How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

[ZeeshanParvez]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Salam

Mash'Ala good thread but you've mentioned reviewing and revising techniques.


What about memorising techniques that worked for you ? The reason why I ask is because I have an absolutely terrible memory.


Any tips for those starting out but struggle with memorisation ?

Jazakumulah

When a person beings to memorize he usually faces problems because he tries to memorize all of that which he sees. The secret to short term memorizing is Chunking.

Say you want to the memorize the following

ولقد خلقنا الانسان في كبد

Rather then trying to memorize the whole line break it down into three or maximum four chunks.

So first memorize


ولقد خلقنا الانسان

Once you have it down then go for

في كبد

The science behind this is that research has shown that the brain cannot keep more than 7 digits in working memory at a time. If you memorize an 8th digit the brain will forget the first digit from the previous 7 you memorized.

Hence, chunk everything.

In addition to this, try learning the meanings of the words you memorize. This will greatly help you to remember what you are memorizing.

Also one very important thing is Attention.

Pay close attention to what you are memorizing. Stay focused and do not let your mind wander. In addition to this also make sure that you

1. Get enough sleep
2. Get proper nutrition
3. Exercise
4. Make Dua' to God that he make easy your task of memorizing.

[ZeeshanParvez]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Another thing I would like to point out for short term memorization is that if you find it very difficult to memorize anything then try this.

1. Read what you want to memorize three to five times by looking at it.

2. Repeat this throughout the day at least 5 times. Simply do it after every prayer

3. Continue to do this until it goes into your short term memorization.

A friend of mine had horrible memory and could not memorize Ayatul Kursi. He tried this method and was successful in memorizing the Ayah.

I used to read Manzil once before every prayer and ended up memorizing it without even trying.

Hope that helps!

[shahg]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

The Prophet (PBUH) said:



This tradition has been recorded in both Tirmidi Shareef and Sunan Abi Dawood and has been classified as Sahih (authentic) by the late Muhaddith (Scholar of Hadith) Sheikh Al-albani.

The word Companion in this Hadith has been understood to mean a person who has memorized the Quran. As is evident by the following words of the Hadith "Recite and rise in status" that with each memorized Verse which a person recites, he will rise a rank in Paradise.

The Quran has more than 6000 Verses. Imagine how many ranks a person who has memorized the Quran will rise in Paradise. Not only this. Such a person will be in the company if the noble Angels as the Prophet (PBUH) has mentioned in the following authentic Tradition:



Additionally, just consider for a moment the joy of knowing that one has the Words of God, the all powerful and Supreme Ruler of all that exists, in his heart. The Words of a Being the likeness of whom does not exist. Truly, it is a feeling that cannot be described in words.
Of course, Memorizing the Quran appears to be a daunting task. This is especially true if you do not know how to go about Memorizing such a large Book.[/SIZE]

My story

It took me 10 years to Memorize the Quran. This was because of lack of knowledge of proper memorizing technique. I used the technique used in Islamic Madrassas. Unfortunately, this technique did not suit a person like me who had horrible memory.

God has blessed me with a strong short term memory but my long term memory is the worst on the planet. After having memorized 20 Juz I fell ill due to a mental illness. After I recovered I had pretty much given up all hope of memorizing the Quran. However, God had ordained that I memorize it so I ended up doing so.

Nevertheless, after I memorized it I was faced with the problem of transferring what I had learned into my long term memory. It was then that God guided me to a technique which has been known to cognitive psychologists for a long time. A technique I used and am still using to transfer what I have memories into my long term memory and it has worked wonders.

Spaced Repetition

Spaced Repetition is a technique in which a person practices recalling what he has memorized at intervals of increasing time. Dong so transfers what one has memorized into long term memory. For those interested in reading about this phenomenon in detail I would recommend the following website.

Spaced Repetition Details

For those who do not have the time to understand this phenomenon just remember this. If you want to transfer information into long term you need to recall the information just when you are about to forget it. After each time you recall it the next interval required for recall the information in order to prevent forgetfulness increases. Eventually, a time comes when you only have to recall what you have memorized once a year! Quran memorization

At this point you are probably wondering how does one know when one is about to forget what he or she has memorized. Well, this is based on a formula which was devised by a Polish scientist after extensive research and experimentation. The formula is implemented by free software such as Anki. You can use this software to schedule when to remind you to recall what you have memorized from the Quran.

My Experience

Prior to using spaced repetition, it would take me fifteen to twenty minutes to review a page I had memorized. However, with the help of spaced repetition I was able to review a page within 3 to 5 minutes and a complete Juz within one to one and a half hour! And this was for a guy like me who has horrible memory. And the best part is that I felt no tension while reviewing.

Memorizing the Quran had become so easy!

This technique is often used by people who learn languages and need to memorize large lists of vocabulary. Psychologists are shocked that schools do not implement spaced repetition to teach information. They say not using this system despite the research which supports its effectiveness is like a person who has weak eyesight but refuses to wear glasses despite knowing that glasses can help him see properly!

