The journey of Hifz is a beautiful and rewarding one, both for the child and the parents. However, it’s also a path that requires immense dedication, patience, and a strategic approach. While parents have the best intentions, they sometimes unknowingly make mistakes that can hinder their child’s progress or even create a negative association with Hifdh. Understanding these pitfalls can help parents navigate this sacred journey more effectively.
10 Mistakes Parents Make During Their Kids’ Hifdh Journey
Some parents tend to make these mistakes, which are highlighted by the professionals at Quran Grace, who have also provided the solutions to these mistakes.
1. Lack of Clear Intent and Du’a
One of the most fundamental mistakes is not setting a clear intention (niyyah) for the Hifz journey and neglecting sincere du’a (supplication). Parents might jump into Hifz because “everyone else is doing it” or for prestige, rather than purely for the sake of Allah and seeking His pleasure.
Solution: Before embarking, sit down as a family and discuss the true purpose of Hifdh. Make sincere du’a to Allah to make the journey easy, blessed, and fruitful. Continuously seek Allah’s help and guidance throughout.
2. Starting Too Early or Too Late
There’s no one-size-fits-all age for starting Hifz. Some parents push their toddlers into rigorous Hifz programs, leading to burnout, while others delay it until adolescence, when children have more academic pressures and distractions.
Solution: Observe your child’s readiness. Consider their attention span, interest in the Quran, and overall maturity. A good time often falls between the ages of 5 and 7 for initial memorisation, but it can vary. The key is to make it an enjoyable and gradual process.
3. Overburdening the Child
This is perhaps the most common mistake. Parents often set unrealistic targets, pushing their children to memorize too much too quickly. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a genuine dislike for Hifdh.
Solution: Understand that consistency is more important than speed. Work with the Hifdh teacher to set achievable daily or weekly goals. Prioritize quality over quantity. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting memorization. Remember, a child’s mental and emotional well-being should always come first.
4. Inconsistent Review (Muraja’ah)
Memorizing is only half the battle; retaining it is the other half. Many parents and children focus solely on new memorisation and neglect regular review, leading to forgotten portions.
Solution: Integrate a structured review schedule from day one. Dedicate specific time slots each day for muraja’ah. Encourage your child to recite their memorised portions regularly, perhaps during prayers or before bedtime. Make review a non-negotiable part of the Hifdhroutine.
5. Negative Reinforcement and Pressure
Using guilt, shame, or comparisons with other children can be incredibly damaging. Phrases like “Why can’t you memorize like so-and-so?” or “You’re making no progress!” can crush a child’s spirit and foster resentment towards the Quran.
Solution: Focus on positive reinforcement. Celebrate small achievements. Emphasize effort over outcome. Create a supportive and encouraging environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not failures. Remind your child (and yourself) of the immense reward for even one letter of the Quran.
6. Neglecting Understanding (Tafsir)
Hifdh without understanding the meaning can make the memorization process dry and less impactful. Children might memorise words without grasping their profound messages.
Solution: As the child progresses, gradually introduce simplified Tafsir (explanation of the Quran). There are many age-appropriate resources available. Understanding the context and meaning makes memorization more meaningful, strengthens their connection to the Quran, and aids in retention.
7. Lack of Parental Involvement and Role Modeling
Parents are their children’s first teachers and greatest role models. If parents are not actively involved in their child’s Hifz journey, or if their own connection to the Quran is weak, it sends a mixed message.
Solution: Show genuine interest in their Hifz. Listen to their recitation. Recite the Quran yourself regularly. Make the Quran a central part of your home environment. Attend Hifz classes or workshops with your child if possible. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.
8. Ignoring Physical and Mental Well-being
Rigorous Hifz can take a toll if not balanced with rest, play, and proper nutrition. Children need time to relax, engage in physical activities, and maintain a healthy social life.
Solution: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, eats nutritious meals, and has sufficient playtime. Avoid scheduling too many extracurricular activities that might conflict with Hifdh time or lead to exhaustion. A balanced lifestyle is crucial for sustained learning.
9. Not Choosing the Right Teacher/Program
The Hifz teacher plays a pivotal role. A harsh, impatient, or uninspiring teacher can quickly turn a child away from Hifz. Similarly, an unorganized program can lead to frustration.
Solution: Research and choose a qualified, patient, and compassionate Hifdh teacher who understands child psychology. Look for programs with a structured curriculum and a supportive learning environment.
10. Focusing Solely on Hifz, Neglecting Practice
A significant number of children successfully memorize the Quran; however, they often find it challenging to incorporate its teachings into their everyday lives. The primary objective of Hifdh, or Quran memorization, is to embody and live according to the principles presented in the Quran.
Solution: Alongside memorization, emphasize the practical implementation of Quranic values. Discuss how the verses relate to their behavior, character, and interactions. Encourage them to be “walking Qurans.”
Conclusion
The Hifz journey requires immense patience, dedication, and a deep reliance on Allah. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a nurturing, supportive approach, parents can help their children cultivate a lifelong love for the Quran and achieve the noble goal of becoming a Hafiz or Hafizah. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in an online hifz program for kids offered by Quran Grace to ensure accuracy in this journey.
