Practical steps for memorizing the Quran

Almost every Muslim wishes to memorise the Quran and many have
embarked upon the journey of doing so, yet a number among them do this
task rather haphazardly, which leads to difficulty in the process of
memorisation as well as increasing their chances of forgetting what
they have memorised. In view of the great need of ensuring the
successful memorisation of the Quran, some practical steps toward
efficient memorisation and avoiding setbacks are stated in this
article:
1. The Same Copy
Use the same Mus-haf )copy( when you read the Quran and stick to it so
that you may become familiar with it and know the sites of various
verses and how to find them quickly when you revise what you have
memorised.
2. Reader
Try to find a knowledgeable reader, such as a Shaykh )scholar( who is
well versed in the rules of Tajweed )correct recitation(. Start
reading to him what you intend to memorise beforehand so that he may
correct any wrong pronunciation.
3. Group
Read and memorise the Quran within a group rather than individually.
Members of groups help each other in correcting mistakes and thus make
the task easier. Prophet Muhammadsaid: "Whenever a group congregates
in one of the houses of Allaah )i.e., Mosques( to recite the Book of
Allaah )Quran( and study it, peace and mercy will descend upon them,
the angels will surround them and Allaah will mention them to those
with Him )i.e., the angels(." ]Muslim[
4. Repeat
Repeat what you have memorised to yourself frequently, and the best
way to do this is during the prayers.
5. Tajweed
Learn the basic rules of Tajweed before you start memorising and try
to apply these rules while memorising. Allaah Says in the Quran )what
means(:"… And recite the Quran with measured recitation."]Quran 73:4[
6. Supplication
Supplicate to Allaah to help you in memorising what you have read of
the Quran. Many Hadeeths )Prophetic narrations( point to how this is
to be done.
7. Sequence of Chapters
Begin memorising the Quran from the last section )Juz'( and work
backwards, as the verses in the last section are shorter and more
familiar.
8. Audio Cassette
Listening to an audio cassette of the Quran will assist you in
memorising what you have read and make it easier for you to know the
right pronunciation and intonation; however, you must choose a reader
who is well known for being skilled, so that you can memorise the
Quran correctly.
9. Location
Try to read the Quran in a quiet location and stick to this if you
can, as this will put you in the right mood to memorise the Quran and
keep you away from any distractions. An example of such a place is the
Masjid )Mosque(.
10. Time
Make reading and memorising the Quran a daily activity and allocate a
special time devoted to this purpose. Try to choose a suitable time
when you are fresh and not tired. The best time is at dawn, as Allaah
Says )what means(:"…Indeed, the recitation ]of the Quran[ at dawn is
ever witnessed"]Quran 17:78[ and that is after the Fajr )dawn( prayer.
Avoid reading and memorising in the late evenings when you come back
from work tired and sleepy, as it will be difficult for you to
concentrate at that time.
11. Understanding
Try to understand the meaning of what you memorise, as this will
assist further memorisation and enable you to act upon what you read.
12. Review
Always review what you have memorised and make this a regular habit;
otherwise you will tend to forget what you have memorised after a
while. It is advisable to review the whole Quran every thirty days.
Prophet Muhammadsaid: "Take care of the Quran )by memorising it(. I
swear by the One in whose Hand is my soul that it is easier to slip
away from you than the camels from their shackles." ]Al-Bukhaari &
Muslim[
13. Encouragement
Encouragement of your household, particularly the children, will help
them to compete with each other, particularly if you also reward them
with gifts. Memorising the Quran at an early age is very rewarding as
the ability to register and recall knowledge and information is
quicker and easier then than in later years. Also, when you get older,
your responsibilities increase and you might find it difficult to find
enough time to achieve your goals.
14. Intention
You should be sincere to Allaah and make your intention to seek the
reward from Him before beginning memorising the Quran. You should feel
that the Quran is there to guide mankind to good. Allaah Says in the
Quran )which means(:"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a
guidance for those conscious of Allaah."]Quran 2:2[
One should also realise the great reward of reading and studying the
Quran, and there are many Hadeeths which emphasise this point. Not
only are the Muslims who read the Quran rewarded, but those who listen
to it are as well; Allaah Says )what means(: "So when the Quran is
recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive
mercy."]Quran 7:204[
Reading and memorising the Quran is not difficult, and this fact was
stated clearly in the Quranic verse )which means(:"And We ]i.e.
Allaah[ have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is
there any who will remember?"]Quran 54:17[
15. Avoid Ostentation
After memorising the Quran, avoid showing off and arrogance. Being
given the ability to memorise the Quran is a blessing from Allaah, and
people might become proud of themselves to have accomplished this
task. Some people might then want everybody to know of their
achievement and thus be admired. This is a kind of Shirk )associating
others with Allaah in worship( which is a dangerous and punishable
act. One should be thankful to Allaah as it is He who made it easy for
him to memorise and understand the Quran.
16. Loud
Try to read with a reasonably loud voice and listen to your reading.
Avoid reading silently - this will also help you to overcome laziness
and tiredness.
17. Set an Amount to Read and Memorise
Set a certain amount of verses to read and memorise from the Quran at
every session. Start with a small amount and then increase gradually.
Do not be driven by your enthusiasm as this will shortly wear out. It
is more important to persevere in memorising, no matter how small the
amount is.
18. Manners
Once you have memorised the Quran, endeavour to acquire its manners,
apply it in your life and act upon it, as this obligation is more
emphasised on those who know it by heart.