1. Obtain a second copy or print a PDF of the Mushaf you are using with the sole intention of memorizing it.
a) Many of our Imams and scholars of Qur’an were visual learners. One of our teachers told us about how Shaykh al-Qari Abul Hasan al-Kurdi (may Allah be pleased with him) in Damascus (may Allah send safe and security to the land) used to work during the day as a butcher and memorized the Quran whilst doing it. He would take a copy of a page from the Mushaf and start reciting whilst at work.
In like fashion, if you get a second copy or print off pages you take, carry this page with you, you can highlight it, make marks, diagrams or charts on the blank side. This page then will become a flip card of sorts for you. You can even use the other side to test yourself by writing down either via transliteration or if you can write Arabic, write the verses off memory. This has helped many of my students.
b) In our times, designers and those versed in design tools tend to make screenshots of pages and edit them to their needs. This is something you can explore too.
c) If both these option seem too cumbersome for you, you can take advantage of technology with apps like Quran Companion for the sole purpose of memorization.
2. Use Mindmaps
a) Mindmaps are continually being used, most predominantly in the Arab world to memorize the Quran. This not only makes the process easier, but also helps one to memorize with the meanings and themes of the verses in mind. The meanings are what shapes the mindmap.
b) Mindmaps can incorporate drawings and diagrams. Let’s take the start of Surah Al-Baqarah for example.
You’ll make “Baqarah” the root of the map.
Then make “Alif Laam Meem” the first branch.
Then after reciting the second verse you realize it is about guidance, so you make the next branch called “Hudan” and add a picture about the verse.
Then you make the next branch for the next verse making a picture of a cloud, a prayer mat and a dollar sign.
For the next verse, you would call it “Unzila” for revelation and then add pictures to represent the past and present.
For each branch you would add the verse number too.
You would do the same for every sitting when you memorize.
3. Use writing
a) You can take lessons from the best of methods that utilize writing. The best methods I have found for this are in Mauritania and Morocco. Whilst they traditionally make use of wooden boards, you can make use of whiteboards.
You can get hold of mini whiteboards to larger boards to keep for memorization purposes in a specific room or place. Also get colored non-permanent board markers. This is a great way to get children involved too. You can also play games.
Writing in Arabic or transliteration, use a black pen for the letter, a red pen for the vowels, and separate the verses using a green pen. Each time you make mistakes you can erase and re-write. You can then leave what you wrote for a few days, erase it and rewrite off memory.
If you use paper, you can use what you write to hang up on a wall to see throughout the day or night to aid memorization and retention.
In summary, as a visual learner you can make your memorization process a lot stronger, easier and fun with many visual aids. Try using writing, copies of the pages, technology or even mindmaps to memorize.
In the next part of this series, I’ll go into more detail on memorization tips for auditory learners and memorization tips for reading/writing & kinesthetic learners.
