HIFZ-UL QUR'AN

Overview

1. Definition

Hafiz-ul Quran is the person who is haamil, `aamil, and kaamil of Allahs words.

2. Before Hifz

- Ikhlas (proper intentions)
- Must have correct makhraj/tajweed (must read well)
- Better if one is fluent with the reading (easily reads any page)
- Test self for a period of time (see if you have the ability)
- Practice/develop ablility

3. Misconceptions

- You do not have to know Arabic to memorize
- Age/Gender is not an issue
- Every Muslim must live the Quran (not just a hafiz)
- Everyones ability/capacity is different
- The Quran has been made easy to remember (54: 17)
- Its not you; its Allah (Everything is but within His Will)

4. Methods/Types/System of Memorization

- May differ from country/tradition/teacher
- Memorize pages from last juz to first or first juz to last methods
- Indian, Egyptian, Turkish, Mauritanian, Malayetc. ways

5. Memorization tips

- Ask Allah to make it easy for you (du`a is gold)
- Use 1 same copy of Quran (is best) and always handle with wudhu, respect and
love.
- Study with a clock (time is silver; keep track of it while working on page)
- Memorize "firmly" (make it the best you can)
- Study in a volume enough for yourself to hear (ear helps in memorizing)
- Dont sway back and forth, though is very tempting (its actually against the
sunnah)
- Do not speed (*try* to read with tarteel; the slower the stronger)
- Dont ask someone if a page is hard/easy (psyche: "it is easy")
- Read page before memorizing it (at least 8 times, will make easier)
- If you do not know meaning read translation before/after memorizing (depends if
it makes it easier for you or more confusing)
- Ask others on how they memorize (to develop your own method)
- You usually develop your own scheme by time (which ever works best for you)
- Always let someone listen to you (before the teacher finally does!) esp. with
memorization of new pages
- Audio cass./CD/recordings may help (listen to it before memorizing)
- Time of day (morning/suhoor when mind is fresh is best)
- Your ability expands (inshaAllah) as you memorize.

6. While doing hifz

- Patience, patience, patience
- Tawakkul in Allah (also remember it is a matter of naseeb)
- Follow the sunnah (hygiene esp. teeth, noon fiesta, tahajjud would be greatetc)
- Eat halal & do halal (Allah makes it easier)
- Concentration (keep away from distractions & thoughts esp. those from Shaytaan)
- Use time wisely (Dont waste it)
- Ask for du'as (from everyone; your mom, dad, teacher...)
- Make dua for others who are doing hifz (remember the angels reply: "the same on
you")
- Choose your friends (friendships where both are beneficial to each other during
hifz)
- Remember your enemy: Shaytaan (Seek refuge in Allah)
- Dont forget to sleep/chill (refresh)
- No music/TV is best (preoccupies the mind, wastes time, amongst other reasons)
- Dont eat too much, or too little (makes sleepy need energy)
- Dried grapes, sweets, honey, fruits are advised
- Dont compare yourself with others (you are you)
- Avoid telling others your achievements in hifz (Nazar: Evil Eye)
- An institution is best for hifz (has a set program; more sense of order/importance)
- Respect/follow/recognize teacher (he/she knows you best)
- Never give up (be strong)

7. After hifz

- Throw a party, give sadaqa, start praying tahajjud (all thanks are due to Allah)
- Revise (tie camels) from memory as well as from Mushaf (daily)
- Teach what youve been blessed with (give its sadaqa)
- Audio cassettes/CDs are great (while driving, cooking, roamingwhenever
possible)
- Join/lead the congregation & read for daily prayers (key: Taraweeh prayers in
Ramadhan)
- Love it, live it, build upon it.

8. Warning: You may end up with a hump in your back, glasses in front of your eyes,
and/or muscular pains/strains on your neck as a result of hifz, just as the result of
blisters on hands from using a pencil. But hey, its worth it : )

9. Rewards/Benefits

- Dunyawi (improved memory, disciplineetc.)
- Ukhrawi (as mentioned in the Qur'an & hadith)

10. Motivational

- Articles
- Stories from Sahaba
- Personal stories
- Biographies

1. Definition

Hafiz-ul Quran is the person who is haamil, `aamil, and kaamil of Allahs words.

- Haamil: (lit. the one who carries) fulfilled by reading, memorizing & preserving
- `Aamil: (lit. the one who works) implementing the Quran in one's life, becoming a
walking Qur'an
- Kaamil: (lit. whole, perfect) has the good akhlaq (mannerism) from the Quran;
gaining kamaal refers to the perfection or excellence in the moral and spiritual
realms

2. Before Hifz

- Ikhlas (proper intentions)

Actions are but by intentions and there is for every person only that which he
intended (Bukhari and Muslim)


Since our deeds are judged upon our intentions, we must always check our heart,
and make sure we have the proper intentions in all our endeavors. If our intention is
proper, the result of our action will likewise be fruitful; however if our intention is not
proper, we will be deprived from the fruits that would result from our action. What is
the proper intention for doing hifz? It is what the intention in any good act should
be: for the sake of Allah, for His pleasure alone.


To follow Rasulullah s command to seek knowledge, to help
enhance your daily ibadah, for it to be a door to other knowledge, to teach others
etc, are all very acceptable intentions as well, but in the end they should all tie to the
purpose of seeking Allahs pleasure. Otherwise, the fruit of our action could be very
bitter


"Do not acquire knowledge in order to compete with the scholars, nor to argue with
the ignorant, nor to gain mastery over the gathering. Since whoever does that then:
The Fire! The Fire!" (Abu Dawood)

"Whoever seeks knowledge from that by which Allahs Face (pleasure) is sought but
does not learn it except for some worldly goal, then he will not smell the fragrance of
Paradise on the Day of Resurrection"(Abu Dawood)

- Must have correct makhraj/tajweed (must read well)

Once we have the proper intention, we must seek the proper means to complete this
action. As so, to memorize the Quran properly, one must first learn to read it
properly. Knowledge of the specific pronunciation of the Arabic letters (makhraj &
sifat), and the grammatical rules (tajweed) are essential to fulfill this need. One
might learn these from those who know, from teachers, from cassettesetc., and
should try their best to act upon this knowledge. Memorizing should be started only
after one has mastered reading the Quran. Why memorize the Quran imperfectly,
when there is a better way? Moreover, why not read the best of books, to the best of
ones ability? Perfection is key, and our resolve should be strong to master the
recitation of the beautiful words that belong to Allah.

- Better if one is fluent with the reading (easily reads any page)

After learning to read the Quran properly, it is important to practice this knowledge.
This can be done by continual recitation of the Quran till one is fluent with the
reading, and can easily read any page of the Quran. This also means that the reader
is familiar with the words and conventions of the language of the Quran; which
makes memorizing the Quran much easier.

