Memorization Toolbox: Listening Repeatedly.
Memorizing the Quran is a noble pursuit that holds great rewards in this life and the hereafter. Muslims consider the Quran to be the word of Allah, and it is believed to contain the guidance and wisdom necessary to lead a righteous life. Memorizing the Quran is considered an act of worship that helps Muslims connect with Allah and strengthens their faith. The Quran was originally transmitted orally, and written copies were used as a contingency in case of disputes. The ability to memorize large amounts of information was highly valued in the past as people relied on their memories alone. Nowadays, we have access to many technological aids, but the tried and true method of listening to the Quran remains an invaluable tool for memorization.
Many great Quranic scholars, such as Imam Abu Qasim Al-Shaatibi, who composed the poem detailing the 14 Qira'at, memorized the Quran through listening. Interestingly, Imam Al-Shaatibi was blind, but his contribution to Islamic academia is unparalleled. Muslims with visual impairments have traditionally relied on listening to memorize the Quran. Even today, millions of Muslims memorize the Quran through listening rather than reading, just as Imam Al-Shaatibi did. The first Quran in Braille only appeared in the 1980s, despite 1400 years of Quranic memorization legacy.
In South Africa, there is a school for the blind that teaches students how to memorize the Quran. When interviewed, many of the students mentioned that they would listen to Surahs on repeat on their cassette players until they memorized them. These students, who have been tested by Allah with the loss of sight, have shown tremendous dedication to memorizing the Quran. We, who are blessed with sight, should be inspired by their sacrifice and emulate their example.
Alhamdulillah, we have many resources available today to listen to the Quran anywhere and at any time. Most kids nowadays have access to phones, AirPods, computers, and iPads. On YouTube, there are countless Quranic playlists with a variety of recitation styles, Qira'at, and reciters. This is a great blessing from Allah, and we should use it to learn and internalize the values of the Quran. Save a playlist of your favorite reciter, connect your headphones, AirPods, wireless speakers, and listen to the Quran. Listen everywhere and anytime, whether doing homework, before sleeping, on the way to school, while playing basketball or riding our bicycles. Listen repeatedly to what you wish to memorize, and soon you shall see that not only have you memorized the Surah, but also the Tajweed and style of the reciter.
In conclusion, memorizing the Quran through listening is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. Muslims with visual impairments have relied on this method for generations, and millions of Muslims around the world continue to use it today. With the advent of modern technology, listening to the Quran has become even more accessible and convenient. It is a powerful tool for learning and internalizing the values of the Quran and strengthening our connection with Allah. Let us take advantage of this great blessing and make it a regular part of our daily routine.
