The worldly matters here refer not to spending time earning a living but to excessive attachment to worldly pursuits and desires, which results in neglecting the Qur’an.

• The second: Forgetfulness not resulting from neglect, but due to weak memory, aging, or being preoccupied with matters beyond one’s control. It may also be due to learning obligatory or recommended knowledge, or being engaged in teaching Islamic sciences. None of this, Insha’Allah, falls under the blameworthy neglect of memorization.

Dear Believers,

Memorizing the Quran should be undertaken with sincere intention, solely for the sake of Allah, to seek His pleasure and Paradise, not for showing off or gaining a reputation. To effectively memorize the Quran, all of us need to set clear, achievable goals, such as deciding on a specific portion to memorize each day and repeating it regularly with proper tajweed to avoid boredom and enhance retention. It is essential not to move on to the next section until the current portion is perfectly memorized. Since the Quran can easily be forgotten, continuous review is vital to prevent forgetfulness and ensure long-term retention. Additionally, correct pronunciation and reading are essential and can only be learned from a skilled teacher. The Quran was transmitted orally, and this method continues to be the best approach. May Allah grant us all success in our journey of memorizing His glorious Book.

Ways to Memorize and Retain the Qur’an

People differ in their methods of memorizing and understanding information, which becomes evident when memorizing Qur’anic verses. Some may take a long time to memorize but forget quickly, while others memorize faster, and the verses remain in their minds longer. The problem is not necessarily in the memory but may be due to the need for self-awareness and experimenting with different memorization techniques to find the method that works best for them, all while seeking Allah’s help.

Here are some tips that may help, with Allah’s will, to memorize more quickly and retain more effectively:

1. Memorizing by Sight

   It is essential to look at a Qur’an, sticking to one Mus-haf edition, as the mind memorizes the image, the location of the verses, and the marks. Repeating the verses consistently also helps.

2. Frequent Listening to the Verses

   Ensure the following:
   a. Choose a skilled and precise reader.
   b. Understand and contemplate the meaning of what you are hearing, as understanding plays a significant role in anchoring the words in the memory.
   c. Repeat listening and focus on your mistakes.

3. Memorizing by Repetition

   One of the most successful ways to memorize verses is repetition. There are many ways to repeat the verses, one of which is:

   1. Set a specific portion to memorize.
   2. Repeat the first verse 20 times.
   3. Repeat the second verse 20 times, and continue until you reach the fourth verse.
   4. Link the first four verses together and repeat them 20 times.
   5. Memorize another four verses and repeat them 20 times.
   6. Link the previous and current verses together, and so on, until the entire portion is memorized.

4. Writing to Memorize

   One of the most important methods to help solidify verses in the mind, whether by writing on paper or electronically.

5. Memorizing by Recitation

   Some people memorize by reciting and being taught by an instructor, especially children, the elderly, or those who need someone to accompany them on their journey of learning the Qur’an.

6. Recitation and Testing

   The memorizer should not rely on testing their memory but should recite their memorization to others who are proficient in the Qur’an, so they can point out any mistakes in pronunciation, vowel markings, or forgetfulness. Often, we memorize a surah incorrectly without realizing it, even while looking at the Qur’an, because we tend to read before checking the Qur’an and miss our errors.” Testing with someone else helps identify such mistakes. Furthermore, frequent recitation and testing greatly assist in retaining what is memorized.

7. Continuous Reading of the Memorized Parts

   After memorizing a surah or portion, make sure to recite it during prayers and review it regularly.

8. Understanding the Verses

   One of the greatest aids to memorization is understanding the verses and knowing how they relate to each other. Therefore, the memorizer should read the interpretation (Tafsir) of some of the verses and surahs they are memorizing. The mind should be alert during reading to make memorization easier. However, do not rely solely on understanding for memorization, but repeat and rehearse for better retention.

9. Linking Similar Verses

   Focus on parts of the Quran that resemble one another in wording and meaning, as this helps improve memorization.

10. Join a Memorization Group

    It helps, after Allah’s will, to have a community that supports you on your journey with the Qur’an, where you share the same goals and learn from one another.

11. Start with Easier Surahs and Parts

    Many people find certain surahs easier to memorize, such as Surah Yusuf, Al-Kahf, Ta-Ha, Maryam, and Juz’ Amma. If you begin with these easier surahs, it will encourage you and motivate you to continue, Insha’Allah.

O Allah, the Most Merciful, make us among the people of the Qur’an, who are Your chosen ones. O Allah, elevate us and benefit us with the great Qur’an. O Allah, grant us the ability to recite, understand, memorize, reflect on, and act upon it in the ways that are most pleasing to You. O Allah, make the Qur’an the spring of our hearts, the relief of our worries, and the removal of our sorrows.