Anki

Anki is a free program which you can use to memorize the Quran. It implements spaced repetition. It is available for free for both computers and android devices. Install it on your android phone and revise the Quran whenever you have free time anywhere!

Using Anki is simple. Once you have downloaded the software you just need to create flashcards for what you have memorized. How I do this is that I put a page of the Quran I have memorized into the Back of the Card and the page before that into the Front of the card. Then I enter the phrase "Recite the page which follows" in the Front of the card. Whenever, it is time to review the page, the program shows me the Front of the card and I see the "Review Next Page" command and I try to recall what I have memorized.

An Alternative Method

If you find using software difficult then you can implement spaced repletion manually for what you have memorized. Simply follow this formula. Whenever you memorize a portion of the Quran, review it 1 day after you have memorized it. Then review it after 3 days.

After that take the last interval which in this case is 3 days, divide it by 2, round it up, and then add the result to the previous interval to get the next interval. So in this case the next interval would be 5 days since 3 divided by 2 is 1.5. Round it up and you get 2. Add that to 3 and you get 5.

When you revise on the 5th day then to get the next interval divide 5 by 2 and you get 2.5. Round it up and you get 3. Add that to 5 and you have 8 days which is the next interval.

After eight days to get the next interval divide 8 by 2 and you get 4. Add 4 to 8 and you get 12 days which is the next interval.

Using this method you will Insha Allah never forget the Quran and you will feel no pressure when reviewing.

Note: In case you cannot completely recall what you have memorized don't hesitate to look at what you have missed. With time whatever you have memorized will become a part of long term memory and you will not forget anything!

For detailed instructions on how to use Anki here is the manual for the program

. There are also other programs you can use for spaced repetition but I found this one to be the best. If you have any questions on how to use the program or spaced repetition simply ask in this thread and I will tyr to answer them!

For all those who faced difficulties in memorization of Holy Quran should Try out House of quran .com they got Quran memorization tool they will help you.

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Akhi. When reviewing if i clicked 2-3 times on hard instead of Good is there any way to reverse that. Coz my due dates are not based on hard :(

I want to restudy the entire session for today if possible

I gave you a very basic breakdown of the formula. The actual formula using a few more parameters when calculating the date so don't worry!

[ZeeshanParvez]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Akhi. When reviewing if i clicked 2-3 times on hard instead of Good is there any way to reverse that. Coz my due dates are not based on hard :(

No I don't think you can reverse that. For that you would have to download SQLIte Database manager and then physically change the dates stored in the Database file the program uses to store information.

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

ok well for now i select reschedule option and just put it back to 6days gap like the 1st card

No I don't think you can reverse that. For that you would have to download SQLIte Database manager and then physically change the dates stored in the Database file the program uses to store information.

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Brother the software is giving weird due dates man.

Now i just reviewed 19 (2) on its 3rd day and selected good.. but now instead of 6days gap it gave gap of 4 days for next due date giving gaps of 1d,3d,4d from date of learning.
wheres the same entries on card 18 (1) gave gaps of 1d,3d,6d,

I need to understand how to calculate due dates. Please help me with my schedule.

[ammad2011]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

I have a kid who 4 years old and my dream is he learned Quran with tajweed after this i want to memorize the Quran and i also want to when he recited the Quran before me his voice of recitation should be so beautiful according to the tajweed rules.

[ZeeshanParvez]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

I have a kid who 4 years old and my dream is he learned Quran with tajweed after this i want to memorize the Quran and i also want to when he recited the Quran before me his voice of recitation should be so beautiful according to the tajweed rules.

You can read about all the Rules of Tajweed here

Also make him listen to Qaris like Abdul Basit. A child picks up everything he listens. The more he listens at this young age, the better he will learn the rules of Tajweed.

And if you want him to have a beautiful voice then make Dua'. A good voice is a gift from Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) alone. You should get him to start memorizing as this is the best age to start. But be gentle with him and not like they are in Madrasas where they put kids in chains, beat them up, and break their bones.

You want him to grow up loving the Quran.

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Just Thought I'll post my progress. I have done a few of my cards with gaps of 1 day,3 days and 6 days and they are all still pretty fresh. I haven't had alot of difficulty reviewing... the maximum i took was approx 36 mins for half juz.. on 2nd attempt almost everytime half juz done within 20 mins.

here's my schedule

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-d...it?usp=sharing

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Assalaamualeikum,

Alhumdulillah . Alhumdulillah. Alhumdulillah.

Just read my first card after a gap for 8 days (Juz 14 first half).

And Subhan'Allah it was really smooth and required less effort.... 1st time within 30 mins and 2nd time within 15 mins. The same would usually take me an hour after such a gap. I hope all the others go like this :)

Jazak'Allah Khairan brother for this post. Its really benefiting me alot!

