04 May Advise to one who has forgotten hifdh
Assalaamu ‘alaykum wa Rahmatullah
Beloved Qur’an sisters,
As Ramadan approaches, there’s an increase in hifdh – related questions from our blog readers. They cover a range of topics and concerns, but there is one aspect that I’d like to address today, and that is: the shame and guilt which Qur’an bearers experience.
It breaks my heart to hear from haafidhaat who, upon realizing that Ramadan is so soon and feeling that their muraja’ah (dhorr / revision) has weakened or been neglected, hold back from seeking help, mentorship, or support.
Sometimes, it is out of fear or shyness, sometimes out of pride too, but more often than not, it is a sense shame or guilt that holds them back from nurturing a healthier, happier relationship with the Qur’an.
All too often I hear from haafidhaat who’ve told me that it’s taken them weeks, months, and sadly for some, even years, to seek help moving forward. They find themselves in a dark abyss of negative emotions which holds them back form focusing on the journey forward. Believe it or not, there are haafidhaat who have gone months and years without reviewing their hifdh, for fear of being ridiculed or scorned for having forgotten their hifdh. There are those who, too overwhelmed and burdened by the thought, loose hope and let go of this precious gift. And that’s when laziness or complacency sets in…
To you my message is: Do not give up. It is never too late to restore your relationship with the Qur’aan, to relearn those verses and recommit them to memory. Don’t let feelings of shame or guilt prevent you from honouring this precious gift. The only function of that shame or guilt should be to propel you forward, encouraging you to commit to a hifdh revision that works for you, your schedule, and your ability. Reflect, repent, and forge ahead, determined to relearn whatever you have forgotten. The Islamic culture of positive psychology is not one that is intend on demotivation or despair. No!
By Allah, I have seen students forgot more than 20 Ajzaa’ of the Qur’an, only to relearn it again, with the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala.
Do not be overwhelmed. Begin by noting how much is weak, and what type of revision or relearning you may require (maybe an intensive hour with your Mushaf? Reading out aloud to a Qur’an buddy? Or, relearning from the first word of that Juzz or Surah?) . Once you’ve established this, locate a teacher online or onsite who can support you through this and assist you in drawing up a lesson plan. The ball is now in your court: resolve to stick to the lesson plan, and work towards your short term and long-term goals.
Wishing you ease, optimism, and success, as you renew your hifdh journey!
Rayhaanah
Bz
Posted at 13:58h, 05 MayAssalamualikum
Jazakillahukhairan
Alhamdulilah I revise everyday, but my goal is to do 1 juz a day. I get 1 hour daily to revise before work. After work I study something else, so i’m getting overwhelmed. My goal is easy to reach but i’m struggling with time.
In 2 hours I can review thoroughly
Juz 1-10 +30 whole juz (11 days)
Juz 11-18 1/2 juz (16 days)
Juz 19-23 1/4 juz (25 days)
Juz 24-25 1/8 (20 days)
Juz 26-29 I rememorise 1 page a week, i’ve left it for the moment.
Realistically it is taking me 4 months to get through everything. When I didn’t work I would do 1 Juz a day. But now my hifdh has gone weaker.
I would like some advice please.
Rayhaanah
Posted at 17:28h, 05 MayWa ‘alaykumus salaam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu
Wa iyyaaki.
Shukran for your question.
MashaAllah, walHumdulillah, that your revision is regular, sustained and ongoing – may Allah Ta’ala always keep you consistent, aameen.
An option may be to consider increasing your revision during weekends / off-days from work. Even an additional 1 hour during a weekend period can assist greatly in meeting your revision goals.
Consider allocating the weekends or holidays as a less pressured time to review the weaker ajzaa’.
Also, when we define revision of hifdh, it can and should also include other forms of revision, aside from reciting from memory or with Mus-haf in hand. Consider audio revision, whilst commuting to work or school, or even whilst completing basic chores (ensuring you’re able to pay due respect to Al Qur’aan).
Another very effective way, which not only assists your revision but khushoo’ in salah, is by drawing up a qiyaa roster schedule: you could, for example, decide to read verses or pages from surah Hajj for today, and perhaps surah Anbiya’ tomorrow.
Lastly, consider revising with a committed family member / friend / colleague,who has either memorized or is memorizing Qur’an: this will prove to be a great support network and encouragement to you both. You may also consider enlisting the aid of a hifdh teacher on a part-time basis, to listen to revision of some ajzaa.
May Allah Ta’ala grant you ease, and i wish you all the success as you continue revising your hifdh each day.
Betawfeeq wal Hidayah!
Ashoosha M.
Posted at 05:50h, 07 MayJazaakumullah khair for the beautiful reminder. I have forgotten some of my hifdh but I am trying to re-learn.
# I do feel lazy some days to revise but I figured if I did it at a set time (in the morning), then I’m not lazy about it.
# I try as much as I can to finish the entire portion before I get up for anything (I try not to multitask, because what usually ends up happening is I’d get distracted and remember few hours later that I hadn’t completed my review portion).
# Also whenever I’m not sure about the ayah I check the mushaf right away and correct/ remind myself (I keep the mushaf close).
Alhamdulillah. BaarakAllah feekum <3
Rayhaanah
Posted at 07:49h, 16 MayWa iyyaaki – mashaAllah tabrukAllah! shukran for sharing , very beneficial!