“What is the best starting point?”

30 Dec “What is the best starting point?”

Bismillah
Assalaamu ‘alaykum wa Rahmatullah
Dearest Reader,

As with every other important facet in our lives, the end-results are often based on the choices made throughout that particular journey. The same can be said for certain aspects of tahfeedhul Qur’aan : This often depends on the teacher’s methods, the student’s abilities and the learning techniques adopted throughout memorisation.

When asked whether it’s better to memorise from Al-Faateha or An-Naas, there really is no ‘perfect option’. What may work well for one student, may prove to be more challenging upon her classmate. But, let’s explore the 2 options, shall we?

Beginning from Al-Faateha:- This would mean your memorisation continuing from Al-Baqara, thereafter. This would be a good option for older students and for those who are already reciting Qur’aan with ease & fluency, as the verses & chapters are longer. Many students are very familiar with the words & tasfeer of the Qur’aan’s longest chapter – Surah Al Baqara- and this can accelerate the learning of this particular chapter inshaa Allah. It would also mean that whilst the intial ajzaa* may take longer to complete, memorising from juzz 20 until juzz 30, would be much easier to memorise thereafter.

Beginning from An-Naas:- This would mean your memorisation from the shortest chapters, progressing towards the longer chapters of Qur’aan. This would be a good option for younger children, as the ease & pace with which the lessons are learnt, provide real encouragement for them to continue and inshaa Allah, succeed. It’s also an option that those new to hifdh or for those who are initially uncertain of the amount of Qur’aan which they wish to memorise (i.e.: whether they wish to memorise only some / certain chapters, or the entire Qur’aan in completion).

But, there is a 3rd option which few students and teachers consider: And that is in completing the last 5 ajzaa* from the back & thereafter, memorising from Al-Baqarah. This often shortens the learning time later on, as juzz 26 & part of juzz 27 does familiarise the student to the memorisation of longer verses and chapters. It also provides another route of opting to resume memorisation from juzz 25 at a later stage, IF one finds it difficult memorising from the front.

SubhaanAllah! Truly, Allah wants ease for us & the Qur’aan is not difficult to memorise:) It’s all about settling on a good routine & healthy learning habits – but remember to be flexible: Certain methods may / may not work well for some, so always be ready to improvise & to improve inshaa Allah:)
Finally, knowing that this spectacular, beautiful spiritual journey of memorising Qur’aan is NOT for us, but for the Pleasure of our Lord, Azza wa Jall

~May He eternally be pleased with us & always guide us towards earning His Divine Pleasure, aameen~

Here’s hoping that this post gets you more informed & inspired!
Rayhaanah