- Test self for a period of time (see if you have the ability)

During the first trials of hifz, one should verify their ability to memorize. Allah has
created us all different in character, mind, form, color, traitsetc. and likewise has
given everybody a different capacity to memorize. By determining your pace, you
will be able to set reasonable goals for yourself. Though in the end, it wont matter if
you had more trouble than others when memorizing (youll actually earn more
thawaab/reward for the extra effort), or that you were quick; what will really matter
is the result.

- Practice/develop ability

The ability to memorize is a skill that can be developed, though this might take some
patience and time. Starting to practice developing your memorizing skills by easy,
short Surahs, and gradually progressing would be best. Many consider Hifz as
something that develops on the way; you get better at it the more you do it,
inshaAllah.


HIFZ
Expanded


3. Misconceptions

- You do not have to know Arabic to memorize

Just because you may not understand the Quran without a translation, doesnt mean
you cant read it or memorize it. It would be a great bonus if one knew Arabic while
doing hifz, though many non-Arabic speakers start studying Arabic after memorizing
the Quran.

- Age/Gender is not a measure

Im too old to do hifz! Sisters cant handle hifz! or Only brothers can do hifz
kind of thoughts/sayings are baseless, and have been proven to be false by many. In
most cases, the sayings are Shaitaans diversions, intended to turn one away from
hifz. Age and gender are not determining factors in hifz, but naseeb, determination,
and effort are stronger factors.

- Every Muslim must live the Quran (not just a hafiz)

Many turn away from hifz with the thought that they will never be able to fulfill their
responsibility of living the Quran to its full extent, which theyll have to do when
they memorize the Quran. The fact is that every Muslim must live by the Quran;
its just that a hafiz is doing a bonus by memorizing it.

- Everyones ability/capacity is different

No one but you (and your teacher if you have one) can truly determine your
capacity; and the gravest error that is done in this respect is done by comparing
yourself to others. You will almost always have different capabilities than others, and
this will be true in hifz as well. So just because you cant memorize as fast as
another person doesnt mean you can or cannot do hifz.

- The Quran has been made easy to remember (54: 17)

Saying that the Quran is hard would be a grave mistake, because Allah says:


And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is
there any that will receive admonition? (Surat-ul Qamar, Verses 17, 22, 32, & 40)


Doing something for the first time, like starting to memorize, might seem hard at the
beginning, but by time, inshaAllah, it will become easy to you and you will eventually
get used to it -- and be left amazed (and ever so thankful) to experience Allahs
blessing stated in this verse come to life.

- Its not you; its Allah (Nothing happens without Him wishing it to be)

Allah, undoubtedly, is the One who has given us everything, and is the Owner of all
things. Thus, our mind, tongue, eyes, fingers, hands, voice, heartetc. all come from
Him, and we are able to use them only by His will. If He doesnt allow us to use them
for hifz, we wont be able to do anything about it, thus saying/thinking that it is us
who is doing hifz (and being full of our selves), would be wrong, but to say/think
that Allah is allowing us to do it, and that we are able to do it only by His will, would
be the true case. Thus, one must always be thankful to Allah, as all praises are due
to Him.


This is also apparent when people accept the religion of Islam, though while others -
even though you do everything you can- dont even give a second thought to Islam.
From this we see that whether or not someone is going to accept Islam, and be
blessed with faith, is not in our hands; similarly becoming a hafiz or not is also not
in our hands. It is something we may ask for/hope/strive to be, but will occur only by
His will.


4. Methods/Types/System of Memorization

- May differ from country/tradition/teacher

There are many ways to go about doing hifz. These methods may have been
determined by someone who had done hifz, or by a hifz teacher, or just by
traditional ways that have been passed down from elders. An example would be how
some start memorizing pages from the end of the Quran, working their way from
the back, or from the beginning of the Quran and working their way down towards
the end. Many countries also have their own customized ways of going about
memorizing Quran; for example, the Indo-Pak, the Egyptian, Turkish, Mauritanian
etc. ways all differ from each other. None of these methods can be said to be right
or wrong, as long as they serve the goal to memorize the Quran.

5. Memorization tips

- Ask Allah to make it easy for you (du`a is gold)

Since everything is in Allahs hands, we can only turn to Him and ask Him to help us.
A person who is doing hifz should continually ask Allah to make the Quran easy for
him/her to memorize, retain, and apply to ones life. As Allah says:


When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to
the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen
to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way (Surat-ul
Baqarah, Verse 186).



You must have the proper conviction (yaqeen) that your success is up to Allah
alone.


- Use 1 same copy of Quran (is best) and always handle with wudhu,
respect and love.

The act of memorization takes place with the combination of many elements, such as
hearing and seeing. The letters become familiar to a person by their position on the
page, by its relative position to other words, and by many other ways, though we
may not be very conscious of them. The particular print/script, colors, font size,
grammatical punctuation, stops within verses etc. may differ from one Quran to
another, as well. To avoid confusion in this matter, it is advised to stick to the one
same Quran while doing hifz. This is also good for keeping track/recording of
mistakes made (to mark them lightly with a pencil) because if you dont know your
mistakes, you wont be able to correct them.


In addition, your Quran should be your companion (especially during hifz), as you
will also be spending your day with it more than any other person or object. Thus,
one must always handle it with care, love, and respect (i.e. adab & wudhu). As such,
one must constantly remind themselves that this book is not any ordinary book, but
is a book from Allah, that contains His words, which is a blessing and guidance for us
all.

- Study with a clock (time is silver; keep track of it while working on page)

To make the best use of time, one must keep track of it; technically speaking for
hifz, there should be a balance in the distribution of time for each page. Therefore,
you must not spend unnecessary time on one page, then not have enough time for
the other pages. While studying one usually forgets about the time, though having a
clock in the place of study can prevent such a case. Your hifz is dependant on how
well you make use of your time. Using a clock is also helpful in setting goals for your
speed; where you tell yourself youre aiming at 30 minutes for a page, and by time,
you will be able to lower your time per page, inshaAllah.

- Memorize "firmly" (make it the best you can)

When we memorize a new page, we must memorize it in a way that when we read it
from memory we are confident of what we read we shouldnt excessively stop
here and there, mix/jump the verses, add/delete wordsetc. which usually shows
that we havent memorized our page as strong as we should have. When memorizing
a new page one must try to do it to perfection, at least to the best of their ability. If
it isnt strong, it will be very hard to revise the page later on when you return to it.
Especially if we have mistakes, because it is harder to fix what one has memorized,
where in some cases fixing mistakes is even harder than it was to memorize the
page in the first place. Finally, if we memorize the pages/verses/words of the Quran
as best as we can, it will be easy for us to retain it, and harder to forget, inshaAllah.

