10 Hifz Tips from People Who Have Memorized the Quran

The truth is... life is just easier with a blueprint. When there are people who have navigated the same journey as you and reached your dream destination, it's not a bad idea to take a leaf out of their books, read their notes and use their map for some guidance, right?

The same goes for Quran memorization which is why we've put together a handy blog of hacks and tips from those who've scaled the peaks of Quranic verses, navigating the nooks and crannies of its chapters. From fresh memorization in the early dawn to revision at dusk, these champs have done it all, and now they're spilling the beans! Ready to be awe-inspired? Drum roll, please... 🥁

Here are 10 top tips from people who have memorized the Quran!

1. It starts with sincerity🤍

Diving into the Quran isn't just about flexing those memory muscles; it's a matter of the heart! Sincerity and pure intentions ensure every verse goes straight to the heart, not just the head. Without it, memorizing might be like collecting gems without truly valuing them. Don't just gather; cherish!

Remember, it's not a race to the finish line but a process of becoming closer to Allah and doing it for Him above all else. When sincerity leads, your steps synchronize with the rest of your journey, making memorization more than just another task—it becomes a heartfelt embrace. Let your intentions shine, and watch yourself go further by the will of Allah! Learn more about how to maintain sincerity throughout your hifz journey in this episode of the re:Verses Podcast.

2. Get a teacher🎓

Memorizing the Quran isn't easy but having a pro guide you? Necessary and game-changing! Hifz classes aren't just lessons; they're lifelines, offering course corrections, expertise, and the camaraderie of other aspiring huffadh. A seasoned teacher ensures you don't miss the nuances, you're guided through the tricky verses, and that your milestones are celebrated!

If you don't live in a densely Muslim-populated area or your nearest masjid is too far to be practical, make a remote hifz teacher your next Google search. There's an array of resources and teachers who work from home and would happily teach you online.

3. Revise, revise, revise!🔑

Revision is paramount in mastering the memorization of the Quran as it requires diligent and repeated engagement to ensure its messages are retained with clarity and precision.

Without regular revision, verses can become mixed up, meanings might be overlooked, and the strength of your memorization could be lost! Moreover, revisiting the Quran consistently reinforces memorization and deepens the spiritual connection, drawing the individual closer to its teachings and wisdom. In essence, revision serves as the bridge between surface-level memorization and true internalization, allowing one to fully embody and live the teachings of the Quran.

We know independent revision can be tricky - sometimes you just need a listening ear to run through a few verses with you. The wait until your next hifz class might be long and your friends might need a break from testing you - enter Tarteel AI, everything you need to strengthen your Quran revision in your downtime by yourself! Master your memorization by making the screen blank and reciting your chosen portion; if you're correct, the verses will appear on the screen but if you're wrong, the AI will alert you when you make mistakes and highlight them in red so you know exactly where they are!

Don't believe us? See for yourself!👀👇🏽

4. Use your time wisely🕰️

In the chaos of day-to-day life, every moment is golden. Think of the Quran as the ultimate treasure hunt, where every second you invest takes you closer to that 'Eureka!' moment. Using your time wisely isn't just about speed; it's the secret sauce to savouring each verse and soaking in its meanings. So if you want to be a seasoned pro in serving up Quranic precision and wisdom, time is a key ingredient.

Need some help? Have a read of our blog which tells you to utilize your time to make the Quran a daily habit.

5. Surround yourself with good company🫂

Don't underestimate the power of righteous companions - they keep you motivated, offer comfort and hold your hand through the tough times. Whether you're memorizing alongside your siblings, friends or hifz classmates, remember that you're earning rewards together and that their presence in your journey can help you go all the way!

وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ وَٱلصِّدِّيقِينَ وَٱلشُّهَدَآءِ وَٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ ۚ وَحَسُنَ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ رَفِيقًۭا

And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be in the company of those blessed by Allah: the prophets, the people of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous—what honourable company! (Surat An-Nisa, 4)

6. Seek forgiveness🤲🏽

Ever wonder why sometimes the verses of the Quran seem elusive, slipping through your memory grasp? The secret might lie in the purity of the heart. The Quran advises, "And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Surah Al-Muzzammil, 73:20). Seeking forgiveness isn't just a spiritual detox; it's like decluttering your heart's hard drive, making room for the Divine verses to settle in.

When the heart is light, free from the weight of transgressions, the words of the Quran find a welcoming home. So, before diving into your memorization session, take a moment to cleanse and reboot with sincere repentance!

7. Understand that your journey is unique✨

Just as no two fingerprints are the same, each person's journey through the majestic waves of the Quran is uniquely tailored. Not everyone can memorize the Quran at the same pace and we don't have to! Comparing your verse to someone else's chapter? That's like measuring the vastness of the ocean with a teacup! Celebrate your personal progress, cherish your individual insights, and remember: in the grand tapestry of your hifz journey, every thread—fast or slow, straight or winding—adds its own special touch and is earning you major rewards!

8. Discipline over motivation💪🏽

The majority of your hifz will take place outside of the classroom - it's a given! The unspoken rule of hifz is that you're going to have to roll up your sleeves and dive in during your own time. Let's say you have class once a week. You can't expect all your learning and memorization to take place in that window of time alone - you have to put in the work on your end, too! And yeah, it can get difficult, but with perseverance, it'll happen. Remember, motivation can fluctuate but discipline will help you go the distance.

Stuck in a rut on how to juggle your responsibilities? Check out our blog on how to memorize the Quran by yourself.

9. Memorize in order!📒

Whether you're starting from Surah Baqarah or taking the route of Juz Amma first, make sure there's some coherence in the way you're memorizing the Quran. Neglecting this can leave you with scattered hifz where you're unsure of which surahs and verses you know, and which ones you don't.

10. NEVER leave the Quran📖

The Quran isn't just a book; it's a lifelong companion, a guiding light in the myriad tunnels of life. Allah reminds us:

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِيشَةًۭ ضَنكًۭا وَنَحْشُرُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ

But whoever turns away from My Reminder will certainly have a miserable life, then We will raise them up blind on the Day of Judgment. (Surah Taha, 124)

Abandoning the Quran isn't just about missing out on its wisdom; it's about dimming the light that illuminates our path. Let's not be of those who stray in the dark. Keep the Quran close, always.

There you have it, 10 incredible tips for hifz from the huffadh themselves. For more brilliant guidance on all things Quran memorization listen to re:Verses, the ultimate hifz podcast that puts YOU - the Tarteel community - at the heart of every discussion. Get stuck in with this playlist👇🏽