5 Beginner Hacks to Study Quran

People's relationship with the Qur'an can fluctuate like the weather. It's not always a blameworthy habit, we all struggle to maintain our interactions it. 

In my time studying Arabic and Tafseer [an on-going project], the one thing that my teachers told me and I'd tell you is: just have a relationship with the Qur'an. Don't cut ties. If weeks, months and years have gone by - may Allah have mercy on you - go back to the Qur'an because it will always be happy to see you again. 

Your interpretation of this might be trying to read a few pages every day. For me, it involves scrapbooking, marker pens and doodles. For someone else, it could mean having an experienced teacher and studying Arabic. 

One way to be consistent while engaging with the Qur'an is to keep a journal or checklist. This can include notes on Tafseer (interpretation), personal reflections, or even visual ideas inspired by the Qur'an. 

Taking notes while reading the Qu'ran can also help with retention and understanding. Additionally, it can be helpful to plan out when and how you will engage with the Qur'an to ensure consistency and maximize impact. Starting a Qur'an study with mates is another great way to deepen your understanding and connection with the Quran, especially during Ramadan. 

Always be realistic and build Qur'an into your weekly routine until the Qur'an becomes your priority. 

Let's take baby steps though. 

Here are 5 Beginner Hacks to get started with the Qur'an. 

1.Set a simple goal 

Before you begin, determine why and how you want to start studying Qur'an. Is it to memorise verses, gain a deeper understanding of the text, or improve your Arabic? Having a clear goal will help guide your journaling process. 

• Goal 1: To know what Allah is teaching you about HIM (His Siffaat ie #99Names). 
• Goal 2: To know what you're supposed to do on Earth aka Laws, Beliefs, Ethics, Contracts, Rights and so on. 
• Goal 3: To know what to expect after you've died. Islam is big on Judgement Day so the Qur'an is the go-to place to prepare for meeting Allah. 

If you're a newbie-newbie then don't freelance it, follow an order. Begin with Surah Fatiha, read, memorise and study the content to your heart's content, then jump to the shorter Surahs in the end (Juz 27-30), before coming back to the glorious Surahs of Baqarah, Imran and Nisaa. 

Sub-topics include things like science. There's loads of science in the Qur'an = embryology, cloud formation, bursting stars, the water cycle, planetary orbits. It's pretty cool. 

Or, if you're into history, welcome yourself to the epic events of Egyptian pharaohs, Roman battles, Makkan business, major prophets and notable figures. There's entire chapters dedicated to women - I'd start here. 

2. Choose a format 

Decide on the format that works best for you. Do you prefer a traditional notebook, a digital document, or a dedicated Qur'an journal with prompts and space for reflection? 

Grab your favourite tools, no matter how simple or child-like and use them to study Qur'an. Maybe you could watercolour your favourite Ayah or simply post one Ayah a day onto your social media account. We are not changing meanings, deriving meanings or reforming - we are presenting the same Arabic Ayah in a way that you can learn from it. 

• Begin with bullet pointing the main message of that Surah/Verse. 
• Create a mind-map diagram that are easy to show a 10-year old. 
• Highlight some of the key words (this helps build up vocab).
• Draw a little doodle to depict something that struck you. 

3. Create a study plan

Develop a study plan that suits your lifestyle and schedule. Determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to studying the Qur'an, and set aside time each day or week for your journaling practice. 

Currently, my friends are memorising Surah Ya-Seen. Every day at 9pm we have a WhatsApp call, one of us records it and the smartest one goes through the Arabic grammar and shares tips. You have to keep this up, you can't miss them. 

4. Incorporate visual learning

Visual aids can be helpful when studying the Qur'an. Consider using diagrams, charts, timelines, LEGO! or other graphic organizers to help you understand complex concepts. 

For example, when you read the descriptions of Heaven, Allah uses various names, types of reward and actions that are connected to the Levels of Jannah. 

Bring yourself joy and draw out the names and rewards that Allah mentions and reference them. There's familiar and unfamiliar ideas: green embroidered gowns, jewels, food, honey, Halal wine (!), and telepathy, flight, unending meadows, trees that are bigger than Jupiter. We couldn't really imagine them but putting pen to paper is an amazing teaching tool to fall in love with Allah's Paradise. 

5. Reflect and revise

Regularly reflect on your journaling practice and edit your study plan as needed. Celebrate your progress and use your journal to track your growth and learning journey. 

• Share what you learn with family or online. 
• Create a blog (better than this one!) and share your work to encourage others. 
• People spend bajillions in Bible study, in the education system, in training for work (blah, it's so dull), so why not invest a little money and time to get better at understanding the Qur'an? 

The Qur'an is the only ingredient that WILL make you better at life! #TrueStory 

Hope that helps you, duas and smiles,

Zaufishan