The Best Method of Learning the Qur’an

QUESTION: As-salam alaekum. My question is: Should we memorise more of the Qur’an only after acting upon it as the Prophet’s Companions did, because I am a student of knowledge trying to start seeking knowledge?

ANSWER: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

There is no doubt that the method of the Companions is the best and most perfect, as Abu Abdur-Rahman As-Sulami said: “Those who taught us the Qur’an, like ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan, ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood and others, reported to us that if they learned ten verses from the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, they would not go beyond them until they learned the knowledge and actions that they comprised. They said: So we learned the Qur’an, knowledge and action altogether. Therefore, they would remain a long time memorising one Surah (Chapter).”

However, this does not prevent one from memorising the Qur’an according to the method which is customary today, as there are revealed texts that recommend memorising the Qur’an in an absolute sense. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The one who recites the Qur’an while he is proficient in its recitation will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels), and the one who recites the Qur’an while it is difficult for him to recite will have a double reward.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Allah Knows best.

{And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.} [Qur’an 6:153]

“Wasting time is worse than death. For wasting time divests you of Allah and the Hereafter, while death takes you away from this life and its people.” [Ibn Al-Qayyim]