In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Beneficent
Alhamdulillah… Infinite praise and thanks be to the Almighty Allah. Complete peace and blessings be upon our teacher and role model of all time, Sayyiduna Muhammad, his household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path.
Among the miraculous nature of the Qur’an is that it’s easy for anyone to learn, read, memorize, understand and master it. Those are the elements that make it easily applicable in our daily life.
In other words, speaking the Arabic Language is undoubtedly an advantage. However, you don’t have to speak it, let alone be a native Arab to master the Qur’an. The good news is, mastering the Qur’an can ease your journey to mastering the Arabic Language, if and when you choose to do so.
This article comes to serve as a reminder for myself, and then as a motivation and encouragement for you to develop a strong bonding with Surah al-Baqarah. When I first shared this (in parts, on Facebook) I made a promise to make a video to explain and elaborate on some important points insha Allah. The video will be beneath this paragraph once it’s up, insha Allah. So watch this page, or subscribe to Al-Bushra by GSalam on YouTube.
If you read this article to the end, that will signify the deep interest you have in the subject matter. Therefore, there’ll be a bonus of good news for you. Spoiler alert: the bonus will guide you to embark on an everlasting friendship with Surah al-Baqarah. insha Allah.
Please note, that every link inserted in this article is closely related to the subjecte matter. Therefore, I encourage, that you make some time to go through them, as they will answer many questions you might have which may not be answered in this article.
Also, do note, that I have a book on How to memorise the Qur’an in 10 Years, Regardless of Age and Profession. That book, which is currently out of stock came from some of the articles collected in this link.
This article is outlined as per the following:
- Who Can Memorize Al-Baqarah?
- First, Let’s Create a Common Ground
- Why You Should Memorize Surah Al-Baqarah
- Prerequisites for Memorizing Al-Baqarah
- Some Necessary Adjustments Needed
- Practical Steps to Memorize Surah Al-Baqarah
- The 10x, 5x and 40x Rule of Repetition
- Practical Steps to Revise While Memorizing
- The Bonus
- Conclusion
First things first, who can memorize Surah al-Baqarah?
Who Can Memorize Al-Baqarah?
By the will of Allah, anyone who chooses to memorize can memorize Surah al-Baqarah. However, as much as people differ in their capacities, they also differ in the time and skills they need to master Surah al-Baqarah. For that, I categorize people in their relation to Surah al-Baqarah into the following four categories:
- The one who has already memorized the Surah.
- The one who is exposed to reading the Surah, but has not memorized it.
- The one who can read the Qur’an, but is not comfortable reading al-Baqarah.
- The one who doesn’t know how to read the Qur’an, and hence, he’s not comfortable with al-Baqarah.
This article particularly targets individuals who fall within the 2nd and 3rd categories.
If you are in the 1st category and have memorized Surah al-Baqarah, then you have the responsibility to teach others. At least your family members, friends and relatives.
If you fall in the 2nd category, meaning that you are exposed to reading Surah al-Baqarah but have not memorized it yet, I hope you find this article helpful.
Similarly, if you fall in the 3rd category and can read the Qur’an but are not comfortable reading Surah al-Baqarah, then for you, I suggest that you make yourself comfortable with reading the Surah first. And then start following the steps I’m sharing in this article with the intention and determination to memorize it.
As for anyone who might fall in the 4th category, and are reading these lines, then know that you are not left behind. However, you need a prerequisite programme before embarking on this. I have a series on YouTube called the “Juz’ ‘Amma Practical Tajeweed Series (JAPTS)” for you. Click here to check it out. If it so happens, that you cannot recognise the Arabic Alphabet to begin with, then click here to check out the Arabic Alphabet.
Now that we’ve answered the question on who can memorize Surah al-Baqarah, let’s create a common ground for this noble journey. Are you ready? If yes, then let’s go!
First, Let’s Create a Common Ground
On average, it takes the one who has memorized Surah al-Baqarah entirely and solidly, an hour to reproduce it by heart.
This means, if you spend an hour a day to memorize one or two verses of the Surah, you can consider yourself reaping the same amount of reward as the one who has memorized it. The effort put in, and the time spent are more or less the same. And so should be the satisfaction, insha Allah.