- Study in a volume enough for yourself to hear (ear helps in memorizing)

The act of memorization takes place with the combination of many elements, such as
hearing and seeing. We can especially see this to be true when it comes to songs
we all can probably still sing songs we heard in our childhood. The Quran has its
own rhythm that appeals to the ear (and heart...), which makes it easier to pick
up and memorize. Though, of course, we need to hear ourselves for this to occur, so
we should read in a volume at least enough for ourselves to hear (make sure not to
bother others if youre memorizing in the same room!). This will most definitely
speed-up the memorization process, inshaAllah.

- Dont sway back and forth, though is very tempting (its actually against
the sunnah)

With the rhythmic tone of the Quran one is tempted to physically keep up with this
tone i.e. to sway back and forth. Some take this to the extra step, where entering
upon a room full of huffaz (plural of hafiz) studying can actually be scary for the
first time visitor! Some claim this to help them memorize and/or see this as a sign of
ikhlaas (sincerity), because it seems as if one is deeply engrossed in the Quran,
though the sunnah suggests otherwise.

- Do not speed (*try* to read with tarteel; the slower the stronger)

While memorizing one might find it easy to read through the verses quickly; though
this shouldnt be too quick:


and recite the Qur'an in slow, measured rhythmic tones. (Surat-ul Muzzammil,
Verse 4)


One should be able to understand what you are reading, and actually be able to
follow it. It is also commonly known that when one recites very quickly, they have
trouble reading in a slow pace, because they often jump words, or dont emphasis
them; but to read slowly one has to really know the letters, and the specific vowel
sounds of the letters. Thus if one memorizes in the style of tarteel recitation, their
hifz will be stronger, and they wont have to rush through the verses (because they
really arent too sure about them).

- Dont ask someone if a page is hard/easy (psyche: it is easy)

Our initial mindset while starting something new will always affect the outcome of
this new activity, and can be a mirror to the results of this activity. If we start
something with the mindset that it is hard, we will be biased in feeling it to be
hard, but if we start it with the approach that it is easy, it really does become easy.
This applies to hifz as well; if you start a new page by thinking that it is hard (even if
the page is really easy) you wont be able to help but believe yourself.



More often, this negative opinion usually comes from a swift glance onto the page
(Oh noo look at those long words the font size seems to have drastically
shrunk!) or from the opinions of others who have already memorized that page
(Sis, that was the hardest page ever!). It is best to stay away from judging pages
by a glance and/or the opinions of others. Thats why one should always start a new
page with much du`a, and the thought that it is easy; Allah has made it easy, and
will inshaAllah make it easier for me to memorize.

- Read page before memorizing it (at least 8 times, will make easier)

The initial memorizing process should always start with the continuous recitation of
the page from the mushaf (by reading from the Quran, not from memory). This can
be repeated till one can swiftly read through the words and is familiar with them;
some advise the page to be read at least 8 times, some say 11, some say 20etc,
though it should be done at least till one is comfortable with the page. This will
drastically reduce the chances of making mistakes/memorizing incorrectly, and will
speed up the memorization process, inshaAllah.

- If you do not know meaning/Arabic read translation before/after
memorizing (depends if it makes it easier for you or more confusing)

Generally, after continually reading the-page-to-be-memorized from the mushaf (via
looking at the page from the Quran), it is very useful to get hold of a translation and
go over the meanings of the specific verses one by one before starting to memorize.
This helps in keeping one concentrated on the verses, helps to realize the subtle
differences between similar verses, and greatly helps to organize the sequence of the
verses. Though after testing this, one might find this confusing, and not of much
help; then that person should refrain from doing this before memorizing, but should
do this after memorizing, to at least know what they have memorized (especially if
one doesnt know Arabic well). If you have a teacher, consult him/her first!

- Ask others on how they memorize (to develop your own method)

Most huffaz memorize a new page of the Quran in different ways -- that is just like
the analogy with the fingers, where each finger is connected to the palm of the
hand: though the methods (fingers) are different they all end up at the same place
(the palm). One persons method may suit you better than another persons method,
thus inquiring about how people memorize will aid you in developing your own
method. This step will most likely give you a head start in your hifz, inshaAllah; just
as it is easier to grow plants on a field that has already been plowed, and prepared
for growing, than it is to start from scratch.

- You usually develop your own scheme by time (which ever works best for
you)

By practice, as well as from inquiry, one will be able to tell which memorization
method suits themselves better. Sometimes it will be a combination of others
methods, or a totally new method; it is best to follow a method that works best for
you, though this may take some time and practice to develop.



- Always let someone listen to you (before the teacher does!) esp. with
memorization of new pages

When you memorize something you are most likely not going to see your own
mistakes (if you do make any) more less even realize that youre doing a mistake,
even though your Quran might be right in front of you and your mistake right under
your nose. Thus, it is highly recommended to have someone listen to your page
while you recite it to that person from memory, and they follow along from your
Quran. Some teachers will assign buddies to ensure students do this, so they fix
any mistakes before it comes to them, where a couple of mistakes may make you
fail and you have to re-do your lesson (and waste a day due to mistakes that
couldve been avoided). So to avoid such a thing and to avoid simple/silly mistakes,
one should always ask someone (preferably who is a hafiz) to listen to them before
the teacher listens to them, or before going on to other pages.

- Audio cass./CD may help (listen to it before memorizing)

An alternative to reading the page continuously, some listen to the page (from a Qari
on tapes/CDs/computer) a multiple number of times, and reads along with the Qari
(reciter). Those who learn better from listening can find this very helpful, as it will
familiarize the verses and will prevent any possible errors you may have made prior
to listening to the Qari. Though for this to be true, one must pick the Qari they will
listen to carefully, because you will in general read just like him; youll pick up any of
his mistakes, and in most cases, his style of recitation also.

- Time of day (morning/sahar when mind is fresh is best)

For some the time of day is a great factor in memorizing. Some prefer memorizing
new pages early in the morning, or during the tahajjud/sahar (the last 1/3 of the
night, before dawn) time, stating that their mind is fresh and clear, and ready to
memorize. Some say the opposite: that they feel sleepy at that time and prefer the
night-time, especially at midnight. And for some the time of day does not matter at
all. We all are unique, thus we will differ in our preference of time. However, one
should be consistent, and should be able to maneuver their program to fit into one
day. Therefore, they may separate a specific time to memorize a new page, but they
should also separate adequate time to revise their other page/s. Developing a
schedule (and following it) would be best to ensure the equal distribution and good
use of time.

- Your ability expands (inshaAllah) as you memorize.

