There is no doubt that the Holy Quran is the most honored book by Muslims all over the world since it is Allah’s wording to guide humanity. Quran was the miracle of prophet Muhammad (Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him) and also the last message to mankind and jinn. It was sent down from almighty Allah to his slave and messenger Muhammad (PBUH) through angel Jebreel over a period of 23 years. The holy Quran is indeed the book of guidance, truth, signs and status of the previous nations. Over the centuries Muslims realized the significance of learning Quran. They utilized any means available to learn and understand Quran until we reached this digital age where the usage of technology is possible. Therefore, parents with their children can easily learn Quran online from the comfort of their home. Surely, Allah SWT has spoken the Truth when He says in Surat al Qamar:
And We have certainly made the Quran easy to remember. So is there anyone who will be mindful? [Qamar:17]
so Almighty Allah made the Quran easy to understand and remember. Based on that, we have reached these useful and beneficial methods and techniques to learn Quran online especially Quran memorization (Hifz Quran). In fact, these methods are tried and applied perfectly by the old hafiz generations -except some modern methods included here- and also the modern hafiz generations. Undoubtedly, the experience of using and adopting these methods is extremely fruitful. Here are the methods in brief:
1. Consistent Recitation:
Regularly recite the verses you intend to memorize. Repetition makes perfect as said and it is key to instilling the verses in your memory. Therefore, the student who learns and memorizes Quran should keep on repeating the verses over and over again to ingrain them in mind.
2. Understanding:
Comprehend the meanings of the verses you’re memorizing. Try your best to understand at least the general meaning of the verses you have taken to memorize. Surely, Quran memorization becomes easier when you understand the context and the causes of revelation of the verses.
3. Break it Down:
Divide longer verses or chapters into smaller sections. Focus on mastering one part before moving on to the next. This technique is wonderful because it helps students memorize the verses quickly and easily. For example, if the teacher gives the student 3 verses to memorize, so break them down. Do it verse by verse. However, sometimes we find long verses in the Quran. How do we deal with such verses? For example, if the student took just one verse but it is long, in this case, the student applies the same process; dividing it into small portions, like line by line if it is 3 or 4-line verse or even more. This method is very helpful for kids and for adults as well as.
4. Make a habit of Hifz:
Can you live without breathing? Can you live without food? Without drink? Without sleep? Of course, no. Likewise, consider learning Quran like your breath, food, drink and sleep. Establish a daily routine for memorization and put it on top of your priority. Consistency over time yields better results than sporadic efforts. So, make a habit of learning Quran.
5. Utilize Audio Resources:
Basically, Hifz Quran students have to listen to the Ayahs they took in their class by skilled Quranic reciters especially their favorite reciters like Sheikh Al Husary whose way of reciting is easy, common and acceptable by most people in the Muslim world. In fact, The students listen to the recitation of their teacher inside the class and repeat after him/her, but actually this is not enough. They have to continue listening on their own to master the verses. Hearing the verses repeatedly aids to a great extent in memorizing the verses properly.
6. Writing:
It was narrated that the companion Abdullah bin Umar -May Allah be pleased with both of them- said:
"قيدوا العلم بالكتابة"
[Restrain knowledge with writing] Musnad Al-Darimi, Hadith no. 515.
Therefore, transcribe the verses you’re memorizing. As a matter of fact, learning Quran is the best way of knowledge for kids and adults alike. Consequently, Hifz Quran students should keep this precious knowledge in their breasts and also in writing. So, a word of advice for the Quran teachers to encourage their students to always prepare their notebooks before starting the class and check their transcription for the verses they did memorize. Writing them down reinforces your memory through visual and kinesthetic learning.
7. Teaching:
Share what you’ve memorized with others. For example, if the student took a couple of verses to memorize, he/she can recites them to their parents or their older brothers and sisters to instill them in mind. Likewise, the elder brother or sister can do the same thing with his/her little brother or sister. Teaching enhances your own understanding and helps commit the verses to memory.
8. Use Mnemonics:
Mnemonics means the words, sentences, etc. that enable you to remember something. So, try to use this technique while learning and memorizing Quran to associate verses with familiar concepts or images, helping you to recall.
9. Review Regularly:
To be honest, reviewing the previously memorized chapters (Surahs) and verses (Ayat) is much more important than adding new memorization. If you ask the old Huffaz (those who memorized the Holy Quran perfectly and became expert Ma Sha Allah), they will tell you that this the truth that is unknown by most of the people. Accordingly, the Hifz Quran students should dedicate themselves to revision to prevent forgetting what they did memorize as regular review strengthens memory retention.
10. Dua (Supplication):
Pray Almighty Allah to make Hifz Quran easy for you and give you success in this world and in the hereafter. Allah _Glory be to Him_ loves those people who make Dua sincerely for his sake. Therefore, any knowledge seeker especially Hifz qur students should always turn to Allah and ask ease and assistance from Him alone. Eventually, don’t underestimate the power of Dua because it is the link between the slave and his Lord.
In conclusion, by incorporating these strategies into your memorization routine, you can effectively commit the verses of the Quran to memory while deepening your understanding and connection to this sacred text.