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How to Become a Hafiz: Inspiration to Memorize Qur’an | Blog
Memorizing the Qur’an is a rewarding journey. The Islamic tradition offers inspiration and practical guidance for every Muslim to pursue hifz.
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Published: September 10, 2024 •Rabi al-Awwal 7, 1446
Updated: September 10, 2024 •Rabi al-Awwal 7, 1446
Read time: 15 min
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Indeed the words of Allah are truth:
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍۢ
Allah repeats the same verse four times in this surah. Allah reminds us over and over in the Qur’an, “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185)
Does this mean the journey to memorize the Qur’an will be easy for everyone? Absolutely not. The Qur’an is from Allah; it won’t reside in a heart preoccupied with the transient and distracting matters of this world. The Qur’an, the very speech of the Creator of the heavens and the earth, cannot be passively absorbed or memorized.
لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍۢ لَّرَأَيْتَهُۥ خَـٰشِعًۭا مُّتَصَدِّعًۭا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
But for the one who embarks on this journey with full commitment, determined to see it through, Allah will indeed make it easy. The Qur’an will flow from the tongue of the sincere one, made effortless by divine grace.
The glory, the reward, the benefits of the one who memorizes the Qur’an far surpass the time and effort invested in hifz. To commit the Qur’an to memory is not just an act of ibadah, but a transformation of the heart and spirit, aligning one’s life with divine guidance and attaining the heights of spiritual fulfillment.
Virtues of becoming a hafiz
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari #5027]
A true hafiz can be seen by others as being the best, the epitome of virtue: exemplary in manners, diligent with their time, and devout in their worship. The finest among them are intimately connected to the Qur’an through memorization, continuous review, and the noble act of teaching. Their weekly wird, nightly qiyaam, and commitment to passing down knowledge are not merely tasks to get done, but virtuous endeavors.
Imagine if every single physical Qur’an, every mushaf on earth, was destroyed. A hafiz is the one Allah chooses to use to preserve this book. A hafiz could produce the entire Qur’an from memory. A group of huffaz who do not speak the same language, could sit together and place every ayah correctly in a new mushaf. Allah preserves a pure Qur’an through the huffaz.
Allah also protects the huffaz themselves from harm in many subtle ways. The huffaz, at the cusp of committing a sin, will be reminded of the ayahs they have committed to heart. After a sin, they will feel the weight of remorse bear heavily upon them. The huffaz, engrossed in their studies, will allocate time effectively, not having the time to sin. The huffaz, with clear learning goals and objectives, will not be distracted by worldly gains.
There is honor in those who immerse themselves in the Qur’an. They are the inheritors of the prophets. The Messenger ﷺ said, “The scholars are the successors of the prophets. Verily, the prophets do not pass on gold and silver coins, but rather they only impart knowledge.” [Musnad al-Bazzār 10/68] In his final moments, our beloved Prophet ﷺ declared that he was leaving behind a treasure: the Qur’an. Reflect upon this—what greater inheritance could one seek than the very word of Allah, described by the Prophet ﷺ as a treasure? [Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal]
By becoming a hafiz, you become part of an unbroken chain that stretches back to ‘iq’ra bi-is’mi rabbika alladhī khalaqa’
ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ١
Read! In the name of your Lord, who created. (Qur’an 96:1)
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Everlasting benefits of memorizing Qur’an
There are countless benefits of becoming a hafiz in this world, but the true pleasure is found in the akhira. Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Prophet ﷺ said, “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Recite and ascend as you recited in the world! Verily, your rank is determined by the last verse you recite.” Source: [Sunan al-Tirmidhi #2914]
Imagine standing in front of Allah, the angels, and all of humanity, starting with Surah Fatiha, and raising higher and higher as you recite from your heart the words that Allah sent, the words that changed humanity, the words that would make mountains quiver, the words Allah, Al Wadud, taught our Messenger ﷺ.