Just as your ability can be developed before hifz, it can be further enhanced while
doing hifz. You generally memorize quicker/better by each chapter of the Quran, but
this progress most recognizably occurs when one has reached the mid-line of their
hifz (memorized half of the Quran). Then, especially toward the end, your tongue
seems to read on its own accord, and with quite ease (you dont even have to
concentrate as hard). At last, even though it took some time or you didnt notice in
the beginning, you truly start to feel that Allah has made the Quran easy to
remember.

6. While doing hifz

- Patience, patience, patience

As one diligently starts their first page, and finishes, then does the same thing the
next day, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next for a year, or
(usually) more, you might find yourself asking: Is this ever going to end? or, even
worse, sometimes What was I thinking?!

O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for God is with
those who patiently persevere (Surat-ul Baqarah, Verse 153)

The memorization does end, though with a continuous effort on your part. The
continuous character of your effort depends a lot on patience, which in turn proves
how much you really want to do hifz. Just like any other type of education, hifz
requires time; though unlike many other types of education, hifz deserves the time
spent on it.


Another way to find patience in ones self is to think of all the huffaz before you;
they are proof to the fact that hifz really does end (if you really start doubting!).
Each day passed while doing hifz is a plus, since each day passed is another day
spent with the Quran, and another step closer to finishing your hifz, inshaAllah.

- Tawakkal alaAllah: putting your trust in Allah (also remember it is a
matter of naseeb)

Am I going to remember all these verses? Am I going to mess up? Am I going to
fail again? Are all typical questions that boggle the mind of a hafiz
while/before/after memorizing. Sometimes just thinking about these types of
questions will distract you to the point of making you mess up. Though, one must
remember, even down to the last page, that Allah alone gives success. No matter
how hard you try, or how little, it will be up to Allah to decide the outcome of your
hifz, how well you read your pages, and everything else in between. Therefore, we
must put our trust in Him, for He is the best to be trusted.

If God helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after
that, that can help you? In God, then, let believers put their trust (Surat-u Aali
`Imraan, Verse 160)

- Follow the sunnah (hygiene esp. teeth, noon fiesta, tahajjud would be
greatetc)

Following the sunnah of Rasulullah should be done by every
Muslim, though in hifz it plays an essential role in developing a daily schedule that
will give the best results. The sunan hold a special meaning for huffaz during their
hifz: Waking up for tahajjud means revising pages (and making those hardcore
supplications!), noon fiesta means refreshing mind, not eating too much guarantees
not falling asleep while studying, sleeping right after Isha prayer ensures a wake
mind to the following day of memorization, using a miswaak or toothbrush means
showing mercy on your teacher (or who ever is going to listen to you)etc. One
should incorporate as many sunnahs as they can into their life (and especially
schedule while doing hifz), for they will see results blessed with barakah, as well as
extra deeds inshaAllah. Following the sunnah during hifz also aids in applying the
sunnah to our daily lives after hifz, where we have practiced it for so long, that the
sunnah starts to become habit inshaAllah.

- Eat halal & do halal (Allah makes it easier)

If we want to do a good deed, our means to achieve this good should be equally
good as well. Considering hifz as a good thing, what we eat, what we drink, what we
use in order to attain hifz should all be good a.k.a. halal. In order for our deeds to be
accepted, it is very important to follow the rules. If we worship Allah and ask from
his mercy with a stomach full of haram and haram thoughts in mind, it is more likely
that we would earn Allahs anger (rather than His mercy). If that doesnt scare us
already, it is also very well known that doing/eating haram is stated as a cause to
forgetfulness:

A famous anecdote is reported from Imam Shafi'i ( ), where he relates his
conversation with his teacher Wak'i saying:

I complained to Waki' about my bad memory
'Abandon sins', he instructed me
For memory is a bounty from Allah
and a bounty of Allah is not bestowed upon the sinner.

Thus, we should always turn away from haram means, and turn to halal means, so
as to anticipate Allahs mercy & bounty upon us.



- Concentration and environment

Concentration plays a vital role while memorizing, where it can determine how fast
and well you memorize. It is best to study in an environment that is suited for you to
be able to be focused on your hifz, and has the least distractions. Noise/sound,
presence of others, events, people, neighbors, parents, light/dark, ideas, plans for
futureetc. can all be distractive to some and not to others. If your home does not
provide such an environment where you can concentrate, then seeking other places
(if you are able) for your hifz would be best.

- Use time wisely (Dont waste it)

For one who is doing hifz, their first priority should be their hifz (of course after all
faraaidh/obligatory deeds). While considering doing something besides their studies,
they should approach this with concern over their hifz; how will it affect your hifz;
will it be beneficial or be detrimental? This can be thought in terms of daily things
(i.e. visiting a friend), or in general terms (i.e. starting college). The best for one
who is doing hifz is to worry about their hifz first; all other things should follow after
it and be planned according to it, if one truly desires the optimum success possible.

- Ask for duas (from everyone; your mom, dad, teacher)

The importance of dua cannot be overly emphasized. Though we may make dua for
ourselves while doing hifz, we should ask for others (especially parents!) to make
dua for us as well; for each du`a is a blessing for the one who makes it as well:


"Verily your Lord is the One modest and Generous, and when His servant raises his
hands to Him in supplication, He is diffident (in some wordings, shy or hesitant) from
returning them empty." (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, and Tirmidhi)

- Make dua for others who are doing hifz (remember the angels: "the same
on you")

From giving emphasis to the care of relatives and neighbors, to praying shoulder to
shoulder in congregation, we are constantly reminded that Islam calls for us to leave
our narcissistic natures. We are to think for others as we think about ourselves, and
to wish for them as we do for our own. This should principally be the way in hifz as
well. A simple example: When struggling with a page one should remind ourselves of
our Muslim brethren and think of others who might also be on that very same page
and are facing the same difficulty. At such an instant, we should pray to Allah to help
them as well as our selves, for Allahs Messenger informs us
that:

"The dua of a Muslim for his brother in his absence (i.e. the person is not present
and is not aware that you are making dua for him) is answered. An angel is
appointed to be at his side. Every time that he prays for some good for his brother,
the angel says: "Ameen. And may the same be granted to you." (Muslim)

- Choose your friends (friendships where both are beneficial to each other
during hifz)

Whether you are doing hifz at home, or at an institution, you must be careful when
making friends with others. The people we choose to associate with will in any
circumstance (this be hifz or not) have an affect on us: either a positive affect, or a
negative one. Our friendships may preoccupy our thoughts, they may determine how
we spend our time, they may determine our emotional states, they mayetc. and
how much they affect us will depend on our approach and acceptance. When doing
something as important as hifz one should choose to associate with those who will be
beneficial to their studies, and not those who will only be a distraction. The preferred
way is to make friendships where you both benefit from each other during hifz,
especially if this person is doing hifz as well.

