Memorizing the Quran is regarded as a great blessing, and individuals who memorize it utilize various hifz techniques that match their pace and abilities. Many countries have unique methods of memorization that have been practiced for generations. Regardless of the technique you choose, it is advisable to use one single method until you achieve your goals. Some students like the aural technique the most, and some like the visual.
12 Best Quran Memorization Techniques
The huffaz tutors of Quran Grace have shortlisted a list of outstanding hifz techniques to successfully help learners across the globe achieve their memorization goals.
1. The stacking technique of Ottomans
It is an old method of memorization where you stack pages on top of one another until the entire Quran is memorized.
Step 1: Start by developing an effective hifz routine and enhancing your memorization capacity. Begin by memorizing the last Juz (30th), known as Amma. This Juz includes a variety of verse types, both short and long, and contains all the essential Tajweed rules. Therefore, it is beneficial to start with this Juz.
Step 2: Next, adopt the Ottoman method of stacking. Think of it like building a structure with Legos; you need to create a solid base first. Memorize one page daily but in a specific sequence. Start with the last page of the first Juz. After you have memorized and revised it, move on to the last page of the second Juz. Continue this pattern, memorizing the last pages of all 29 Juz over 29 days.
Step 3: The next phase involves memorizing the second-to-last page of the first Juz, followed by the second-to-last page of the second Juz. Continue with this approach for all the second-to-last pages of the 29 Juz. This step will also take 29 days to complete.
Last Step: The last step is to continue stacking the pages until you reach the first page of each juz. Once you’ve checked the stacks, you should have pages 1 through 19 or 20 (depending on the type of Mushaf you are using) from every Juz. Now, revise your Juz from the first page to the last to reinforce your memorization.
2. 7×3 Memorization Technique
This memorization method is highly effective. Start by reading the desired verse seven times while looking at the text. Then, recite it three times from memory. After that, move on to the next verse and repeat the process: read it seven times with the text and then three times from memory.
Once you’ve memorized both verses, combine them and recite them together three times. Continue this process until you have memorized the entire lesson. When reading from the text, make sure to recite with Tajweed and understand the meaning to achieve excellent results.
3. 10×10 Memorization Technique
To effectively memorize verses, it’s highly recommended to use this technique:
Recite each verse 10 times, even if you feel you’ve memorized it by the 7th or 8th repetition. Once you’ve completed that, move on to the next verse and repeat the process. After that, combine both verses and practice reciting the combination 10 times. Spending more time on this consolidation step will help you retain the verses for a longer period. This technique is particularly effective for Surahs that contain rhyming words at the end.
4. 20:20 Memorization Technique
Another effective technique is the 20×20 method. While it may take some time, it has proven results. To memorize a line, read it 20 times and then review it 20 more times. This means you will recite a single verse a total of 40 times, which is usually sufficient for retaining it in your memory. Whether you are learning a new lesson or revising an old one, recite it 20 times for mastery and then review it 20 additional times for reinforcement.
5. Half-Page Memorization Technique
If you have a sharp memory and learn quickly, you might want to try this technique. Start by dividing the page into two halves. If the verses are in even numbers, you can split them equally as well.
Recite the first half of the page at least 10 times, focusing on Tajweed and makharij (pronunciation rules). Additionally, read the meanings of the verses to help reinforce your understanding. After reciting 10 times, attempt to read the first two lines from memory. Keep practising until you have perfectly memorized half of the page.
6. Whole-Page Technique
One effective method for memorizing the Quran with optimal results is to tackle an entire page at once. If you have a photographic memory, you may find it easier to memorize the whole page in one go.
Start by reading the entire page with Tajweed at least 15 times. Take your time; there’s no need to rush. After that, revise the page line by line to ensure it’s perfect. Allocate a significant amount of time to this process—spending half a day on it can be beneficial because the more time you dedicate to understanding the lines, the more accurately you will retain them in your memory.
7. Bottom-to-top Technique
Some tutors recommend this technique for their exceptional students who possess remarkable memorization abilities. The method involves starting from the last line of the page. You would memorize from the bottom to the top but review from the top to the bottom. For instance, in a 14-line Mushaf, you would begin memorizing with line 14 and progress to line 1. However, when reviewing, you would recite from line 1 to line 14.
8. Madina Memorization Method
This method was developed by the Shiekhs of Madina, who revised the entire Quran based on their understanding of the authentic hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW). It is intended for advanced-level students who have either memorized the entire Quran or at least half of it. The review process is as follows:
- Day 1: Fatiha to Al-Imran (three surahs)
- Day 2: Al-Nisa’ to Al-Anfaal (five surahs)
- Day 3: Al-Tawbaa to Al-Hijr (seven surahs)
- Day 4: Al-Nahl to Al-Nur (nine surahs)
- Day 5: Al-Furqaan to Al-Faatir (eleven surahs)
- Day 6: Yaa Seen to Al-Fath (thirteen surahs)
- Day 7: Al-Hujuraat to Al-Naas (Mufassal)
9. Aural, Visual, and Writing Techniques
Depending on your preference, you can use this technique to visualize the text by reading it several times and placing your finger on the lines, or by listening to audio clips of the designated verses and copying the accent and intonation.
You can write down the lines you need to memorize or review them 20, 30, or even 40 times until you’ve learned them. It is believed that writing the verses helps reinforce them in your memory, making it easier for you to recall them later.
10. Linking Technique
This method is based on linking verses with nearby objects to keep the sequence in mind. Let us suppose you are memorizing Surah Al-Fatiha; there are 7 verses in it. When you memorize the 1st verse, associate it with the window. Look at the window and recite the verse multiple times.
Next, read the second verse and look at the light. Recite the verse several times. Then, recite the third verse and look at the table. Recite the verse several times by looking at the table. Now, read the 4th verse and look at the cupboard. Recite several times with the eye on the cupboard. Read the 5th verse and look at the bed, read the 6th verse and associate it with the chair. Read the last verse and look at the door. Recite multiple times by looking at the door.
When you combine these verses, your mind will tell you which verse is next. It is good to review with a sequence.
11. Understanding the Translation and Summary
Memorizing without understanding the meaning is similar to reading the verses blindly. Reading the summary of a Surah can greatly enhance your ability to memorize its verses by helping you connect their meanings. For example, in Surah Al-Humazah, the verse talks about the backbiters and slanderers. If you read the translation/summary, you will know how severe the punishment is for the backbiters.
12. Continuous Revision Technique
Revision is important for good memorization. As you learn new chapters, earlier chapters can become confusing or be forgotten if you don’t review them regularly. Create a review plan with your teacher or on your own. Going over older material helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
To manage your study time, split your day between new chapters and reviewing past chapters. Use early mornings for new content, afternoons for revision, and evenings to connect all the material. Review less often at the beginning and increase it as you cover more chapters.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of various techniques can differ among students. It is advisable to adapt and modify one’s hifz methods according to personal requirements. Furthermore, combining two or three techniques may enhance the learning experience by introducing variety. Additionally, we recommend enrolling in an online hifz course offered by a credible platform, as the course provides comprehensive guidance on these techniques in greater detail.