Imagine, having reached this high rank, you are now to intercede for people you love. There is a weak hadith, “Whoever reads the Holy Qur’an and memorizes it, while he regards what it makes lawful as lawful and its unlawful as forbidden, Allah will admit him into jannah and will accept his intercession on behalf of ten such persons of his family who were doomed to the Fire of Hell.” [Sunan Tirmidhi]
Before all of this, the Qur’an already came to your aid. “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: O Lord, I kept him from his food and desires during the day; let me intercede for him. And the Qur’an will say: I kept him from sleeping during the night; let me intercede for him. And they will be allowed to intercede.” [Musnad Ahmad #6626]
What happens when you become a hafiz
Huffaz can be found leading prayers in mosques around the world. Some continue their studies, delving deeper into the vast oceans of Islamic knowledge, pursuing programs in Alimiyyah, Islamic Jurisprudence, and even advanced PhDs in Islamic studies. Others compete in national and international recitation competitions, showcasing the beauty and precision of their memorization. Many become local teachers, beacons of wisdom and spiritual upliftment, creating hubs of learning and devotion centered around the word of Allah. Some explore various forms of Qur’anic recitation, mastering the diverse and melodious qiraat, enriching their recitations with beauty and variety.
Even if they do none of that, all huffaz must remain steadfast in their review of the Qur’an to preserve it in their hearts and minds. It is highly recommended to have a teacher who provides guidance and support, ensuring that one's memorization remains strong and accurate.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Be committed to the Qur’an. By the One in whose hand is my soul, it can leave you faster than a camel from its reins.” [Sahih al-Bukhari #5033]
This poignant metaphor serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of memory and the diligence required to maintain it. Fearing the loss of memorization is a natural and commendable sentiment, reflecting your sincere reverence for Allah’s words. However, do not let this fear immobilize you.
Indeed, many huffaz who neglect their review do find that their memorized verses slip away. Yet, with patience, diligence, and earnest du’a, what has been lost can be regained. The process of re-memorization, though challenging, is a testament to the enduring power of dedication and Allah’s assistance.
In this journey, let your heart be filled with the light of the Qur’an, and let your soul be ever engaged in its recitation and reflection. The divine words are not merely to be stored in memory but to be lived and breathed, shaping your thoughts and actions in every moment.
Overcoming obstacles in your hifz journey
If you’re considering this journey of hifz, Shaytan may whisper doubts and insecurities: “You will be seen as a role model, but you’ll be a hypocrite.” He will highlight your flaws, making you question your worthiness of the title of hafiz. This is one of his strongest deterrents, akin to how he may discourage someone from wearing hijab by suggesting they aren’t devout enough. Indeed, becoming a hafiz or wearing the hijab may draw attention, but more importantly, it brings you closer to Allah. The act of engaging deeply with His words is of immeasurable value.
The adversary who detests children of Adam, will strive to deter anyone from learning the Qur’an. Shaytan may argue that memorizing such a vast text is beyond you, citing your busy life, family obligations, societal expectations, financial needs, and career responsibilities. Shaytan might suggest that you will succumb to showing off (riyaa) if you succeed. Again, this is a tactic to keep you from the tremendous benefits of becoming a hafiz.
Consider that sin, whether major or minor, may stand as a barrier to your quest in memorizing the Qur’an. A soul entangled in sin cannot readily absorb the light of the Qur’an.
Ibn al-Qayyim reported: When Imam al-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, sat in front of Malik and read to him, Malik was impressed by his intelligence, wisdom, and complete understanding. Malik said, “Verily, I see Allah has placed light in your heart, so do not extinguish it with the darkness of disobedience.” [al-Jawāb al-Kāfī 1/52]
Purify your intentions, let go of sins, and leave the outcomes to Allah.
Embrace this journey with a heart full of devotion and a mind focused on Allah. The path of a hafiz is one of profound spiritual growth and unparalleled rewards. Each step taken in this journey, despite the whispers of doubt, brings you closer to the Divine and embeds the eternal words of the Qur’an into the very fabric of your being.