- Remember your enemy: Shaitaan (Seek refuge in Allah)

They say that Shaitaan sits at the beginning, at the middle, and at the end of the
path of one who does hifz, which really means that hes constantly searching for
moments/ways to sneak up on you and make you slip. Someone doing hifz is a
perfect target, and there are so many ways to get at them, because the process of
hifz takes a longer period of time, and depends on many factors. Why would
Shaitaan go to someone who already has slipped? Of course, hes going to seek
others.



Ibn Abbas, may Allah protect his soul, said that the Prophet, peace and blessings
upon his noble soul, said one day to Iblees: "How many of your beloved are from my
Ummah?"

He (Iblees) said: "Ten groups: The tyrannical leader; the arrogant; the wealthy one
who is not concerned about how he earns his wealth, nor how he spends it; a
religious scholar who supports the leader in his tyranny; the treacherous trader (in
business); the one who monopolizes a commodity in order to drive up the price; the
adulterer; the one who deals in interest; the miser who doesn't care from where he
has accumulated his wealth; and the drunkard."

Then he, peace and blessings upon his noble soul, said: "How many enemies do you
have from my Ummah?"

He (Iblees) said: "Twenty groups: You Muhammad...I hate you; the scholar who acts
on his knowledge; the memorizer of Quran if he acts on what is in it; the one who
calls for the five prayers and he loves the poor, downtrodden and the orphans; the
one possessing a merciful heart; the one who humbles himself before the truth; a
young person who grows up obeying Allah; the one who eats the halaal; two young
people who love each other for the sake of Allah; the one who strives to make prayer
in congregation; the one who prays at night while the people are asleep; the one
who holds himself back from haraam; the one who gives sincere advise to the
Muslim brothers with no ulterior motive; the one who remains in a constant state of
Wudu'u; the generous one; the one possessing good character; the one who
confirms the truth of what Allah has guaranteed him; the one who does good to
chaste widows; and the one who prepares for death." [The Chapter of Tens by Ibn
Hajar al-Asqalani, translated by Imam Zaid Shakir]


When the smallest things start to distract you (why wont that fly go away?!), you
start to develop acute senses (falammaa fasala hey why does the fan make so
much noise? *gets up to close it then notices the dust on the shelves, and then
starts searching for a cloth to dust*), you start to think of things you normally
never consider (hmm I wonder what the neighbors are up to?), you miss doing
things you really never do (ufff I wish I could just sleep all day)etc. remember
that these are mostly waswasa (whisperings) from Shaitaan. In such cases one
should remember that Shaitaan is an avowed enemy, and should seek refuge in Allah
from him.



- Dont forget to sleep/chill (refresh)

We must remember that we are not machines; our mind and body need breaks so
we may be recharged and refreshed. Sleeping at night, giving adequate breaks
between pages and certain times, eating set courses without skipping a meal, taking
a walketc. are more beneficial than pressuring ourselves to study when we really
do need a break. Some students will avoid these necessities saying that it takes up
their time, when in reality it will make the process easier, though it is hard to realize
it at the moment. We must fulfill such needs of our body so we can make the best
use of it, for our body is our ship that will carry us in the sea of hifz.

- No music/TV is best (takes up too much time/preoccupies the mind)

Though we may not be involved in other activities besides our studies during hifz,
watching TV/listening to music may create an environment where one feels mentally
involved our mind is usually preoccupied with what we have watched/listened,
sometimes to the point where we have trouble concentrating and remaining focused
(apart from the great probability that we might be watching/listening to not-so-halal
things). The safest step is to avoid TV/music, as to minimize any possible
distractions, especially during hifz (for those who dont do so anyway *thumbsup*).


In the case where what we watch and what we listen to is haram, this will most
definitely assure Allahs anger, where we can be sure to face difficulty in our life (and
afterlife), as well as studies. How can one let their ears hear haram, their eyes see
haram, their hearts desiring the haram...while at the same time listening and gazing
upon the Quran?...

- Dont eat too much, or too little (makes sleepy need energy)

Finding a balance in what we eat (and its quantity) will also be essential to our
studies; if we eat too much we will feel sleepy, and if we eat too little we might not
supply our selves with sufficient energy needed for our studies. Our intention while
eating should be to properly serve Allah, where then eating would become `ibadah
inshaAllah.

- Dried grapes, nuts, sweets, honey, fruits are advised

The eating of a certain number of dried grapes and honey are advised to strengthen
ones ability to memorize, sweets are advised to provide a quick burst of energy,
while fruits are advised due to their nature; where they make you feel full, are light,
and do not make you sleepy in contrast to eating heavy foods such as meat, greasy
foods and the like. The goal is to eat those which make you feel re-energized, not
overwhelmed.

- Dont compare yourself to others (you are you)

Judging your progress should not be made by using others as your meter: if
another person who is doing hifz falls short on their studies, this doesnt necessarily
mean you have progressed, or when that person excels in their studies this doesnt
mean that you have necessarily fallen behind. It may be the case where you really
are just going at the same pace. Thus using others as a meter is usually misleading;
only you can be your own meter.

In some cases, you may hear of people completing hifz in a few months, or someone
finishing in as long as 10 years. One should not feel depressed or impressed at their
own pace in such circumstances, but should be thankful to Allah for what they have
been blessed with so far, and should avoid comparing themselves with others. `Ali is
not `Umar, as `Aisha is not Fatima; we are who Allah has chosen us to be, and we
should know ourselves and do our best to our own ability that He has blessed us
with.

- Avoid telling others your doings in hifz (Nazar: Evil Eye)

Informing others of our doings/progress in hifz is a very delicate matter. We are
informed that the Beloved of Allah seeked refuge in Allah
against nazar, commonly known as the evil eye. Hifz, especially to those who know
anything about it, can be a very trying deed, though it is Allah who gives it only to
whom He wills. Thus, a Muslim should attribute the deed of hifz first and foremost
to Allah.


This being said one must include that the safest step is to avoid nazar, as well as
riya (showing off) whenever possible. One should only talk about their doings in hifz
if there is a clear benefit in doing so (asking their advice, seeking their help,
encouraging othersetc.), and to the right person. Though we should remember that
a Muslim is encouraged to say mashaAllah when they see/hear something that
pleases them.

- An institution is best for hifz (has a set program; more sense of
order/importance)

Finding/developing/setting up the perfect environment for hifz can be very difficult.
However, to go to an institution that has been specifically made to suite the study of
hifz is much more convenient and reliable. Trying to transform your house into a
school is not only difficult but usually impossible when there are others that live with
you as well. One cannot over-look the rights of other family members, and oblige
them to comply with your ways. This could even be a sort of oppression for them,
which should not be the case they associate with hifz.


