Is memorizing the Quran mandatory? Some people think that memorizing the Quran is mandatory but there are many details to cover in this context so that we can reach the accurate Islamic ruling.
In this article, we will tackle the meaning of Quran memorization rule, answering the Question of: Is memorizing the Quran mandatory? Also, we will explore the fruits of memorizing the Quran so that we feel motivated to take the step, and finally, we will go through the Quranic verses covering the concept of memorization.
Is Memorizing The Quran Mandatory?
In the common sense of memorization, we can say that memorizing the Quran is not mandatory for individual Muslims but it is a collective mandatory duty upon all the Muslim Nation.
Still, the memorization of the Quran takes its ruling depending on the type of memorization, and the needs of the Muslim community. Memorizing the portion of Quran words needed to perform prayers–Surat Al Fatihah and a short surah–is an individual duty [fard ain]. Still, memorizing the Quran words, as a whole, is a collective duty [fard kifayah] over the whole Muslim community, not the individuals.
This means that if a suitable number of Muslims memorize the Quran then memorization will be a recommended act of worship for the rest of the Muslims. Otherwise, all the Muslim community will be sinned for not preserving the Quran.
Imam Al Ghazali defines the collective duty saying:
“ Every required religious objective sought by Sharia to be attained regardless of the identity of the individuals fulfilling it.”
Therefore, memorizing the Quran words is a collective duty while the preservation of meanings and application is an individual duty, even if they don’t memorize the words.
What Is The Meaning Of Memorizing The Quran?
Memorizing the Quran means understanding its messages, applying them and memorizing them by heart. Here is a detailed Expalantion of the linguistic and classic meaning of memorizing the Quran:
The Linguistic Meaning Of Memorizing The Quran:
The Arabic word (Ha-Fi-Dha), i.e., commonly translated as to memorize, means to preserve a thing and take care of it for fear of becoming lost. Thus, memorization intended in Sharia tackles the preservation of both words and meanings as well.
Also, in Longman dictionary, memorize is defined as learning (something) so that you know (it) perfectly. This implies that the process of memorization includes words and meanings.
Memorization Meaning In The Quran
Moreover, if we trace the root of (Ha-Fi-Dha) in the Quran and the interpreters’ commentaries, we can understand the broad aspect of memorization, i.e., preservation of words and meanings. For example, Allah Almighty mentions that the People of the Scripture were entrusted to preserve their books:
“So too did the rabbis and scholars judge according to Allah’s Book, with which they were entrusted to preserve and of which they were made keepers.” (English interpretation for the meaning of the Quran: 5:44)
Ibn Katheer broaden the concept of (Hifdh) here saying:
for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book, meaning, they were entrusted with the Book of Allah, and they were commanded to adhere to it and not hide any part of.
Is It Important For A Muslim To Memorize The Whole Quran?
Yes, it’s important for the Muslim to seek the honor of memorizing the whole Quran. Yet, it’s not obligatory for every Muslim to memorize the Quran words as a whole. Rather, it’s a collective duty.
Still, the application of this ruling is subject to the place and timing as well. In other words, there is an extra duty to be considered for Muslims living in non-Muslim countries to memorize the Quran so that they keep the higher objective of religion within their communities. Fortunately, Shaykhi Academy can help you to achieve this goal.
What Happens If You Memorize The Quran?
If you memorize the Quran, there are many benefits awaiting you in this life and the hereafter. Among these benefits are:
First: Fruits of memorizing the Quran in worldly life:
Following are the benefits of memorizing the Quran in this life both in leading others in prayers and after death as well.
1. The one memorizing the Quan has the priority for leading the Muslims in prayers:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “The one who knows [by recitation and memorization] the Book of Allah most should be the Imam of the people. (Sahih Muslim)
2. This Muslim is also prioritized in being buried in the grave in case of need for many people put together.
Second: Fruits of memorizing the Quran in the hereafter:
Many virtues are urging the Muslim to memorize the Quran so that he reaches them:
1. The degree of the Muslim is according to the verses of the Quran he memorized.
2. And this Muslim memorizing the Quran will be with the honorable scribes in heaven:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven).” (Sahih Al Bukhari)
3. Also, the Quran will serve as an intercessor for him.
4. The Quran gives the one memorizing it the merit of being an intercessor for other Muslims.
Thus, the Muslim is recommended to seek these virtues of memorizing the Quran in both this life and the hereafter.
