Many of you have messaged me over the years since I first shared this method. It has been very helpful for beginners who are starting their Qur’an memorization journey. Even Shaykh Abū Bakr al-Shātrī often recommends this method and prefers repeating each verse 21 times. This approach is excellent for strong memorization. You don’t have to follow it exactly, but it is definitely worth trying.
For beginners learning through quran memorization online, this method works perfectly because it focuses on structured repetition and linking of verses, which strengthens memory.
The Method of Memorization (Hifz)
This method was shared by Dr. Abdul Muhsin Al Qāsim, the Imām and Khatīb of Masjid al-Nabawiyy in Madīnah. It relies on high repetition and structured linking of verses to ensure long-term retention. Beginners should not exceed their daily portion, ideally about one-eighth of a chapter, to avoid overexertion. Persistence and patience are key. The more effort you give, the stronger your memorization will become.
When using quran memorization online platforms, you can listen to verses, repeat them multiple times, and track your progress alongside physical recitation.
How to Recite Each Verse
Divide repetitions between reading from the Mushaf and reciting from memory. For example, you might recite thirteen times while looking and seven times from memory, or split it evenly. Before starting a new page, review the previously memorized page twenty times to make it solid. This ensures earlier verses remain firmly in memory.
Taking the Example of Surah al-Jumu’āh
Taking the example of Surah al-Jumu’āh (which starts at the top of the page, one side, in the King Fahd Qur’ān):
- Recite the first verse (āyah) 20 times (or more)
- Recite the second verse 20 times
- Recite the third verse 20 times
- Recite the fourth verse 20 times
- Recite these four from the beginning to the end, to link them, 20 times
- Recite the fifth verse 20 times
- Recite the sixth verse 20 times
- Recite the seventh verse 20 times
- Recite the eighth verse 20 times
- Recite from the fifth verse to the eighth verse 20 times to consolidate between them
- Recite from the first verse to the eighth verse 20 times to perfect this page
You should continue this method for every page, one side at a time. Persistence will gradually strengthen your memorization. Beginners using quran memorization online tools can follow this page-by-page method while tracking their progress digitally.
How to Combine Memorization and Revision
Revision is just as important as memorization. Without it, earlier portions may be forgotten.
Divide the Qur’an into three sections, each containing about ten Juz’. Memorize one page a day while revising four pages daily until completing the first ten Juz’. Take a one-month break from new memorization and revise eight pages daily. Continue with the next ten Juz’, revising eight pages daily. After twenty Juz’, take a two-month break to revise all twenty Juz’.
Once the entire Qur’an is memorized, revise the first ten Juz’ for one month, half a Juz’ daily. Then revise the second ten Juz’ for a month, reading eight pages from the first ten. Finally, revise the last ten Juz’ for one month while reviewing eight pages from the first and second sections. During repetitions, do most of them from memory whenever possible.
Handling Similar Verses (Mutashābihāt)
When you encounter similar verses, open both in the Mushaf and observe the differences carefully. Repeat them multiple times and understand their meanings. For example, in Surah Āle ‘Imrān, verse 3:155, the correct ending is Haleem, not Raheem. Paying attention to these details ensures accurate memorization.
Daily Routine and Discipline
Discipline is essential. Memorize with a qualified teacher to correct your recitation. Beginners who struggle with pronunciation should first improve their recitation through alearn Quran with Tajweed online course. Aim to memorize two pages a day, one after Fajr and one after Asr or Maghrib. Start from Surah Nās to Fātiḥah for easier memorization. Use one printed copy consistently, as it helps remember the placement of verses and page endings. In the first two years, it is normal to forget portions of what you memorize. This “assembly stage” is natural. Stay persistent and focused.
Alternate Methods and Additional Tips
Some learners adapt the method to their needs. Listen to the page first, recite each line six times slowly while looking, then fourteen times quickly. After finishing half the page, recite it from memory six times slowly and fourteen times quickly. Repeat the same for the second half. Later in the day, recite the full page from memory twenty additional times.
Abu Bakr Ash-Shātrī recommends repeating twenty-one times and keeping a fixed daily portion, ideally one Juz’ or three Ajzā’. Alongside the daily portion, include a weak section for extra repetition, reviewing it seven times and incorporating it in prayers if possible.
Using Quran Memorization Online
Beginners can greatly benefit from quran memorization online platforms. These platforms provide audio recitation, structured repetition, and revision tracking. Combining online tools with daily memorization and revision helps maintain consistency and motivation.
By following this method and using quran memorization online, beginners can gradually build strong, lifelong memorization of the Qur’an while maintaining accuracy and understanding.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوْا۟ مِنكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْتَقَى ٱلْجَمْعَانِ إِنَّمَا ٱسْتَزَلَّهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بِبَعْضِ مَا كَسَبُوا۟ ۖ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ
Indeed, those ˹believers˺ who fled on the day when the two armies met were made to slip by Satan because of their misdeeds. But Allah has pardoned them. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. (3:155)