In an institution (in most cases), everything is set up so that your only worry is your
hifz, which is usually more than enough for one who is doing hifz to be concerned
about. It has a set and tested program, which will give you more of a sense of order
and importance that is much needed to suite the continuous nature of hifz. A place
that ensures discipline is best, where each day is made use of to its full extent, and
so is your ability, inshaAllah. Just as a farmer and a certain piece of land can
determine the crops to come, the institution we go to can be a factor in determining
the quality of our hifz as well.

- Respect/follow/recognize teacher (he/she knows you best)

It is best to have your memorized pages listened to by a former hafiz, if available. If
not then someone who is well versed with the Quran should be seeked. Your contact
with this teacher/listener should be well scheduled and orderly if you are not in an
institution. However, if one is in an institution there will be teachers that will always
be available at the set class time, and in some institutions these teachers are
available at all times. This is another plus to attending an institution.


How well you obey your teacher is synonymous with how well you do in your hifz.
The person who listens to your memorized pages knows your pages (and its quality)
better than you do, thus knows what is best for your hifz. The pace they advise you
to follow, and any other thing they tell you to do will always be for your benefit;
whether you follow what they say or shoot yourself in the foot is up to you. One
should be thankful to Allah for their hifz teacher, and should do their best to benefit
from them and their experience.

- Never give up (be strong)

It is very important to be persistent during hifz; one should avoid empty days in
which they do not do their daily work/memorize their page(s). The more slack time
in between hifz, is the more time you will spend later on trying to revise and
strengthen your hifz. In cases when the going gets tough one should try the best
they can, and at least progress in some degree; if they needed to prepare 5 pages,
they should at least do 3, if they were supposed to do 10, they should at least try to
do 6etc. A little dars/class done is better than none. Thus, one should never give
up on their studies, but should aim to complete at least a part of it. This type of
determination usually helps in the end of the day when you realize that you really
can do the left over 3-4 pages. Though, either way your priority is to never be at the
same level a day -- each day should bring some form of progress in your hifz; just as
the Beloved cautioned us that one day should not be equal to
the other in a Muslims life.

7. After hifz

- Throw a party, give sadaqah, start praying tahajjud (all thanks is due to
Allah)

Congratulations! Now its time to celebrate =)



Celebrating with others is also a form of dawah, where others might be encouraged
to do as you have done. Many people dont even know hifz is and can be done. But
through your example they too might embark upon the road of hifz, where you will
be rewarded for being their means inshaAllah.


Starting a new deed, like starting to pray tahajjud, or to fast on Mondays and
Thursdays, or other types of nawaafil (none obligatory) is a great way to show Allah
your thanks for blessing you with hifz.

- Revise (tie camels) from memory as well as from Mushaf (daily)

"The example of the person who knows the Qur'an by heart is like the owner of tied
camels. If he keeps them tied, he will control them, but if he releases them, they will
run away." (Bukhari and Muslim)


A hafiz of the Quran is one who protects, guards, looks after the Quran. Now that
you have memorized the Quran, now is when you can actually start doing just that.
So now, as your hifz has ended you realize that it has all really just beganto retain
what one has memorized is just as important as memorizing. Or else all our efforts
will be lost (in relation to hifz, of course -- spending time with the Quran is never a
waste).


Our efforts used to live up to our responsibility of retaining what we have memorized
i.e. revising daily, is also a reason/cause that will always keep us in contact with the
Quran. The fear/worry of forgetting will ensure our continual connection with the
Quran, when in different circumstances we might have never had such a
connection.


This revision is best done daily, from memory as well as from the mushaf (from
reading by looking at the text of the Qur`an). How well youve done your hifz, and
how well youve revised right afterwards will determine the extent of revision you will
need. Some revise from memory only in Ramadhan (through taraweh/muqaabalah-
reading) and just read from the text daily, some revise from memory a juz (20
pages) a day by reading their pages in their daily prayers, some read the whole
Quran every monthetc. Though one must remember that Allah is Al-Hafeez (The
Protector) over all, so we must seek His aid:


Verily We revealed the reminder (Quran) and We are its guardian (Surat-ul
Hijr, Verse 9)

- Teach what youve been blessed with (give its sadaqah)

When we are blessed with money, we give sadaqah to show thanks to Allah;
likewise, by teaching others what Allah has blessed us with the knowledge of is a
way to show our appreciation for that blessing. Other than that, a Muslim is
responsible to teach what they learn, and as having memorized the Quran, we are
responsible with teaching others this knowledge. This could be in the form of offering
time with someone to teach them Quran, to listen to their memorized Surahs/pages,
and/or in the form of encouragement to others to follow the sunnah of memorizing.
This will be beneficial to the person being taught, as well as the hafiz, who should
look at this as an opportunity to revise their hifz.

- Audio cassettes/CDs are great (while driving, cooking,
roamingwhenever possible)

Every day should include the Quran in some way or form; a day should not pass
without reading/listening to the Quran. This may be fulfilled by listening to the
recitation of the Quran by means of cass./CDs/internetetc. which is the best way
to make use of time when we usually just let it slip by. While driving, while waiting
for the bus, while cooking, while washing the dishes are all opportunities that
should be made use of.

- Join/lead the congregation & read for daily prayers

Since Muslims plan their day around their prayers, the best way to incorporate your
revision of your hifz into your life would be by reciting it during the daily prayers. For
brothers, leading the prayers in their home and masjid is the best way to retain what
they have memorized, and for sisters as well as brothers, joining these prayers is
equally beneficial where they will be reminded of verses throughout their prayer.
However, it would be best if huffaz recited different portions of the Quran in their
prayers, so that they will be able to regularly go over different portions of the Quran
for optimum benefit (for himself, as well as those who are following him). Especially
during Ramadhan, brothers should see the imaamah (leading) of the taraweeh
prayers as an opportunity to go over and revise the entire Quran. Applying what we
learn in our `ibadah, as well as our daily life, is what all Muslims should strive for.

- Love it, live it, build upon it.

When one truly loves something it is impossible to part from it. Likewise, when we
love the Quran it is impossible to spend a day without it. The ones who forget the
Quran are most commonly said to be the ones who do not love it enough to give the
time and effort for it. This love also demands application, where one does their best
to live according to what they love. Without application, this love is but lip service;
devoid of sincerity towards the beloved.


If possible, one should seize the opportunity to further their knowledge in the
Quran; their hifz should be as a foundation to further their knowledge, such as in
Arabic, tafseer, hadeeth, fiqh, aqeedahetc. In the end, all knowledge has reached
its purpose only when it is applied & practiced, where we must ask Allah to make this
task easy for us all (Ameen).