What is the reward for becoming a hafiz?
The rewards of this endeavor, both in this world and the hereafter, are beyond measure.
In this life, the reward is a deep contentment, an unwavering peace that comes from knowing the words of Allah, the divine handbook to life, which guide your every moment. The words of the Qur’an soothe the soul and act as a constant companion through the trials and tribulations of life. No test touches a hafiz but he could find the ayah needed to overcome it.
In the hereafter, the rewards are even more magnificent: high stations of honor, the power to intercede on behalf of loved ones, and a state of eternal happiness, complete and unending. To commit the Qur’an to memory is to secure for oneself a legacy of divine favor and grace.
The reward accumulated in the process of becoming a hafiz is innumerable.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever recites a letter from Allah's Book receives a reward, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi #2910]
Every single utterance of a student learning to memorize is a treasure trove of rewards. Each page reviewed, each verse repeated, every letter pronounced—all are counted, written in the book of deeds, handed back to the servant by Allah Himself. These good deeds erase minor sins and illuminate the soul with a radiant spiritual light.
In the end, the reward of becoming a hafiz is not just the memorization of a text, but the transformation of a life.
How long does it take to memorize the Qur'an?
The journey to becoming a hafiz is deeply personal and varies greatly, depending on one's abilities and the time devoted to the Qur’an. Some begin at a tender age when the mind is most absorbent. Many parents enroll their young children in full-time programs, enabling them to complete their memorization within three years. Others may take a lifetime, finishing at age seventy. Some young adults pause their secular pursuits, dedicating a few years to intensive study, while children attending part-time programs at masjids or after-school classes may take seven to ten years to achieve their hifz.
There is no known shortest amount of time. Countless huffaz remain unseen, memorizing in humble settings, progenies basking inside clay homes, rocking themselves as they memorize off black tablets. Around the world, huffaz start in the lap of a mother, reciting a word or two before they can even walk.
Time will pass us whether we make use of it or not. You have a choice: start today, and in three years, marvel at how much of the Qur’an you have committed to memory and heart. Or remain as you are, and find yourself unchanged, with no progress to reflect upon. The decision is yours alone.
How to memorize the Qur’an
There are various methods for memorizing the Qur’an, each catering to different learning styles and different traditional schools.
Starting the Journey:
- Last Juz to First: Start with the last juz and work your way backward to the beginning. This method encourages students by beginning with Juz 30, which many already know parts of, making it easier to start with familiar content and then move on to Juz 29, 28, and so on.
- Surah Baqarah First: Begin with Surah Baqarah, the largest surah, which is almost equivalent to memorizing two ajzaa. This approach encourages students to tackle the most daunting surah first, making the remainder of the memorization journey feel easier by comparison.
- The Ottoman Method: Focus on memorizing the last page of each juz, then the second to last page, progressively stacking pages of the Qur’an on top of one another. This method encourages students to “chip away” at each juz, allowing them to learn the entire Qur’an simultaneously.
Different institutions globally employ various methods to cater to diverse learning styles:
Auditory Learners: Historically, the oratory tradition has thrived on memorization through listening, and this is how the Qur’an was memorized by the companions. Choose a reciter whose pacing aligns with your natural breath. Begin with surahs commonly used in prayer, like Mulk, Rahman, Waqiah, Sajdah, and Kahf, before progressing to more challenging and lengthier surahs. This traditional approach involves listening and repeating surahs until they are committed to memory. Abu Umamah encouraged this method, saying, “Recite the Qur’an and do not be deceived by depending on the written copies. Verily, Allah will never punish a heart that has preserved the Qur’an.” [Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah 34044]
Tactile Learners: Using a traditional beaded string, or tasbeeh, read each verse 33 times (or 100 times, depending on the number of beads). Move a bead with each repetition. After completing one round while looking at the text, repeat the process without looking.
