing of Allah be on him.’ Say this phrase always when you hear the beloved name of the Prophet or at any place where the Prophet is mentioned.

Other Prophets or an Angel: Say, "Alayhis Salaam" which means, ‘Peace be on him.’

A male companion of the Prophet: Say, "Radiyallaahu ‘anhum" which means, ‘May Allah be pleased with him.’

A past scholar or righteous Muslim: Say, "Rahimahullaah" which means, ‘May Allah have Mercy on him.’

A female companion: Say "Radiyallaahu ‘anhaa" which means, ‘May Allah be pleased with her.’

Dedication

To every mother and father who would like their children to grow up in the kindergarten of the Noble Quran.

And to every adult desiring to memorize the Quran seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Introduction

Praise be to Allah the One. May the praise and salvation of Allah be on the last of the Prophets, on his family, his companions, and all who keep to his way until the Day of Resurrection.

Memorization (tahfeedh) of the Quran was the earliest form of transmission of the text and has been practiced by Muslims since the beginning of revelation. The Quran is perhaps the only book in human history that has such an exceptional tradition of oral transmission that can be traced back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself. Although many Muslims known as hufadh (memorizers) have memorized the entire Quran, every Muslim should memorize as much as possible. It is narrated by Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: He in whose heart there is no part of the Quran is like an abandoned house.

Reciting the entire Quran in a melodious voice, without error or hesitation, is a dream for some, and a reality for others. Yet the Word of Allah is true:

And We have indeed made it easy to understand and memorize the Quran. Is there anyone who will remember? (Surah Al-Qamar 17)

Whereas in the past, memorizing the Quran was the basis of all good Muslim education; today, there is less emphasis because of changes in the Muslim education system. However, memorization of passages from the Quran is still required of all Muslims, especially for the following reasons:

- Memorization was the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as observed by the Companions (Allah be pleased with them), Tabi'un (Allah have mercy on them), and all pious Muslims.

- The recitation of passages from memory is necessary for the proper performance of the prayer (salah).

- The memorized passages are useful in practical works of da'wah (propagation).

- Memorizing and repeating the Quran leads to more remembrance of Allah and His message.

- Memorizing the passages of the ahkam (laws) leads to more awareness and determination.

- Memorization leads to a deeper understanding and faith in the message of the Quran.

But what are the conditions and ways to fulfill Allah’s promise? Who can memorize most, if not all, of the Quran? Do you have to have a specific gift? Do you have to be Arab? Have a high education? It is not so.

Most of us assume that we have a bad memory that cannot keep important and sometimes even basic information and that memorizing the Holy Quran is one of the most difficult tasks a person can embark on.

We often think that this is not for me or that I could never do it. These are some of the many obstacles that we tend to create that ultimately discourage us from the idea of starting to memorize the Holy Quran. Some other self-imposed barriers are:

I can never memorize so much.

Have you ever tried? You will never know unless you try, and you might even be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Even if I start memorizing now, by the time I finish a game, I will forget the part I memorized before.

This will never happen if you are constantly reviewing what you have already memorized. Reciting the memorized parts in your daily prayers is one of the many ways that you can review the Quran in a way that will also give you more confidence in your abilities.

I do not have time.

Make time. We waste so much time on things that do not give us any useful benefit in this world and the Hereafter. All you need to do is manage your time efficiently so that you can set aside a few minutes each day in which you can concentrate on memorizing the Quran.

How can I memorize something when I don't understand its meaning?

This is a double advantage. This may seem ambiguous to you, but you can reread the translation of the verses before you start to memorize it. This way you will be able to remember the verses better because you can now relate to their meanings in English as well.

I don't know if I am reciting correctly?

Have a competent person listen to your recital before and after you memorize the lesson. You can even ask a friend to memorize with you. Remember that Allah rewards double and triple those who strive to read the Quran even in difficulty.

Among people are those who have memorized the whole of the Quran. We find men, women, children, scholars, ordinary people, workers, peasants, illiterates, people who do not understand a word of Arabic - but they have memorized the Quran

What do they have in common? Their love for Allah and His Book, the firm will to memorize and endurance in the effort that this task implies.

This book is intended to be the starting point and the roadmap for all those who sincerely wish to memorize the Quran but do not know how to do it.

Each of us can learn the Quran in whole or in part. It is only necessary to know the conditions and rules which govern this knowledge, to choose an effective method, and to be patient and constant in the effort.

Allah’s reward for one who believes and does good is even better. But it will only be received by those who endure.

For one who fears his Lord and is patient, Allah does not lose the reward of the beneficent.

Chapter 1

Quran is the Word of Allah. It was revealed to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), transcribed in books, transmitted orally since its revelation, starting with sura Al-Fatihah and ending with sura An-Nas.

Allah says:

In truth, it is We who have revealed the Quran to you gradually. (Surah Al-Insan 23)

When you come to the Quran, you arrive in a new world. No other endeavor in your life can be as important and crucial, as happy and fulfilling as your journey to and through the Quran.

It is a journey that will take you through the joys and infinite riches of the Words that your Creator and Lord have sent to you and all mankind. Here you will find a world of untold treasures of knowledge and wisdom to guide you on the paths of life, to shape your thoughts and actions. You will find in-depth information to enrich you and guide you on the right path. From there you will receive a radiant light to illuminate the depths of your soul. Here you will meet deep emotions, a warmth to melt your heart and make tears flow down your cheeks.

This is crucial for you because as you go through the Quran at every step you will be called to choose and commit to Allah. Reading the Quran is nothing less than living the Quran willingly, sincerely, with dedication, and totally. The outcome of your whole life depends on how you hear the call of Allah. The journey is therefore decisive for your existence, for humanity, for the future of human civilization.

Allah has preserved the Quran from any transformation, addition, withdrawal, or change because He is responsible for preserving it.

Allah says: