The Journey of Hifdh

 وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ

And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember? [54:17]

It was during a difficult time in my life when I opened the Quran hoping to receive guidance. For the first time I read with contemplation, opening my heart to the words I would usually rush through. I felt my heart expand and a sense of tranquility wash over me. I read until it felt like the veils between my Creator and I had lifted. I felt a closeness to Him that I have never experienced before. Tears covered my face. “Oh, Allah forgive me,” I whispered. I had neglected the Quran for too long. To taste the sweetness that came with reciting the Quran was enough for me to promise to never stay far from it again. I was captivated by words so beautiful. Words that will remain unmatched and unchanged. Words that were sent by Allah (SWT) for the guidance of mankind. Guidance I was in absolute need of.

Whether you wish to memorize the Quran or increase in your recitation, know that it has been made easy for you. With the right intention and by seeking the help of Allah, anything is possible. You just have to take the step. Steps taken with the purpose of seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT) reap countless of blessings. I have seen it with my eyes and I have felt it with my heart. If you are looking for a positive change in your life, make the Quran your companion and Allah (SWT) your friend.

“I’m always amazed at the statement of al-Hasan al-Basri where he says that the hafidh of the Qur’an is not just preserving the Qur’an through his hifdh. No, rather the Qur’an is what is preserving him/her.

The more we surround ourselves with the Qur’an and busy ourselves in its recital and memorisation, the more Allah preserves us and protects us through it.

When we think about how, at times, thousands of Angels descended with just one Surah (e.g. Al-An’am) or one verse, it is no surprise then to know that Angels surround, protect, and walk alongside the huffadh of Qur’an who spend their days in the company of this Book. It is no surprise if – due to their continuous recital – they find their life blossoming, their affairs being taken care of, their illnesses being removed, their heart being settled in peace, things working out for them and so on. When you preserve the Qur’an, realize that the Qur’an preserves you tons more.

May Allah make us amongst the people of Qur’an, ameen.”

To be among those whom Allah (SWT) has chosen to protect His book is a beautiful responsibility. Words are not enough to perfectly describe the numerous ways in which memorizing the Quran can impact one’s life. It must be felt, by you, the reader. By reading the Quran aloud and consistently it is enough to feel the magnitude of its effect but to delve into studying and memorizing it, is to live by its effect.

The moment you set sail on your journey of hifdh you are met with waves of excitement, you will see the pearls of your sacrifice and you will always have the right navigation, InshaAllah. Learn, study, memorize the Book of Allah:

For the pleasure of Allah

Whatever we do, we should do for the pleasure of Allah. Our intention lights up the way on our journey, keeping us focused, reminding us that no action is worth doing if it is only to please ourselves or others rather than our Creator. Correct your intention every day. An honour by Allah is far greater than any we could receive in this world.

You will be from the ones whom Rasulullah (saw) described as, “Indeed, Allah has people from amongst Mankind who are from His Household (i.e. very dear ones): The People of Qur’an, they are the People of the Household of Allah and His Special Ones…” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah) 

For reformation of character

Slowly but surely, the negative traits within you begin to dissipate as the light of Allah surrounds you. Your usual behaviour, words and manners begin to leave you feeling uneasy. Something within you longs for a change. Your approach becomes more soft, kind and humble. You begin to feel the pain you cause others and you begin to feel the remorse of sins. Most importantly you begin to question how Allah sees you. Have I gained His pleasure or earned His displeasure? It becomes the most important concern in your life.

When the love of Allah grows in your heart, overflowing to a point where you are able to share it with others; you become conscious of your duty to Allah as well as your duty to people.

When you allow the Quran to enter your heart;

Frustration becomes patience,

Envy becomes contentment,

Judgement becomes empathy,

Bitterness becomes forgiveness,

Anger becomes rare,

Fear becomes trust,

Sadness becomes gratitude,

Grief becomes acceptance.

Ill feelings become too heavy to carry. You begin to forgive eagerly, ensuring nothing negative harbours in your heart. It is Allah (SWT), who purifies our hearts through the Quran. SubhanAllah.

For guarding against sins

Gradually you become disturbed by sin and left with a feeling of uneasiness. You come to a point where you don’t want to do anything that displeases Allah. Your love for Allah (SWT) and His Book stops you from continuing on a path that is destructive for your Akhirah.

Abdul Wahhaab Ash-Sha’raani has quoted in ‘At-TabaqaatulKubra’ the following statement of a pious person: “When a reciter of the Qur’an goes towards any sin, the Qur’an in his heart calls out to him/her, saying, “By the oath of Allah! You have not studied me so that you could perpetrate this.” If the sinner could only hear this call, he would die out of shame and embarrassment.” (Wasiyyatul-Aaadaab)

For happiness, peace and contentment

The Messenger (saw) said, “No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that Sakeenah (Tranquility) descends upon them, and Mercy envelopes them, and the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them amongst those who are with Him.”

Through His book, Allah softens, changes and fixes hearts. The mercy and blessings of Allah descend on the huffadh and all that surrounds him. Suddenly he sees light where there is darkness and finds ease during times of distress. Even the challenges in life seem more bearable. Trust in Allah becomes easier; life becomes a peaceful journey with Him by your side.

There is a certain happiness, peace and contentment that comes from drawing close to Allah through His book. It contains a love so pure, it is unwavering and fulfilling. If you’ve ever experienced an emptiness within you, like a void that cannot be filled, it is a sign that your soul is starving for the love of its Creator. It is the warmth your heart knows and has always been searching for. It is home.

For sweetness of Salaah & Imaan

The Quran becomes your companion in life. Hours, days and nights go by in memorization and/or continuous recitation. Your Salaah is enriched with the new surahs you learn. Your recitation blossoms with new interest. Whether it is standing in the night prayers or doing revision to strengthen what you have learnt, the time with the Quran becomes a sweet embrace after a stressful day. It becomes the comfort you seek and a special time with Allah (SWT). A time where you can enjoy the beautiful words and ponder over its message, dreaming of a place where “no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no heart can ever imagine.” It is a piece of Jannah in this temporary world.

“If the people of this world take delight in their world and the people of status take delight in their status and the people of wealth take delight in their wealth, then the bearer of Qur’aan is more worthy of taking delight in the speech of Allah which is not moved by the Dunya and all that is in it of temporary enjoyment.”

Committing to memorizing the Quran will be one of the best decisions you make. May Allah make it easy for all those who wish to embark on this journey, those in the process of memorization and those who have completed. May Allah make us all steadfast. Ameen.

Sources:

• Who are the Women of the Qur’an? – Ml. Imraan Kajee
• Causes That Aid in The Memorisation of The Noble Qur’aan – Shaykh Mahmood Al-Misri (Abu ‘Ammar)
• Guidelines for a Hafiz – Hafiz Sohail Bengali