Finding Your “Why”: The Foundation of Faith and Hifz
In every journey, purpose drives progress. Whether you're aiming to build a career, deepen a relationship, or cultivate a meaningful life, knowing your “why” is crucial. When it comes to faith and the deeply personal journey of memorizing the Quran (Hifz), having a clear sense of purpose can be transformative.
The journey of faith—and especially of Hifz—requires patience, commitment, and resilience, and it’s the “why” that sustains us through challenges and helps us find deeper joy in the process. Here's some help on how to find yours! 👇
Understanding Your “Why” in Faith: Why It Matters
Faith is a journey that ebbs and flows. There are moments of intense connection with Allah and times when distractions or challenges can make it difficult to feel that closeness. During both high and low moments, having a clear understanding of why we believe, why we worship, and why we seek Allah’s guidance helps to maintain stability and purpose.
The Power of Intentions
In Islam, intention is foundational. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Actions are judged by intentions” (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith reminds us that every action we take in the path of Allah should be purposeful. Intentions clarify our actions, transforming routine acts into acts of worship.
For example, the simple act of praying on time takes on more significance when it’s done with the conscious intention to seek closeness to Allah and gratitude for His blessings.
Why the “why”... Matters
- Strengthens Commitment: When faith is tested, a well-rooted purpose helps us persevere. Knowing why we worship makes acts of faith intentional rather than habitual.
- Deepens Connection: Intentions make acts of worship meaningful. When we approach prayer, fasting, or Quran recitation with clear purpose, we create a space for reflection and connection with Allah.
- Sustains Through Challenges: Everyone experiences spiritual lows. When routines feel hollow, remembering why we began helps us reconnect and realign with our beliefs.
How to Find Your “Why” in Faith
Finding your “why” in faith requires introspection. Ask yourself questions like:
- Why do I want to strengthen my belief?
- How does my faith enrich my life and my interactions with others?
- What do I hope to gain from my acts of worship, and what do I want to give?
These questions can lead to a more personal, meaningful understanding of faith. Your “why” might be to seek peace, to find guidance, or to connect with a higher purpose. Whatever it is, knowing it can deepen your spiritual life.
Your “Why” in Hifz: More Than Just Memorization
Memorizing the Quran is one of the most noble acts of worship in Islam, but it’s also challenging. It requires discipline, patience, and time. When embarking on this journey, understanding why you want to memorize the Quran becomes even more important.
For some, the “why” might be the desire to connect deeply with Allah’s words, for others, it might be to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the early generations of Muslims. Some might want to have the Quran as a source of comfort and guidance at all times, while others feel a strong pull to make their families proud or to give back to their communities.
Your “why” will serve as your anchor when the journey gets difficult. Hifz can be tiring and requires sacrifice; on days when motivation is low, a strong “why” will remind you why you started and help you push through.
The Importance of Finding Your “Why” in Hifz
- Makes the Journey Personal: Memorizing the Quran is deeply personal. Understanding your unique motivation adds a layer of connection to your journey. You’re not memorizing just for the sake of it; you’re doing it to fulfill a specific purpose.
- Helps You Persevere Through Challenges: The journey of Hifz isn’t smooth. It has ups and downs, moments of ease, and periods of difficulty. A strong purpose helps you navigate through these fluctuations and stay consistent.
- Gives You Fulfillment Beyond Completion: Memorizing the Quran is a lifelong commitment. The real fulfillment comes not just from completing the memorization but from continuously revisiting, reflecting, and living by it. Knowing why you memorized the Quran keeps that sense of purpose alive, even after reaching your goal.
Practical Steps to Discover Your “Why” in Hifz
Finding your “why” for memorizing the Quran is a personal journey that requires patience and self-reflection. Here are some steps to help you discover and refine your motivation:
1. Reflect on Your Intentions
Think about why you’re drawn to this journey. Is it to build a closer relationship with Allah? To follow a personal goal? To contribute to your community or honor your family? Be honest with yourself and remember that every reason, big or small, can have value if it’s sincerely for Allah’s sake.
2. Set Goals for Different Phases
Your “why” doesn’t have to remain the same throughout your Hifz journey. Set intentions for each phase. For example, the early phase might focus on building discipline, while later phases might focus on improving Tajweed or understanding the meanings. Each phase can have its unique purpose, which will keep the journey dynamic and engaging.
3. Write Down Your “Why”
Writing down your “why” serves as a reminder and accountability check. It’s easy to lose focus during tough moments, so having a written reminder can help you stay grounded. Place it somewhere visible, or revisit it weekly to stay aligned.
4. Use Your “Why” as a Source of Motivation
When the journey gets hard, revisit your reason for memorizing. Remind yourself of the impact you want it to have on your life and those around you. Visualize the rewards and closeness to Allah that memorizing the Quran brings, and use that to fuel your determination.
5. Make Dua for Strength and Clarity
Dua is a powerful tool in the journey of Hifz. Ask Allah for strength, clarity, and the ability to remain sincere in your purpose. Pray for steadfastness and the ability to understand and connect with what you’re memorizing. Regularly asking Allah for help strengthens your resolve and reaffirms your purpose.
Balancing Personal and Spiritual Goals in Hifz
For many, the journey of Hifz is both a personal and spiritual goal. It’s natural to have motivations that combine the two. Perhaps you want to make your family proud, and you also want to strengthen your relationship with Allah. Embrace both types of motivation, but always remember to renew your intentions and keep your spiritual purpose at the forefront.
A balanced approach can look like:
- Setting spiritual milestones (e.g., memorizing a specific surah to draw closer to Allah)
- Celebrating personal milestones (e.g., completing a juz to make your family proud)
Balancing your personal and spiritual goals can add richness to the experience. Each accomplishment, whether spiritual or personal, becomes part of the larger tapestry of your journey.
Embracing the Power of “Why”
The journey of faith, and especially of Hifz, is deeply rewarding but requires commitment, patience, and self-discipline. Knowing your “why” is crucial for sustaining that commitment and overcoming challenges along the way. Whether you’re drawn by the desire to connect with Allah, to live a life that embodies the Quran, or to fulfill a personal goal, your “why” will be your anchor.
Embrace your purpose, allow it to evolve, and keep revisiting it throughout your journey. Remember that Allah values intention, and with every effort you make, you’re moving closer to Him. Keep your purpose strong, and let it guide you, motivate you, and remind you of the immense blessings of memorizing the Quran.