Memorizing the Quran..

Society Religion & Philosophy
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I’m not sure if this topic had been brought up before here on GS but anyway..

Huffaz are considered noble people amongst the Muslim ummah - especially here in North America where some people even send their children to Islamic schools (weekdays or daily) in order to let them have knowledge of their madhab. But does hifz mean rote learning, just learning the Arabic syllables with no idea of what they mean? Well, as we all know Islam was introduced in Arabia and thusly revealed in the Arabian language..

I personally think the best way of learning Quran is to learn the Arabic language off by heart OR get a Quran with translation.. in the same light I also believe that the best way of memorizing Quran is to memorize it with the meaning so you actually feel the holy words..
Even though memorizing Quran is good in either ways, learning with the meaning is definitely far more fruitful.. although a conservatively-bred Arab guy can probably get it immediately, desis like us should get a bit more provident if we actually want to understand/memorize the Quran..

Well, that was my point.. even if it was a tad bit simple I hope it’s clear..

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Re: Memorizing the Quran..

^
I'm with you.

Its more important to understand and learn Quranic sciences [its meanings, interpretation and exegesis] rather than parrot-style cramming, which doesn't contribute much to the overall knowledge of the student.

I'm not against memorising Qur'an by heart, but it should be taken only as a means to an end not an end in itself.

Wasslam

My Formal work........
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Re: Memorizing the Quran..

Most huffaz I know are also familiar with Arabic and can understand what they are reciting (I am talking about desi huffaz) even if they are not fluent in Arabic.

While I agree that it is much better to shape our lives in accordance with teachings of the Quran by understanding Quran's meaning. Its much better to learn Arabic and understand Allah's word, rather than a translator's. Having said that, lets not diminish the benefits of learning the entire Quran by heart. It has its own merit and Allah will reward these people, Insha Allah.