8. Warning: You may end up with a hump (an abnormal convex curvature of the
upper spine) in your back from slouching over your Quran, trying to infuse the
beauty into your mind and heart; glasses from reading the beautiful words therein,
day in and day out; and/or muscular pains/strains on your neck from staying in a
certain position all day so as to behold the beloved kitaab (book) during your time
doing hifz --just as one can easily get pricked from a beautiful rose-- but its worth
it!




*Note: the above was intended as a joke. The reality is that memorizing the Quran does not cause the above
effects -- rather these effects are a result of maladaptive personal habits, and as such, can be easily avoided.

9. Rewards/Benefits

OK, all that sounds like quite a bit, but is doing hifz really worth all this (sweet)
trouble? Of course it is! Memorizing the Quran is very rewarding:

"One who is well versed in the Qur'an will be in the company of those angels who are
scribes, noble and righteous, and one who falters in reading the Qur'an, and has to
exert hard for learning, gets double the reward." (Bukhari)

As stated by the Prophet , there are many other benefits, and
rewards behind studying that which is best to be studied:

"The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." (Bukhari)

"On the day of judgement, it will be said to the man devoted to the Qur'ân,
'Go on reciting the Qur'an and continue ascending the storeys of paradise and recite
in the slow manner you had been reciting in the worldly life. Your final abode will be
where you reach at the time you recite the last ayah (verse)." (Ahmed, Tirmidhi, Abu
Dawood)

"Whoever recites a letter of the Book of Allah earns a good deed, and each good
deed is worth ten like it. I do not say that 'Alif-lam-mim' is one letter, but that alif is
a letter, lam is a letter, mim is a letter." (Tirmidhi)

Recite the Qur'an. It will appear on the Day of Rising as an intercessor for its
people.' (Muslim)

On the Day of Rising the Qur'an will be brought with the people who used to act by
it in this world, preceded by Surat al-Baqara (second surah in the Quran) and Ali
`Imran (third surah in the Quran), arguing on behalf of those who knew them.
(Muslim)

"By this Book Allah elevates some people and abases others." (Muslim)


Not only you, but others shall also benefit from your doing hifz, inshaAllah:

"Whosoever memorizes the Qur'an and practises on what is lawful and abstains from
what is prohibited, Allah will enter him into Jannah and accept his intercession on
behalf of ten such relatives who have been destined to enter Hell." (Tirmidhi)

On the Day of Qiyaamah a crown of such brilliance will be placed on the heads of
the parents of one who learnt the Quran and practised on its laws, that its glitter will
outshine the brilliance of the sun which penetrates your houses. What then do you
think will be the position of the one who himself learnt the Quran and acted in
accordance with it? (Ahmad and Abu Dawood)


And you should never-ever feel like youre missing out on anything:

Allah says: "If anybody finds no time for my remembrance and for begging favours
of Me, because he remains busy with the Holy Qur'ân, I shall give him more
than what I give all those who beg favours of Me". The superiority of the word of
Allah over all other words is like the superiority of Allah over the entire creation.
(Tirmidhi)

"You can only have envy for two things: for a man to whom Allah has given the
Qur'an and he gets up and recites it throughout the night, and for a man to whom
Allah has given wealth and he spends it throughout the night and the day."
(Bukhari)


In contrast, one who abstains from the Quran (both in reading and in action) is a
true loser, who misses out on the mentioned rewards, and receives such a status as
mentioned by the Beloved of Allah :

"A person who has nothing of the Qur'an inside him is like a ruined house."
(Tirmidhi)

"The metaphor of a believer who recites the Qur'an is that of a citron - its scent is
fragrant and its taste is good. The metaphor of a believer who does not recite the
Qur'an is that of a date - it has no scent but its taste is sweet. The metaphor of a
hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is that of basil - its scent is fragrant but its taste is
bitter. The metaphor of a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is that of
colocynth - it has no scent and its taste is bitter." (Bukhari)


Knowledge is an obligation upon all muslims, a responsibility that does have
consequences if not used properly -- first and foremost one must practice this
knowledge. This hadeeth will further affirm the weight of practicing what one learns:

Whenever the Prophet finished the (morning) prayer, he would face us and ask,
"Who amongst you had a dream last night?" So if anyone had seen a dream he
would narrate it. The Prophet would say: "Ma sha'a-llah" (An Arabic maxim meaning
literally, 'What Allah wished,' and it indicates a good omen.) One day, he asked us
whether anyone of us had seen a dream. We replied in the negative. The Prophet
said, "But I had seen (a dream) last night that two men came to me, caught hold of
my hands, and took me to the Sacred Land (Jerusalem). There, I saw a person
sitting and another standing with an iron hook in his hand pushing it inside the
mouth of the former till it reached the jaw-bone, and then tore off one side of his
cheek, and then did the same with the other side; in the mean-time the first side of
his cheek became normal again and then he repeated the same operation again. I
said, 'What is this?' They told me to proceed on and we went on till we came to a
man Lying flat on his back, and another man standing at his head carrying a stone or
a piece of rock, and crushing the head of the Lying man, with that stone. Whenever
he struck him, the stone rolled away.

The man went to pick it up and by the time he returned to him, the crushed head
had returned to its normal state and the man came back and struck him again (and
so on). I said, 'Who is this?' They told me to proceed on; so we proceeded on and
passed by a hole like an oven; with a narrow top and wide bottom, and the fire was
kindling underneath that hole. Whenever the fire-flame went up, the people were
lifted up to such an extent that they about to get out of it, and whenever the fire got
quieter, the people went down into it, and there were naked men and women in it. I
said, 'Who is this?' They told me to proceed on. So we proceeded on till we reached a
river of blood and a man was in it, and another man was standing at its bank with
stones in front of him, facing the man standing in the river. Whenever the man in the
river wanted to come out, the other one threw a stone in his mouth and caused him
to retreat to his original position; and so whenever he wanted to come out the other
would throw a stone in his mouth, and he would retreat to his original position. I
asked, 'What is this?' They told me to proceed on and we did so till we reached a
well-flourished green garden having a huge tree and near its root was sitting an old
man with some children. (I saw) Another man near the tree with fire in front of him
and he was kindling it up. Then they (i.e. my two companions) made me climb up
the tree and made me enter a house, better than which I have ever seen. In it were
some old men and young men, women and children.

Then they took me out of this house and made me climb up the tree and made me
enter another house that was better and superior (to the first) containing old and
young people. I said to them (i.e. my two companions), 'You have made me ramble
all the night. Tell me all about that I have seen.' They said, 'Yes. As for the one
whose cheek you saw being torn away, he was a liar and he used to tell lies, and the
people would report those lies on his authority till they spread all over the world. So,
he will be punished like that till the Day of Resurrection.

