Parenting

Below are some points to help both parents and children memorise the Qur’an, so that this honourable act will provide continuous benefits forever, inshalla-h (swt).

1. Start memorisation of the Noble Qur’an with children at a young age, as it is said that what is learnt in the early years is never forgotten.

Indeed, it is narrated from Ima-m ‘Ali- (as): “The hearts of youngsters are like uncultivated ground, it accepts whatever is strewn on it.” 276 It is also narrated from the Prophet (s): “Knowledge in childhood is like engraving on a stone.”

2. Memorise the Noble Qur’an with sincerity. All actions should be for seeking nearness and closeness to Alla-h (swt) alone. As this is not something easily conveyed to children, they must be observed to see what their motivation for memorising the Noble Qur’an is. There is no harm in giving the child gifts to encourage them in the beginning, and then, as they get older, gradually and suitably making them aware of the true goal behind their actions. 3. Memorize each verse, section or Surat with the intention of a Ma’su-mi-n (as) or a marytyr, and gift that individual the reward upon memorising it. Not only does doing this increase one’s reward but these individuals will also become our intercessors. Thus one will insha-Alla-h (swt) become the recipient of the increased mercy, blessings and tawfiq of Alla-h (swt) and the verses will be memorised faster and better.

4. Trust in the eternal power of Alla-h (swt).

5. Never underestimate the power of prayer. For Alla-h (swt) says in Surat Furqan, Verse 77:

“Say: What store my Lord would set by you were it not for your supplication?”

6. Have resolution, aspiration, perseverance and hope. To realise this goal, as well as desire and enthusiasm, struggle and determination is a must.

7. Eat simple, hala-l and pure foods as these are most effective in preparing the mind and memory.

8. Have a precise timetable. Without a good timetable, it will be a lengthy and difficult process, and maybe even impossible, to reach this noble goal. For memorisation, specify a certain time every day, a certain time-period as well as a certain amount (e.g. a number of pages per day). Do not wait for opportunities to come, rather actively create the necessary conditions required, and try not to skip even a day of carrying out the timetable.

9. Use a Qur’an that is simple, has a clear script, is easy to read and has tajwid rules in it. If you are not familiar with the translation of the Noble Qur’an, it is better to use one that has the translation under the script (or on the side), which is fluent and easy to read, as reading the translation as well will help memorisation. It is important that the numbering of the verses in the Qur’an is correct and reliable. The background of the pages should not be completely white, as this leads to tiredness of the eyes.

10. Correct your pronounciation by learning under the supervision of a competent recitor, or listening to a good recitor. The use of audio and video tapes and CDs is helpful for this as well. 277

11. Repeat what you have learnt, melodiously and often. Don’t move to a new set of verses/Surat until the previous set has been perfected. Recite it to others to correct and test the memorisation, and constantly return to what has been memorised in order to maintain it.

12. At the time of memorisation, have complete concentration and free the mind from all types of thoughts. This is one of the main factors leading to successful memorisation. Removal of all types of distractions, such as hunger, thirst, agitation, tiredness is necessary, as is the choosing of a suitable time and place.

It is narrated from Ima-m as-Sa-diq (as): “The recitor of the Noble Qur’an needs three things: a humble heart, a free body (from disturbances) and a private place.”

13. Be in Wudu- when memorising the Noble Qur’an, and as much as possible, face the Qibla.

14. Encourage participation in memorisation and recitation competitions and programs.

15. Recite the following Du‘a- before beginning:

“O Alla-h (swt)! Have mercy on me by enabling me to abandon acts of disobedience to You forever as long as You keep me alive, and have mercy on me by (keeping me from) burdening myself with that which does not concern me. And grant me that I may have a good opinion of all that I must do to make You pleased with me. And make my heart adhere to memorizing Your Book as You have taught me, and grant that I may recite it in the manner that makes You pleased with me. O Alla-h (swt)! Through Your Book, enlighten my sight, expand my breast, gladden my heart, make my tongue expressive and my body active. Make me strong for it (the Book), assist me therein. Verily there is no assistant for it save You; there is no god but You.” 278

Notes:

276 Nahjul Balagha, Letter 31

277 Recommended recitors include Muhammad Siddiq Menshawi, Khaleel Hussari, Muhammed Jibrail, Abu Bakr Shaatri. These and others can be found at: http://www.hidayahonline.org/?page=audio.

278 al-Ka-fi-, vol. 2, pg. 577

Adapted from the book: "From Marriage to Parenthood; The Heavenly Path" by: "Abbas and Shahin Merali"