[aelmazg]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Salam Alaikum,

Brother Nidaelahi can you give us an update on your use of anki and how it has improved your revison and/or reduced your revision time. I am also thinking about starting with anki but I don't know what would be the most effective way.

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Walykumussalaam wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

Well I have used the anki method but i calculated my dates of review my self rather than use the software. I used spaced duration of days for review i.e. 1day,3days,6days,8days, 12d , 18d and so on.

So far I have only reached a gap of 8 days and I certainly find it easier revising than before.. Though its still not as good as my Juz memorized a year ago. These new Juz have just been memorised few months back ... so now after giving a gap of 8 days ... i just need to revise half a juz once then on my 2nd time i can read it well within 20 minutes.

The best part of spaced repitition i found was... Whenever I added a new card and stuck to my time table... I realised i am reading this card at least 5 times with gaps within a span of 20 days... If i would use my old method i would have read it only once then waited for an entire cycle of 20 days for it to come back... I'm feeling much confident of the juz but it still needs work to be able to read without looking for first time.. I guess that just comes with practise. Now i am adding my easy juz as cards to ... coz i can feel the benefits ... in these juz i am adding a whole juz a day instead of just half Juz... coz i can read them within an hour. slowly ill give gaps of 1,3,6,8,12 and lets see how it goes then.

Eventually When i complete this spaced rep cycle i plan to review 3 Juz daily and repeat the tough ones twice .... for sometime... Then eventually increase to 4 of 5 maybe after 5-6 months Insha'Allah.

Here is a snapshot of my schedule that i made manually

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-d...it?usp=sharing

Salam Alaikum,

Brother Nidaelahi can you give us an update on your use of anki and how it has improved your revison and/or reduced your revision time. I am also thinking about starting with anki but I don't know what would be the most effective way.

[aelmazg]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

Thanks for your reply brother even though I'm not sure I understood everything as I am not familiar with programs like anki. But it seems to be having a positive effect on your revision. What I don't understand is why you calculate the days of revision yourself instead of letting anki handle it for you? Doesn't this make the use of anki redundant?

Let's say that I would start using this system as well what would be the most effective by which I mean as less time as possible while remaining effective. I have memorized in the past the first half of the quran (baqarah - Isra) but due to work and family obligations I unfortunately neglected them and I have forgotten most of them. I started a few months ago revising from Isra and going up. Alhamdulillah so far I have been able to reach surah Alan'am. In order not to forget them I revise 1 juz a day while continuously adding my memorization for the day.

In the beginning the system was working really well but now it takes me almost a week to get through my revision cycle (1 juz a day) and by the time I have to read the same juz again, 1 week later, it takes me a lot of time to correct the mistakes. While in the beginning when there were only a few days between the revisions it was stronger. Based on this I deduced that it was not yet in my long term memory.

So what I wanted to do with anki is memorize them again, 2 pages a day while adding them to anki with a 150% repetition factor and 6 pages of revision a day. Obviously while maintaining my memorization schedule of Maidah-Baqarah and my 1 juz revision Schedule.

I would really appreciate your input and of the original poster who seems to know a lot about this.

[nidaelahi]

Re: How to Memorize the Quran and Never Forget it

The reason why i didnt use anki for dates was because sometimes it would be give gap of 3 days sometimes 4 sometimes sometimes 5,6 even though i selected good all the time... I wanted a fixed schedule so i could add half juz daily.....but you can definitely use the program ... The repitition factor is something i dont really understand that well so you can ask the original poster...

You can definitely try adding 2 pages a day and just follow the program for review...and maybe set a limit for maximum reviews a day based on what you think you can do. I prefer calculating days myself coz the pattern is consistent that way as you can see in my schedule.

Thanks for your reply brother even though I'm not sure I understood everything as I am not familiar with programs like anki. But it seems to be having a positive effect on your revision. What I don't understand is why you calculate the days of revision yourself instead of letting anki handle it for you? Doesn't this make the use of anki redundant?

Let's say that I would start using this system as well what would be the most effective by which I mean as less time as possible while remaining effective. I have memorized in the past the first half of the quran (baqarah - Isra) but due to work and family obligations I unfortunately neglected them and I have forgotten most of them. I started a few months ago revising from Isra and going up. Alhamdulillah so far I have been able to reach surah Alan'am. In order not to forget them I revise 1 juz a day while continuously adding my memorization for the day.

In the beginning the system was working really well but now it takes me almost a week to get through my revision cycle (1 juz a day) and by the time I have to read the same juz again, 1 week later, it takes me a lot of time to correct the mistakes. While in the beginning when there were only a few days between the revisions it was stronger. Based on this I deduced that it was not yet in my long term memory.

So what I wanted to do with anki is memorize them again, 2 pages a day while adding them to anki with a 150% repetition factor and 6 pages of revision a day. Obviously while maintaining my memorization schedule of Maidah-Baqarah and my 1 juz revision Schedule.

I would really appreciate your input and of the original poster who seems to know a lot about this.