What Does Allah Say About Memorizing Quran?
Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran that He makes it easy to learn, describes the memorizers as scholars, and promises to preserve it. Also, Allah Almighty dispraises those memorizing only the words–not meanings–and those who memorize the Quran then neglect it. Here are the verses:
1. Deserve Allah Praising:
Allah Almighty praises those memorizing the Quran describing them as being scholars with real knowledge:
بَلْ هُوَ ءَايَـٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌۭ فِى صُدُورِ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ ۚ
“But this ˹Quran˺ is ˹a set of˺ clear revelations ˹preserved˺ in the hearts of those gifted with knowledge.” (29:49)
Ibn Katheer said that the Quran is clear Ayat which indicate the truth, commands, prohibitions and stories. It is memorized by the scholars for whom Allah makes it easy to memorize, recite and interpret.
2. Allah Almighty Makes The Quran Easy To Remember:
Allah Almighty makes the Quran easy to remember and to be applied in life and he condemns those who deal with His books in a wrong way. Allah Almighty says:
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍۢ ١٧
“And We have certainly made the Quran easy to remember. So is there anyone who will be mindful?” (45:17)
Thus, it’s easy to remember the words and meanings of the Quran and to practice them as well.
3. Allah Almighty Promises To Preserve The Quran:
Allah Almighty asserts that He preserves the Noble Quran forever saying:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ
“It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is certainly We Who will preserve it.” (15:9)
4. Allah Almighty Condemns Those Mistreating His Books Caring Only About Words:
In the Quran, Allah likens those caring about words only to the donkey carrying books:
مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا۟ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًۢا ۚ
“The example of those who were entrusted with ˹observing˺ the Torah but failed to do so, is that of a donkey carrying books.” (62:5)
Ibn Katheer said: They read its letter but did not understand its meanings nor abided by them. Rather, they even corrupted and changed the Tawrah. Therefore, they are worse than the donkey, because the donkey cannot understand. They, on the other hand, could have understood using their minds, but their minds were of no benefit.
5. Allah Almighty Dispraises Those Neglecting The Quran After Being Honored With:
Allah Almighty likens those neglecting the Quran after being honored with it to the dog:
فَمَثَلُهُۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْكَلْبِ
“And relate to them ˹O Prophet˺ the story of the one to whom We gave Our signs, but he abandoned them, so Satan took hold of him, and he became a deviant. If We had willed, We would have elevated him with Our signs, but he clung to this life—following his evil desires. His example is that of a dog…” (7:175)
Therefore, the Quran praises those memorizing the Quran the way that Allah loves–preservation of words and meanings–while dispraising those misguided by following their preferable way of memorization away from revelation.
How To Memorize the Quran?
Do you want to know how to memorize the Quran easily ? There is no doubt that we all as Muslims dream of the day when we will become Hafiz of the Book of Allah and we hope that Allah will grant us this honor.
But dreaming is not enough to achieve this goal – or any other goal in fact – but striving and continuing to try tirelessly is what achieves the goals, and we may stumble sometimes during our attempts,
Then Allah sends us those who support and help us to rise again.
Read More by explore our best guide on how to memorize the Quran.
Start Your Journey Of Memorization With Shykhi:
To conclude, after discussing some of the verses and Prophetic sayings tackling memorization meaning and virtues, you may feel jealous of not starting to memorize the Quran till now.
We learn that memorization includes the words of the Quran–a collective duty–and preservation of the meaning and application of it– an individual duty even for those not memorizing the words.
Of course, it’s easier to start your Online Hifz Course with a teacher at Shaykhi Academy! Start your free trial now.
