📌 TL;DR Summary
- Source: These 8 steps were shared by Shaykh Ahmad Al Nufais in a heartfelt reminder about returning to the Quran with sincerity and strength.
- Feeling distant from the Quran? That’s not failure - it’s the starting point for your return. A sign of sincere longing.
- Step 1: Start by revising your old hifz - especially beloved surahs like Al-Baqarah, Aal ‘Imran, and Juz Tabarak.
- Step 2: Before you recite, say istighfar and “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” to shift your heart from weakness to strength.
- Step 3: Remember, the goal isn’t just to finish memorizing - it’s to walk the path with sincerity, even if you die before completing it.
- Step 4: Surround yourself with Quranic companionship - people and places that keep you anchored in the Book of Allah.
- Step 5: Read about the lives of great Quran reciters like Imam Hafs and Shu‘bah for inspiration and perspective.
- Step 6: Reflect on the blessings of ease today - from printed mushafs to apps like Tarteel that correct your recitation in real time.
- Step 7: Don’t dwell on your break. The fact you’ve returned is a blessing. Keep going. Allah loves your comeback.
- Step 8: Heal your heart through the Quran. It’s a spiritual cure in a time of distraction, sin, and emotional fatigue.
Feeling Distant From the Quran?
Feeling like you’ve fallen behind in your Quran journey? That heaviness on your heart isn’t a burden - it’s a sign of sincerity. It means you care. It means your heart still longs for the Quran. And most importantly, it means it’s time to come back - not with guilt, but with strength.
Recently, we sat down with Shaykh Ahmad Al Nufais, who shared 8 heartfelt, practical, and deeply spiritual tips for anyone who wants to return to the Quran - no matter how long they’ve been away. Whether you paused for days, weeks, or years, his guidance offers a clear and compassionate path back to the words of Allah.
1. Revisit What You've Already Memorized
Your previous hifz isn’t lost - it’s stored in your soul, waiting to be recalled.
Start by reviewing the surahs or ajzaa you once loved. Surah Al-Baqarah and Aal ‘Imran, for example, hold immense spiritual weight. The Prophet ﷺ said they’ll come on the Day of Judgment as clouds or birds shading their reciter.
Even reviewing Juz Tabarak, Qad Sami‘a, or beloved surahs like Yusuf and Maryam can give your heart a deep sense of familiarity and motivation.
💡 Tip: Don’t restart memorization from scratch. Build momentum by revisiting old memorization first - it’s easier than you think.
2. Begin With Istighfar & “La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billah”
Before you open the Quran, open your heart.
Spend a few moments in istighfar (seeking forgiveness). Reflect on your shortcomings and speak to Allah from a place of humility. Then say:
"La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah."
There is no power nor strength except with Allah.
This isn’t just a statement - it’s a mindset. You’re not relying on your willpower alone. You’re calling on Divine strength to carry you through the ups and downs of this journey.
3. Don’t Obsess Over Finishing - Just Keep Going
The goal isn’t to complete the Quran in record time. The goal is to remain connected - to walk the path until you meet Allah.
Even if you don’t reach the end, the intention and effort carry eternal weight. Allah promises in the Quran:
“Whoever leaves his home emigrating to Allah and His Messenger, then death overtakes him - his reward is guaranteed.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:100)
It’s not about where you finish. It’s about Who you walk toward.
4. Find Quranic Companionship
You can’t do this alone. And you’re not meant to.
Surround yourself with people who remind you of Allah. Join a Quran class. Sit with friends who love to recite. Spend time in the masjid. Recite aloud together. Let that collective energy lift you.
The Quran is clear:
“And keep yourself patient with those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face.” (Surah Al-Kahf 18:28)
When you’re part of a Quranic environment, your heart stays alive. Even if you fall behind - your companions pull you back in.
5. Read About the Lives of the Quran People
The inspiration you need is already written in the lives of those who came before us.
Read about Imam Hafs, Shu‘bah, and the great reciters. Learn about how they dedicated their lives to memorizing and reciting the Quran. Their stories aren’t just history - they’re a mirror of what’s possible.
Let their love for the Quran ignite yours.
6. Reflect on the Blessings You Have Today
We live in an era of ease and access. Mushafs are everywhere. Teachers are one video call away. AI apps like Tarteel can correct your recitation in real-time.
Think about that.
In the past, students wrote verses on wooden tablets with ink. Their mushafs were few. Resources were scarce. Yet they persevered.
You, today, are equipped with technology, tools, and time. So say:
“O Allah, You’ve made this Quran easy - and I am here, ready to remember.”
7. What Matters Is That You Came Back
It doesn’t matter how long you were away. It matters that you came back.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of deeds are those done consistently, even if small.”
So whether you return to one verse a day or a full page, say:
“Alhamdulillah, by His grace, all good things are completed.”
Stop telling yourself “I stopped.”
Start telling yourself “I returned.”
8. Let the Quran Heal You
Our era is one of spiritual fatigue. Hearts are heavy from sin, comparison, distraction, and meaningless consumption.
You may feel addicted to social media, series, gossip, music, or the pursuit of things that leave you empty.
But the Quran is shifa - healing.
“And We send down from the Quran what is healing and mercy for the believers.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:82)
Don’t just turn to the Quran to memorize - turn to it to heal.
Final Words: You’re Not Behind - You’re Home
Every verse you recite is a return.
Every time you feel guilt about falling short - that's mercy knocking.
Every day you open the Quran is a declaration:
“I still want to be close to You, Ya Allah.”
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re returning from experience. With sincerity. With love.
And with these 8 steps - you’re walking the path of the Quran again, hand-in-hand with the One who never left you.
📺 Ready to take the next step?
Watch the full video for the complete message and deeper spiritual reflections 👇
FAQs
Who shared these 8 steps?
These tips were shared by Shaykh Ahmad Al Nufais, a well-known Quran teacher, in a motivational reminder for those who feel distant from the Quran and want to return.
What if I’ve stopped memorizing the Quran for months or years?
That’s completely normal - and not a sign of failure. What matters is that you return. As Shaykh Nufais says, “What matters is not that you stopped - but that you came back.”
Why should I start with reviewing old surahs?
Because it’s easier to recall verses you already memorized. It rebuilds confidence and reignites your motivation to resume hifz.
Is this method only for people memorizing the Quran?
No. These steps are relevant for anyone who wants to build a stronger relationship with the Quran - whether through hifz, recitation, or simply reconnecting spiritually.
How can Tarteel help me apply these tips?
Tarteel’s real-time mistake detection, revision tracking, goals feature, and reciter tools make it easy to revisit old surahs, track your return, and rebuild your connection - step by step.
What’s the first thing I should do right now?
Pick one surah you used to love or know well - like Surah Al-Baqarah or Surah Maryam - and start reviewing it with focus and dua.
