Quran Memorization or Hifz Quran is the mental process of committing the Holy Quran verses to memory for later recall. Muslims believe that whoever memorizes the Qur'an and follow its instructions, Allah will reward him/her and honor him/her greatly for that, so that he/she will rise in status in Jannah to a level commensurate with what he memorized of the Book of Allah.
Hafiz (Arabic: حافظ) is a term used by Muslims for someone who has completely memorized the Quran while Hafiza is the female equivalent.
Huffaz are highly respected within the Islamic community. They are worthy to use the title "Hafiz" before their names.
Also, they are tested for this knowledge. For example, they are asked to continue the recitation of a passage taken randomly from the Quran. As they do not know which passage will be chosen, they must know the whole text in order to be sure of passing. Another test, a would-be hafiz might be asked to recite verses containing a specific word or phrase.
Have you always dreamt of memorizing the Quran but never got down to turning your dreams into reality? Did you know that there are many techniques to memorize the Quran, which when used properly, can help you memorize the verses of the Quran? Yet, to determine which learner you are in order to choose the best technique for yourself…
1. Obtain a second copy of the Mushaf or use a Quran app just for memorization
Many of imams and scholars of the Quran were visual learners. If you’re a visual learner, you can get a second copy or print off pages of the Quran and take it wherever you go. Highlight it, make marks, diagrams or charts on the blank side to help you memorize. This page becomes a flip card of sorts for you. You can even use the other side to test yourself by writing down either via transliteration or if you can write Arabic, write the verses off memory.
2. Use Mindmaps
Mindmaps are not just an effective memorization technique for visual learners, it can also help you remember the meanings and themes of the verses you memorize.
3. Use Writing
Visual learners learn best with fun, visual aids. Try using mini-whiteboards to larger boards specifically for memorization purposes and keep them in place you will see throughout the day. Write down the verses in Arabic or transliteration. Use many different colors to make them visually appealing! When testing yourself, erase it and rewrite off memory.
1. Listen to the Verses you want to Memorize on Loop
Many Quran apps have audio looping functions. Simply select your favorite reciter, pick the verses you want to memorize, and play it on loop. As an auditory learner, listening to the verse repetitively is an effective way to memorize.
2. Record Yourself and Listen Back
Using your phone or Quran Companion’s recording feature, you can record yourself reciting from memory. Play it back while reading the verse to check for mistakes and to check your accuracy for Tajweed and makhraj.
3. Teach Someone Else
Teaching someone else what you’ve learned utilizes both speaking and listening, which work best for auditory learners, as well as reinforces your own revision. So it’s like a double win! You can teach your kids, your spouse, or your friends. If you don’t have someone you can regularly teach and practice with, just pretend to teach someone!
1. Write down the Letters of Each Verse
Linking verses is one of the common challenges people face when learn memorizing the Quran. Writing down the first letter of every word on a separate sheet of paper as you read or recite the verses is an effective way for reading/writing and kinesthetic learners to connect the verses in memory.
2. Trace the Letters with Your Finger as You Read/Memorize
Incorporating movement reinforces memory for kinesthetic learners. Try tracing or following the words with your finger, a pencil or touch pen as you read from the Quran or a Quran app. You should also check out the Quran Companion’s ‘swipe to reveal’ function that hides and reveals the Quran verse as you slide your finger back and forth.
Get physical
If you have a busy schedule, then this technique is perfect for you. Use a Quran app to listen to the audio of the verses you want to memorize on loop while driving, exercising, doing housework, or strolling in the park. By combining it with a physical activity that incorporates movement, you’ll reinforce your learning as a kinesthetic learner.