Learning Surah Aadiyat in Seven Days
Although it took a lengthy two weeks for me to memorise Surah `Aadiyat, the actual memorisation time was closer to two-and-a-half hours. Personally, I split the verses according to their content, length and rhythm so that instead of simply parrot-repetition I could recall the meanings and Arabic language rules simultaneously. But you can always pick up your own methods.
There is always a point when I go back and see something else, some new information or deeper lesson that I didn't pick up (or was not taught) at first. But that is the wonder of Qur'an in itself; Allah helps us critically embrace it when we're ready.
For memorisation purposes I stuck with one Arabic teacher, the same recitation style and text size, and much repetition. One of the best techniques is to have a trigger for recall, like a phrase, a word or even a sound. I tend to work backwards in that I will study each verse, the Arabic grammar rules, its tafsir (clarification/interpretation) and so on to retain the essential information. The Arabic verses are numbered beginning with the tasmiyah (bismillah) so just discount that and begin with verse 2 as the real verse 1.
DAY 1: Verse 1
Wal-`Aadiyaa ti dabHa(n)
Translation
By the racers (the horses), panting.
Memory tip: Think of a horse's running and panting sounds to connect 'dabHa' to its meaning.
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DAY 2: Verses 2-3
Transliteration
Translation
And the producers of sparks [when] striking.
TransliterationTranslation
And the chargers at dawn,
Memory tip: Emphasise the last consonants to reiterate the qalqala rule. Compare 'mooriyati' with 'mugheerati' to understand the vowel lengths.
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DAY 3: Verses 4-5
Transliteration
Translation
Stirring up thereby [clouds of] dust,
TransliterationTranslation
Arriving thereby in the center collectively.
Memory tip: 'Bounce' the Qaf in 'naqq'-`aa' [naqa'a]. Follow and repeat the recitation rhythm of your Arabic teacher.
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DAY 4: Verse 6
Transliteration
Inna'l insaana li'rabbihee la-kanood(un)
Translation
Indeed mankind, to his Lord, is ungrateful.
Memory: tip The slower this verse is read, the better you'll comprehend what is being said. Emphasise the double 'baa' in 'Rabbi'.
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DAY 5: Verses 7-8
Wa-innahu `Alaa thalika lashaheed(un)
Translation
And indeed, he is to that a witness.
Transliteration
Wa-innahu li-hubbil khayri lashadeed(un)
Translation
And indeed he is, in love of wealth, intense.
Memory tip: For those who are non-Arabic speakers, picking up rhyming sounds is one of the better techniques. Compare 'shaheed' with 'shadeed'.
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DAY 6: Verse 9-10
Afalaa yA`lamu ithaa bu`-thira maa fil-quboor(i)
Translation
But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered,
Transliteration
Wa Hussila maa fis-sudoor(i)
Translation
And that within the breasts is obtained,
Memory tip: The last word Quboor (from qabr) here means graves, which is one of many abrupt sounding word to reinforce the events after death. Compare that to the 's' of 'sudoor' - hearts.
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DAY 7: Verse 11
Transliteration
Inna rabbahum-bihim yawma'ithin lla khabeer(un)
Translation
Indeed, their Lord with them, that Day, is [fully] Acquainted.
Memory tip: I used 'rabbihum-bihim' (their Lord [is] with them) as the final key to memorising. Rabbihum-bihim: Allah is always aware but this attribute will feel more eternal when there is nowhere else to run to.
Watch: Surah Aadiyat YouTube video with English sub., recitation by sh. Mishary.
Memorise: Surah Aadiyat on Mount Hira.
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