The one whose head you saw being crushed is the one whom Allah had given the
knowledge of Quran (i.e. knowing it by heart) but he used to sleep at night (i.e. he
did not recite it then) and did not use to act upon it (i.e. upon its orders etc.) by
day; and so this punishment will go on till the Day of Resurrection. And those you
saw in the hole (like oven) were adulterers (those men and women who commit
illegal sexual intercourse). And those you saw in the river of blood were those
dealing in Riba (usury). And the old man who was sitting at the base of the tree was
Abraham and the little children around him were the offspring of the people. And the
one who was kindling the fire was Malik, the gate-keeper of the Hell-fire. And the
first house in which you have gone was the house of the common believers, and the
second house was of the martyrs. I am Gabriel and this is Michael. Raise your head.'
I raised my head and saw a thing like a cloud over me. They said, 'That is your
place.' I said, 'Let me enter my place.' They said, 'You still have some life which you
have not yet completed, and when you complete (that remaining portion of your life)
you will then enter your place.' " (Bukhari)





Staying in contact with the Quran is the best way a hafiz may retain what he/she
has learned, thus will be able to apply to their lives:

"Retain and safeguard the Holy Qur'an in your memory. By the one in whose hands
is my life, it (the Qur'an) slips more quicker away from one than a camel from its
fetters." (Bukhari & Muslim)

"It is a bad thing that some of you say, 'I have forgotten such-and-such verse of the
Qur'an,' for indeed, he has been caused (by Allah) to forget it. So you must keep on
reciting the Qur'an because it escapes from the hearts of men faster than camel do."
(Bukhari)


Though, one must also consider what Allah has reminded us in the Quran, where
Rasulullah had been reminded:

Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur'an, O Muhammad) to make haste
therewith. It is for Us to collect it and to give you (O Muhammad) the ability to recite
it (the Qur'an), And when We have recited it to you [O Muhammad through Jibrael
(Gabriel)], then follow you its (the Qur'an's) recital. Then it is for Us (Allah) to make
it clear to you (Surat-ul Qiyaamah, Verses 16-19)

Through these verses we are reminded to put our trust in Him alone:

"Verily We revealed the reminder (Qur'an) and We are its guardian." (Surat-ul Hijr,
Verse 9)


Considering these verses and ahadeeth, one comes to the conclusion that a close
sincere relationship with the book of Allah is something that is very well worth the
time and effort, where the benefit is in both this life, and the next inshaAllah. One
can only marvel at how intimate a relationship one develops with the Quran through
the excuse of doing hifz, and as a result, how it makes one yearn and strive ever
more harder for the pleasure of its Owner

10. Motivational


- Articles

http://www.alinaam.org.za/dquraan/
Directory of excellent articles on the Quran maintained by the Madrasah
In'aamiyyah, Camperdown; last 12 links contain a MUST read guide to hifz titled
Securing the Remembrance by Hafiz Sohail Bengali.


http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/a/...%20hafazan.htm
Excellent tips on doing hifz, from a Hafiz Muhammad Alshareef.


http://www.jamiat.org.za/isinfo/hafiz.html
Written in the format of a letter to the huffaz, has beautiful advice and info on hifz
from Madrasah Taleemuddeen.


http://www.jamiat.co.za/library/guid...z_students.htm
Guidelines for hifz students compiled by Madrasah Arabia Islamia (Azaadville).


http://www.alinaam.org.za/fazaail/part2.html
http://www.hajirahfoundation.org/art...tues_quran.php
Excellent excerpt from the book Fazail-e-Amaal explaining the virtues of the
recitation & memorization of the Quran.


http://www.abc.se/~m9783/n/wqm_e.html
A beautiful account of a visit to Morocca, with insight into the studies of huffaz there.


http://www.alinaam.org.za/madrasah/info.html
Info and guide aimed at hifz students/parents by the Madrasah In'aamiyyah,
Camperdown.



- Related links:

http://www.iberr.org/virtues_quran.htm
Virtues of the Holy Quran, beautiful compilatian by Maulana Zakariyya Kandehlawi
(db)

http://www.youngmuslims.ca/online_li...uran/index.htm
Beneficial articles from the book Way to the Quran by brother Khurram Murad.

http://www.youngmuslims.ca/online_li...uran/index.htm
Brother Ahmad von Denffers Ulum al Quran, an introduction to the sciences of the
Quran.

http://www.albalagh.net/food_for_thought/quran4.shtml
A good article dealing with the interpretation and study of the Quran by brother
Khalid Baig.

http://www.islamibayanaat.com/EnglishMarefulQuran.htm
Excellent English tafseer to understand what you've memorized.

http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00002036.aspx
http://groups.msn.com/ansarsofislam/...knowledge.msnw
On seeking knowledge, and its importance.



- Questions & Answers on hifz:

http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00002918.aspx
I have a desire to memorise the Holy Quran - can you tell me benefits of doing this
so that I can be further motivated?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00002324.aspx
Is it sinful to forget verses of the Quran one had memorized?


http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4832
What is the punishment for forgetting memorisation of some of the Qur'an? does it
make any difference whether you have intention to re-memorise?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00000034.aspx
Are you allowed to recite Qur'an without wudu from memory? Are you allowed to
read ayat without wudu? Are you allowed to hold and recite from pages of Qur'an
found separately (i.e. only the 30th Juz) without wudu?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00000801.aspx
Method of Memorizing the Qur'an and Retaining One's Memory


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hanafi/message/5875
I have intention to memorize the Qur'an and become an alim. My father wants me
to only do hifz, but my mother wants me to do both. I don't want to disobey my
parents, what should I do?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00002894.aspx
If my wife is memorizing the Qur'an, can she continue memorizing while she is in a
state of menstruation?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...A00002046.aspx
When a women is on her menses, is she able to recite the Quranic dua and regular
ayaat that she normally recites?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00001421.aspx
Can a Hanafi Student Memorizing the Qur'an follow the Maliki School & Recite
during Menstruation?


http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Q...a00000799.aspx
Do you have any tips on how to make memorizing easy and how I should set my
day out for learning knowledge?



- Miscellaneous:

http://www.deenport.com/subsections/...abdal_aziz.zip
The Messenger, upon him be peace, taught Ali ibn Abi Tâlib (ra) this dua as a
means to help him memorise the Quran.


http://www.hafidha4eva.blogspot.com/
Beautiful posts provided by our hafiza sisters in South Africa.


http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...313217,00.html
What might happen when you dont give the respect thats due?


http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...85&postcount=1
Its never too late

http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...90&postcount=1
and its never too soon.