Naseeha for the Hifdh Journey: Mutashaabihaat queries

27 Feb Naseeha for the Hifdh Journey: Mutashaabihaat queries

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Assalaamu ‘alaykum wa Rahmatullah

Q: I really like your website. I wanted to ask your advice about hifdh, specifically with regards to mutashaabihaat ayaat. Do you recommend marking them in the mushaf? How do you incorporate them in memorization and review?   Secondly, do you recommend learning (memorizing) the starting verse of each ruba’ of each juz? Do you memorize which mutashaabihaat verses come in each rub’?                                                                                                                                                                    [Sister H]

A: Was salaamu ‘alaykum wa Rahmatullah

JazaakiAllahu Khayran – taqabbalAllahu minnaa wa minnkum in shaa Allah, ameen.

With regards your queries –

Yes, yes I recommend marking the mutashaabihaat in the mus-haf (the same mus-haf that you utilise on a daily basis for your hifdh). One of the most effective ways, is to write in the empty space on the side (ie: next to the verse) or, at the top / bottom of the page the following details: name of surah & verse number of the other (corresponding) verse with which it is confused. Then, in the margin of the empty space of the corresponding verse, write the details. So you would basically have the details of the mutashaabihaat verse written vice versa. In this way, each time you revise a mutashaabihaat verse you are correcting any existing errors or confusions, as well as strengthening your awareness of the corresponding mutashaabihaat.

To illustrate (as per example from one of the student’s mus-haf) – verse 48 of sura Yaseen & verse 28 of sura AsSajdah:

Always remember that mutashaabihaat should be learnt together (not in isolation), so that you can identify the similarities AND differences between the verses.

This method can also be applied to more than 2 verses which are mutashaabihaat. Additionally, include a second method: make a paper bookmark on which you write out the meaning of the mutashaabihaat verse itself. Keep the bookmark on that page. Reading the meaning frequently helps to identify the differences.

Thirdly, write out the 2 verses on a white board or large sheet of paper, highlighting with a colour pen the differences between the 2 verses. Reviewing in your own handwriting and using bright colours will aid in your visual memory of the mutashaabihaat.

Fourthly, repeating the verses one after the other, in quick succession, out aloud to yourself atleast 10 times in a row. This will aid in improving the auditory memory.

As your confidence in the mutashaabihaat grows, start incorporating in your salah or requesting your teacher / class mate to quiz you on the differences.

Why not create your own, personalised mutashaabihaat log-book that serves as a reminder each time you review? And, incorporate tafseer of the aayat to better facilitate application ( and understanding) of the mutashaabihaat aayaat.

And lastly, du’aa + patience + perseverance 🙂 the journey of hifdh involves spiritual courage and patience. All will fall into place, very much like a child who keeps practising the sequential order of putting together the correct pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

In response to your second question – yes, I highly recommend that. It is preferable to do so, but some students may find themselves getting confused too often, so I would suggest looking at what works best for the individual, and also based on whether one is more of a visual learner, as opposed to being an auditory learner.

BetawfeeqAllah!

Resource:  Listing of mutashaabihaat verses

Fee Qalbee’s Naseeha series links: the mother’s  support, avoiding ostentation

Stay Inspired!

Rayhaanah

PS: Do you have a hifdh question? Or are you seeking naseeha for your hifdh journey? Email: rayhaanah@gmail.com

Naseeha for the Hifdh Journey is a monthly Q & A series addressing hifdh-related concerns.