For many parents, introducing children to the Quran often begins with the short and memorable surahs found in Juz Amma. These concise chapters are well-suited for young learners, allowing for easier memorization and imparting foundational lessons. As children develop a deeper understanding of the Quran through hifz classes for kids, parents may wonder how to assist them in transitioning from these shorter surahs to the longer, more complex ones.

This transition represents a significant milestone in a child’s spiritual development. Successfully navigating this phase requires patience, encouragement, and a thoughtful approach.

How to Transition Kids from Short Surahs to Long Surahs

Let’s explore some helpful tips provided by the hifz teachers at Quran Grace.

Focus on Meaning, Not Just Memorization

The transition to longer surahs is less about rote memorization and more about understanding the stories and lessons within the Quran. Before you start a new surah, take the time to read a simple, child-friendly translation. Discuss the context, the characters, and the moral of the story. For example, before tackling Surah Al-Kahf, tell them the captivating stories of the People of the Cave, Prophet Musa (AS), and Dhul-Qarnayn. This turns the process from a chore into an adventure.

Break It Down into little chunks

Long surahs can feel overwhelming, so don’t present them as a single, monumental task. Instead, break them down into small, manageable sections. This is perhaps the most critical step.

  • Set realistic goals: Instead of aiming to memorize the entire Surah Ar-Rahman in a week, start with the first few verses. Once those are solid, move to the next section.
  • Create a visual tracker: Use a chart or a simple drawing to track their progress. Let them color in a segment of a surah for every few verses they memorize. This provides a visual sense of accomplishment.

Use Repetition and Technology to Your Advantage

Repetition is key to memorization, but it doesn’t have to be monotonous.

  • Listen together: Find a beautiful recitation of the surah by a Qari with a slow, clear pace. Listen to it in the car, during a walk, or as part of your daily routine. Hearing the surah repeatedly helps the words and rhythm become familiar.
  • Utilize apps and resources: Many excellent Quran apps and websites allow you to listen to specific ayahs on repeat. Some even have games and quizzes to make the process more interactive.

Create a Family Quran Time

Make learning the Quran a communal, cherished activity. Set aside a specific time each day or a few times a week for “Quran Time.” During this time:

  • You can recite together.
  • Discuss what you’ve learned.
  • Listen to a tafsir (commentary) together that is appropriate for their age.

This communal effort removes the pressure and makes it a shared journey, strengthening your family’s bond with the Quran.

Connect the Surahs to Their Lives

Help your child see the relevance of these longer surahs in their daily lives. For example, when you read Surah Al-Mulk, talk about the beauty and majesty of Allah’s creation that you see all around you. When you study Surah Yasin, discuss its core message about belief and resurrection. This connection makes the surah more than just a string of words.

Patience and Du’a (Supplication)

This is a long-term project. There will be good days and challenging days. Your child might get frustrated or lose motivation. On those days, a hug and words of encouragement are far more effective than pressure. Make du’a for your child to have a strong connection with the Quran and for Allah to make the process easy and rewarding for them. Also let kids learn dua for memorizing quran as well. 

Celebrate the Foundation (and Don’t Rush It!)

Before you even think about longer surahs, take a moment to appreciate the incredible progress your child has already made. They’ve mastered the building blocks of Quranic memorization! Reinforce their efforts and praise their dedication. Rushing them will only lead to frustration. The goal is to build a lifelong connection with the Quran, not just to tick off a checklist.

Conclusion 

The process of transitioning to longer surahs in Quran memorization is a gradual journey rather than a competitive race. It can be viewed as an ascent up a beautiful mountain that requires patience and dedication. Emphasizing understanding alongside memorization is essential, as it fosters a deeper connection to the text. You can also enroll your kids in one of our exclusive online hifz course, where the professional tutors understand how to begin the transition of the surahs from short to long. Take a free evaluation class today and get to know how the hifz classes at Quran Grace work.