5 Ways I Transformed My Relationship with the Quran

The Quran is often described as a guide, a comfort, and a source of wisdom, but let’s be honest—it’s easy to feel disconnected sometimes. Life gets busy, we get overwhelmed, and before we know it, our Quran sits on the shelf collecting dust. I’ve been there, too.

But then something clicked. I realized I wasn’t giving the Quran the space it deserved in my life. So, I made some changes—five, to be exact—that transformed my relationship with it. These aren’t monumental shifts; they’re small, practical steps that anyone can take. Let me share them with you.

1. I Kept My Mushaf on My Nightstand 📖

You know how your phone is the first thing you reach for in the morning? Well, I decided to give my Quran that VIP spot instead. By keeping my mushaf right next to my bed, I couldn’t ignore it. It’s like it was silently saying, “Hey, you promised me some time!”

This little change worked wonders. Before grabbing my phone to scroll through social media, I’d read even just a few verses. It set the tone for my day and gave me that much-needed sense of grounding. Plus, no excuses—I couldn’t claim I forgot when it was staring at me every night.

2. I Read the Quran Every Day (Yes, Every Day!) ⏰

Okay, this might sound obvious, but consistency really is the secret sauce. I committed to reading the Quran daily, even if it was just a couple of lines. Over time, it became second nature—like checking emails but infinitely more rewarding.

What surprised me most? The more I read, the easier it became. My fluency improved, and I stopped stumbling over words that used to trip me up. Beyond that, my mood lifted. Each day felt a little brighter, like I had achieved something meaningful before the world’s chaos set in.

3. I Read Tafsir for Context ⏳

Let’s be real: some verses hit you instantly, but others leave you scratching your head. That’s where tafsir comes in. I started reading the explanation of each surah as I went along, and wow—what a difference it made!

Suddenly, the stories came to life. Understanding the historical context and the lessons behind the verses deepened my connection to the Quran. I wasn’t just reading words anymore; I was engaging with the message. It’s like going from watching a movie on mute to finally turning on the sound.

4. I Starting Learning Quranic Arabic 📓

This one was a game-changer. I decided to dip my toes into Quranic Arabic—not to become fluent overnight, but to understand the Quran in its original language. And let me tell you, it’s like unlocking a secret layer of beauty.

Words that felt abstract suddenly carried depth and emotion. Even the repeated phrases like Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem (The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate) felt richer and more personal. Plus, the more I understood, the more motivated I became to keep learning.

5. I Started Quran Journaling 🎨

Who says journaling is just for your daily thoughts or bullet points? I turned it into a creative Quran project. For each surah, I’d jot down reflections, lessons, or even questions I had. I’d sometimes sketch little visuals to represent key themes or stories. (Okay, my art isn’t exactly gallery-worthy, but it’s the effort that counts!)

This made Quran time feel interactive. It wasn’t just me reading; it was me engaging, questioning, and documenting my journey. And flipping back through those pages? It’s like a scrapbook of faith, showing me how far I’ve come.

Transforming your relationship with the Quran doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent changes that bring you closer, step by step. Whether it’s moving your mushaf to your nightstand, building a daily habit, or exploring the Quran’s language and context, the key is to make it personal.

So, what’s one small thing you can start today? Maybe it’s reading one ayah before bed. Maybe it’s talking about what you've read with a friend. Whatever it is, remember: the Quran is always there, waiting for you. You just have to take the first step.