How Long Does It Take to Memorize the Quran?

That one most FAQ (frequently asked question) we use to ask any Hāfiẓ we come across is “how long did it take you to memorize the Quran?” Also, “how old were you when you memorized the Qur’an?”

These are genuine questions, which shows the interest of the one asking in memorizing the Qur’an. Therefore, an honest answer is expected. But the truth is, no honest answer to these questions will make a Hāfiẓ out of anyone else. In fact, it may discourage him further.

This is to say, if it took the person we pose this type of questions to 24 months to memorize the Quran, we will find it too compact (for us) to do it in a such a ‘short period.’ If he did it in 24 years, we’ll find it too long and, perhaps, discouraging for one of us to become one.

Furthermore, if he tells you he did it at the age of 15 or younger, you will likely give up on the dream of becoming one, as you are probably hitting 30 years right now.

The bitter truth, which we are mostly unwilling to hear is that, there’s no a shortcut way to success. Memorizing the Qur’an is a success, and it’s not an exception to the rule.

Inshā Allah, you too can memorize the Quran, regardless of your age or profession. But that is provided:

• You are correct in your objectives. Get your intention straight. Get your sincerity purified.
• You recognize your weakness and go according to it. Don’t expect to become another Mishari Rashid just with the Juz' ‘Amma you’ve memorized.
• You are willing to continue, even if your effort is not recognized by anyone. In the first place, you’re not doing it for anyone (other than Allah). Right?
• You’re willing to ignore the myth of timeframe. Yes, you must plan, but plans serve as guide. It may take you 24 months to memorize the Quran. It may also take you 24 years to do so. As long as you are still alive, and as long as you're doing it, don’t give up. With clear objectives, you won't mind the length of the journey.
• You’re willing to establish a new habit called ‘discipline’. Discipline comes hand-in-hand with patience and determination. It also encourages you to learn from others.
• You are willing (once discipline is established) to repeat, and repeat, and repeat. You want to memorize. The common way of memorizing the Qur’an (as well as anything else) is to repeat, and repeat, and repeat. No good Hafiz had taken a way shorter than repeat, and repeat, and repeat.
• You realize that memorizing the Qur'an is just one of the various skills (sciences) of the Qur’an. Don’t mistake memorizing the Qur’an with learning Arabic language. Don’t confuse it with learning tafsir.
• Memorizing the Qur’an is a prerequisite to acquiring solid Islamic religious knowledge. But when you memorize the Quran, you don’t become a scholar (faqīh) until you’ve learnt and mastered fiqh.

May we be devoted to Qur’an, in reading, memorizing, understanding and practising upon it. Amin.

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Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