On top of that, here’s the good news; as long as you seek Allah’s assistance and persevere, it’ll be just a matter of time and you’ll find yourself reading the whole Surah, by heart. In an hour. By the will of Allah.
In a nutshell, an hour a day is all you need to master Surah al-Baqarah.
I know, that one question is still ringing in your head. “Why memorize, when I can simply read from the printed Qur’an, or even easier on my phone or tablet?” You might have been asking this question. But fret not. The next section answers just that.
Why You Should Memorize Surah Al-Baqarah
As far as the Qur’an is concerned, you can always simply read it instead of memorizing it. The only exception is that you need to memorize at least one short Surah for your prayer's sake. However, when you memorize it, I mean the Qur’an, your relationship with it will climb to amazing highs.
Understanding it is another dimension of learning the Qur’an and so is applying it in your real life. To better understand what I mean by that, I invite you to read my article, 8 Reasons You Should Read the Qur'an Everyday, even if you don’t understand it.
This article emphasizes reading and memorizing. The more you memorize from the Qur’an, the more you reap in return. And Surah al-Baqarah is our featured Surah in this article, and our focus in this noble project.
In this section, I’m sharing 10 reasons you should memorize Surah Al-Baqarah. It’s for you, regardless of whether you’re a full-time or part-time Qur’an student or Qur’an lover.
- When you memorize Surah al-Baqarah, you’ll be able to read it anytime, and anywhere you choose to. You can read it in your prayers as well as outside your prayers. Also, you can read it while on the go, on your way to the marketplace, the shopping mall, or while brisk walking.
- When you memorize Surah al-Baqarah, you will be memorizing the pinnacle of the Qur’an. This is highlighted in my article/video: 7 Reasons to Start Reading Surah Al-Baqarah Right Away.
- When you memorize Surah al-Baqarah, you will be carrying in your heart and mind, the Surah that contains the greatest verse in the Qur’an. Yes, the greatest verse in the Qur’an is Ayatul-Kursi. Check out 8 Recommended Times for Reading Ayatul-Kursi.
- When you memorize Surah al-Baqarah, you will be memorizing 8.3% (1/12) of the Quran. Yes, Surah al-Baqarah is the longest Surah in the Qur’an, and I was surprised when I computed it and realized it’s 8.3% of the Qur’an. And that is remarkably significant.
- When you memorize Surah al-Baqarah, you’ll be healed from many hidden spiritual sicknesses and problems. This means, Surah al-Baqrah is ruqyah. And when you read it, you’re actually doing self ruqyah. If you’re wondering what Ruqyah is, then check out: Introduction to Ruqyah: Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones Spiritually.
- When you memorize Surah al-Baqarah, you will accumulate lots of Barakah. So, if you want real Barakah, read and memorize Baqarah.
- As you read and memorize Surah al-Baqrah, your home and any place you reside in will be clear of devils. This is also highlighted in 7 Reasons to Start Reading Surah Al-Baqarah Right Away.
- The time you spend in memorizing Surah al-Baqarah will keep you away from music and many worthless activities and relationships. And this will keep in peace of mind.
- Memorizing Al-Baqarah (or anything from the Qur’an) is a gym for your brain. Your memory will prevented from deteriorating. I’m not claiming one won’t be subjected to the loss of memory because of memorizing the Qu’ran or Surah al-Baqarah for that matter. But if you keep your brain active, that activeness is likely to preserve your memory. By the will of Allah.
- Al-Baqarah will defend its companions on the Day of Judgement. Wouldn’t you want to be one of those who attain such a privilege?
As we reach to the end of this section, I feel that you’re hooked. And you are going impatient for the good reason. You can’t wait to know how to memorize Surah al-Baqarah. We will certainly do that in a coming section. So keep reading. But now, let’s first highlight some prerequisites for memorizing Surah al-Baqarah.
Prerequisites for Memorizing Al-Baqarah
It’s important to pay attention to the following prerequisites. Let me plainly honest: if you can’t adhere to any of the points highlighted among these prerequisites, then I humbly request that you stop here. Spend your time in other activities that may keep you close to Allah.
Here are they:
- Intend and do it for Allah’s sake alone. Don’t even do it with the intention to teach others. Once you attain it for Allah’s sake, Allah will subject you to use it to teach and do more than teaching.
- Constantly ask Allah to assist you in achieving it.With Allah’s assistance, the most unachievable with be among the easiest to achieve.
- Start with the determination to complete it. Don’t start with the “I want to try” mindset.
- Be patient with yourself. It’s not an intensive programme to be finished in a month or two. It may take some time, and that is what makes it fun and exciting. So enjoy it.
- Have a schedule (time and space). Find the time in which you can focus and a space with less noise.
- Follow the schedule. Avoid procrastination. Stick to it. Let everything wait when it’s time for your al-Baqarah.
- Be disciplined and consistent. It’s not a smooth sailing. No success is ever achieved while smooth sailing. Regardless of whether it’s Dunya-related or Akhirah-related. Whether it’s done for Allah’s sake or otherwise.
- Visualize the reward and the attached excitement upon accomplishing a noble mission. Always remember why you are doing it, and why you started.
Some Necessary Adjustments Needed, Indeed
Once you’ve checked all the boxes in the above list, it’s time to make some necessary adjustments in lifestyle to accommodate your new noble journey.
Socially, if one is a bachelor, he has to make some adjustments the moment he gets married. One can’t be married and yet, continues to maintain a bachelor’s lifestyle. Similarly, a couple without a child must make some adjustments before and upon the arrival of their first child. In fact, they have to make further adjustments when a second child lands in the home.
Physically, you have to make changes to your daily routine if you ever decide to keep up with fitness. Your diet should change, and so will your sleeping habits, and many more.
Religiously, for the one who misses prayers, he will have to make a significant adjustment in order to be able to achieve change in himself and start to observe these 5 times prayers daily. And when he decides to commit to Sunnah prayers which are either done before or after the obligatory ones, he’ll have to learn to be ready for prayers before the prayer time kicks in, and also be patient to stay a bit longer after the prayers. In other words, you can’t delay the obligatory prayers if you want to accomplish the Sunnah ones attached to them.
Similarly, you can’t adopt and observe Qiyamullayl until you change your daily plans and some habits. In fact, you’ll have to observe some 8 practices in order to be able to wake up for Qiyamullayl.
Furthermore, you have to make some significant adjustments in your daily routine in order to be able to adopt fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.
This is to say, to accommodate Surah al-Baqarah effectively in your life, you have to make some significant adjustments to your lifestyle. Yes, Surah al-Baqarah changes people for good. But you must prepare for that and be ready to receive that positive change.
Therefore, get ready to sacrifice some convinces in your life. Conveniences like sleeping time, screen time, the extra time spent with friends outside the home, and the excess of food intake.
Once we have agreed to follow the above-mentioned prerequisites, and are also ready to make these adjustments, we’re set to go, by the will of Allah. So, what do we do next?
Practical Steps to Memorize Surah Al-Baqarah
The time has arrived for us to dive into the steps of memorizing Surah al-Baarah. But first, let’s divide the Surah into sections, parts and chunks.
Dividing al-Baqarah into Sections, Parts, and Chunks
Surah al-Baqarah covers almost two Juz’ and a half. These 2.5 juz’ are spread over 48 pages. For easy implementation and for tracking purposes, let’s divide it into five sections, and each section into four parts. Then you will need to break each part into small chunks which you will memorize on days of memorization and also revise on days of revision. Days of memorization and days of revision are suggested in the next section.
Now, the suggested sections and parts are as follows:
Section 1
- Part 1: verse 1-25
- Part 2: verse 26-43
- Part 3: verse 44-59
- Part 4: verse 60-74
Section 2
- Part 1: verse 75-91
- Part 2: verse 92-105
- Part 3: verse 106-123
- Part 4: verse 124-141
Section 3
- Part 1: verse 142-157
- Part 2: verse 158-176
- Part 3: verse 177-188
- Part 4: verse 189-202
Section 4
- Part 1: verse 203-218
- Part 2: verse 219-232
- Part 3: verse 233-242
- Part 4: verse 243-252
Section 5
- Part 1: verse 253-262
- Part 2: verse 263-271
- Part 3: verse 272-282
- Part 4: verse 283-286
Days for Memorization and Revision
I suggest dedicating 5 days for memorization, and two days for revision. Needless to say, there’s no resting day(s), in the pursuit for Allah. Yes, there are resting times. But no resting days.
- Day 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the week are for memorization.
- Day 6 and 7 of the week are for revision.
Steps for Memorising Al-Baqarah
Please refer to the attached poster to understand this part.
Also, note, that the single verse in the poster serves as an example. What we see in that poster is what we call it a Chunk of a Part. It can be a set of a few verses. It may be part, or say half or a quarter of a long verse. It can also be a single line or two from the page. Whichever it is, learn to break each part into chunks that you are comfortable with to facilitate the easiness of your memorization. Insha Allah.
Now, let’s start…
- Read and repeat phrase or verse #1 for 10 times.
- Move on to #2 and read and repeat it 10 times.
- Repeat #1 and #2 for five times together
Next
- Read and repeat #3 for 10 times.
- Combine #1, #2 and #3 and repeat them for five times.
Next
- Read and repeat #4 for 10 times.
- Combine #1, #2, #3 and #4 and repeat them for five times.
Next
- Read and repeat #5 for 10 times.
- Combine #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 and repeat them for five times.
Next
- Read and repeat #6 for 10 times.
- Combine #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 and repeat them five times.
Now… Close your Qur’an (or turn off your screen) and try to read everything (#1 to #6) together by heart. If you succeed. Then repeat it for 10 times. If you don’t succeed, try it again a few more times until you succeed. Just don’t get frustrated.
Once you succeed for the first time, you are done. Congratulations…
The next step is to strengthen it. You do so by repeating it for a minimum of 40 times. Good news… You can spread that 40 times repetition throughout the day.
Tomorrow, Insha Allah, before you start with your new Chunk, try to reproduce by heart, the chunk you memorized yesterday, first. This is considering yesterday was your very first day in the programme. Only move on to the new chunk (new assignment) after you are able to reproduce the previous chunk successfully.
If you’re unable to reproduce it, relax… repeat the steps… Repeat until you get it. Insha Allah. Probably spend the day to strengthen it instead of taking in a new chunk.
The 10x, 5x and 40x Rules of Repetition
Upon applying the 10x and 5x rule of repetition during your memorization, if you still struggle to read by heart, then increase the amount. Increase from 10x to 15x or more. And upscale 5x to 10x or more. It will be more satisfying to apply this and get it right in the end than insisting on the 10x and 5x rules of repetition and ending up stuck, which may result in possible frustration, disappointment, and demotivation.
The same thing applies to the 40x rule of repetition. After memorizing (using either the 10x and 5x rule or the 15x and 10x rule), you need to repeat it a minimum of 40 times. If however, after a while you stumble, then you are ought to upscale to, say 50 times. And make that your personal benchmark.
In a nutshell, increase your 10x, 5x and 40x if you need to. But don’t decrease them.
Practical Steps to Revise While Memorizing
Now that you’ve started your memorization of Surah al-Baqarah, it’s important to also start your revision as you progress.
Revising your memorization should be in three different ways. All three ways are equally important and should be observed closely. They are:
- Daily Revision
- Weekly Light Revision
- Weekly Long Revision
Daily Revision
I’m sure you remember what we said at the end of the previous section. We said, once you’ve successfully memorised your chunk of the day, following the steps we’ve suggested, and are able to reproduce it by heart for a minimum of 40 times, you have to also reproduce it by heart the next day, first thing. Only when you get it successfully right, should you move on to work on a new chunk. Remember?
Consider that chunk of yesterday’s as the beginning of the Part of any given Section.
So, Let’s say, you’re currently memorizing in the middle of Part 1 of Section 1. This means, you have already memorized a few chunks in the previous couple of days. Correct?
So, let’s say, today is your 7th chunk (in Part 1 of Section 1), the chunk you need to reproduce before progressing with a new chunk is not only the immediate previous day’s. It’s rather the very first chunk of Part 1 of Section 1. That’s seven chunks.
Thus, tomorrow, you have to reproduce 8 chunks, considering you’ve successfully done today’s chunk, before progressing with tomorrow’s new chunk.
That is how your daily revision works.
Now, while you’re still in Section 1, when you progress from Part 1 to Part 2, the chunks of Part 1 will no longer be part of your Daily Revision. They become part of your Weekly Light Revision.
So how does the Weekly Light Revision work?
Weekly Light Revision
Remember, that we have two days for revision. The 6th day and the 7th day of the week. Is that correct? Good!
We are going to use the 6th day of the week, for our Weekly Light Revision.
Light revision is when you revise and strengthen the current Part which you’re memorizing.
For example, you are currently in Section 1. But you’re actively memorizing in Part 3. On the 6th day, you’ll read, by heart from the beginning of Part 1 to where you are in Part 3. All in Section 1.
Remember, you have an hour, right? So spend it to strengthen it. You may need to repeat it multiple times. In fact, even if you make no mistakes, keep repeating. Use the dedicated time for it.
Now, how does Weekly Long Revision work?
Weekly Long Revision
We are now left with one day in the week. That’s the 7th day. This 7th day is dedicated for your long revision.
Similar to, but slightly different from the Weekly Light Revision (which takes place on the 6th day), we are going to revise everything we have memorized in Surah al-Baqarah on the 7th day of the week.
Let’s break it down.
Say you’re currently in Part 4 of Section 3 on your al-Baqarah journey. On the 6th day, you revised from Part 1 to Part 4 of Section 3. This is light revision. Right? The next day, on the 7th day, you’re going to read from Part 1 of Section 1, all the way down to Part 4 of Section 3.
I know, you’re saying, “but.. it’s too long!” Right?
Don’t forget what we’ve agreed upon at the very beginning. We’ve agreed, that “an hour a day is all you need to master Surah al-Baqarah.” This means, if you have patiently followed the steps from when you started, and memorized and revised thus far, it should feel effortless to sit or walk and revise from Part 1 of Section 1 down to Part 4 of Section 3. And you’ll do the same when you reach Part 4 of Section 5, by the will of Allah.
Furthermore, by this time, it’s going to be so exciting and satisfying, for you to complain about anything at all.
It’s important to indicate here, that no matter how strongly you have successfully memorized the Qur’an, you have to constantly revise it. Or else you’ll forget it. Surah al-Baqarah is not an exception.
It’s important to emphasise, that the whole idea behind this project is to create a strong bonding with Surah al-Baqarah. And that bonding can only remain strong if we constantly revise it.
Now, after you’ve reached to this point, you can embark on learning the meaning of Surah al-Baqarah, and working on applying its teachings and lessons in your daily life.
This Revision Style
Please note, that this style of revision is only applicable when you’re memorizing al-Baqarah or any other Surah for that matter. For the one who has memorised the whole Qur’an he should follow a different method to strengthen his memorization.
Now, it’s time for the promised bonus.
The Bonus
The video above explains and elaborates this particular article. But I have a greater good news to share with you. That is I’m going to release a new series on TVQ.Academy’s YouTube channel reading the whole of Surah al-Baqarah, demonstrating following the steps of memorisation suggested in this article.
If you are hooked and excited about memorizing Surah al-Baqarah, then head on to TVQ.Academy’s YouTube Channel to subscribe and stay tuned.
Conclusion
This article presented you to a programme for memorising and mastering Surah al-Baqarah. However, you can use the same method to memorize any Surah or even memorize the entire Qur’an by the will of Allah. Additionally, whether you are a parent or an educator, you can use this method to help your child memorize the entire Qur’an, insha Allah. It’s important to always remember to revisit the prerequisites for your memorisation. Most importantly, constantly review your intention and ensure to align it with Allah subḥānahū wa ta’ālā.
The methods of memorizing and revising shared in this article are not the only methods out there. But they are the less demanding with significant results. With it, all you need is your present (focused) and determined mind and then having a dedicated Qur’an for yourself.
You are free to explore as many methods as you wish. But the time used in exploring can be used to progress in your memorisation journey. Also, the best method for memorizing is the one, with which you’re most comfortable and productive. If you don’t have one for yourself, then, adopt one and stick to it. Make changes to it to fit your style and adapt, and you’ll be fine, Insha Allah.
If you find this article beneficial, kindly share it with your loved ones and let’s go to Jannah together.
See you… and see you in Jannah.
Allahu Hafiz ☺
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