Visual Learners: For native Arabic speakers, and especially younger students, visual aids can enhance memorization. Write verses on a page and draw images or icons to help retain the information. The Qur’an has a unique storytelling style that can be helpful for native Arab speakers to use to strengthen their memorization. Another technique is to rewrite pages of the Qur’an from memory in a journal, which deepens knowledge of tajweed and is both rewarding and challenging.
High-Intensity Learners: Rather than focusing on page or juz goals, set time-based goals. Dedicate an intensive period, like a weekend, to solely focus on memorizing the Qur’an, similar to cramming for an exam. Alternatively, allocate a set period, such as four hours every Saturday morning, for intensive study over the course of a year.
Practical Methods
A sabak is a new portion of memorization. Usually, for a beginning student it is half of a page, and for a more advanced student it is roughly 4 pages. This is traditional at many schools across the world. Finding a suitable sabak for your abilities with your teacher is crucial, and each sabak must be perfected before moving on to the next.
6446 Method:
- Read a verse 6x while looking at the mushaf
- Recite the verse 4x without looking
- Recite the verse again 4x while looking
- Recite it again 6x without looking
10-3 Method:
- Read a verse 10x while looking
- Recite the verse 3x without looking
- If there’s no mistake, move to the next ayah
- Do the same, 10x looking, 3x without looking
- Then, combine the previous verse with the new one without looking
Best Time to Memorize the Qur’an
The morning, particularly after Fajr, is highly recommended for memorization due to the barakah (blessing) at this time.
Sakhr ibn al-Ghamidi reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “O Allah, bless my nation in their early morning.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī #1212]
Tahajjud time, used for reviewing in qiyaam prayer, is also beneficial. However, the best time varies for each individual depending on personal schedules and when the home environment is quiet.
Dua for memorizing the Qur’an
Even the Prophet ﷺ felt in his heart that he might forget the revelation after it had been sent down but Allah assured him, “We will make you recite so you shall not forget” (Qur’an 87:6).
This ayah emphasizes that it wasn’t the Prophet ﷺ who enabled the preservation of Qur’an.“The preservation of the entire Qur’an word for word in your memory is not a manifestation of your own power but the result of Allah Almighty’s bounty and grace; otherwise, if Allah so willed, He could cause it to be forgotten.” [Tafhim al-Qur’an]
Allah tells our Prophet ﷺ:
Do not rush to recite ˹a revelation of˺ the Quran [O Prophet] before it is [properly] conveyed to you,1 and pray, “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Qur’an 20:114)
Do not rush to recite ˹a revelation of˺ the Quran [O Prophet] before it is [properly] conveyed to you,1 and pray, “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Qur’an 20:114)
Therefore, a popular du’a is this one from the Qur’an:
وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًۭا
Rabbi zidni ilma
“My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.”
(Qur’an 20:114)
What is the best age to become a hafiz?
It is often advised to begin at a young age when the mind is more receptive to learning. However, we should also remember that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation at the age of 40. Ultimately, when it comes to the Qur'an, the age factor becomes secondary. The best age to start memorizing is the one you find yourself in right now, regardless of whether you’re young or older. The Qur’an transcends age; its teachings and blessings are timeless and accessible to all who seek them.
In embracing this noble pursuit, we are reminded that the journey of becoming a hafiz is not merely about memorizing words, but about nurturing a deep connection with Allah’s guidance. It is a journey that enriches the soul, strengthens faith, and brings immeasurable blessings. No matter where you begin, each step taken towards memorization is a step towards Allah.
Remember that Allah said, “Whoever comes to Me walking, I will come to him running.” [Hadith Qudsi; Sahih Muslim #2687]
For further reading:
114 Tips to Help You Finally Memorize the Qur’an by Suleiman Hani
The Crowning Venture: Inspiration from Women Who Have Memorized the Quran by Saadia Mian
Learn more methods from Qari Mubashir
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