How Do I Improve My Memory So I Can Memorize the Qur’an More Easily?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: I am memorizing the Quraan however I am having a difficult time remembering what I have learned.  Could you please give  me advice with regard to increasing my memory? Are there any supplications, hadith or even scientific knowledge that is useful?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I hope you are in the best of health and spirits insha’Allah.

The key to being successful in one’s memorization of the Qur’an is a solid, consistent review of that which one has previously memorized.

One should ensure one has a regular habit of reviewing one’s memorized chapters, well. The way to go about this is as follows:

[1] Start with a small amount of review, such as five complete pages of the mushaf, and review it on the first day;

[2] On the following day, one recites the next five pages (and so on);

[3] Use this process to ensure that one regularly cycles through everything one has memorized

When one gets a chance, one should strive to recite one’s daily review in one’s voluntary prayers as it is a proven means of solidifying one’s memorization. Moreover, make a point to regularly recite to somebody as this, too, helps strengthen one’s memorization. When one’s review has improved, one should increase in the amount of one’s daily review (to ten pages, for example). However, one should, optimally, seek the advice of a teacher about such progression.

Furthermore, one would do well to incorporate the Qur’anic supplication, “O my Lord, increase me in knowledge” (rabbi zidni `ilman) into one’s post-prayer supplications.

Sidi Ibn `Ata’illah al-Iskandari mentioned, “No matter is difficult if you seek it through your Lord. Nothing is easy if you seek it through yourself.” Seek the assistance of Allah and do not deem yourself incapable.

Consider taking the Foundations Certificate in Qur’anic Memorization, here at SeekersGuidance: #

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalaam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani