Some decisions in life are made without fully understanding their impact, yet they end up shaping everything.
My journey started in 2015 when I was eight years old. I had just finished second grade when my father sat with me and gave me a choice. He said I could continue my normal schooling or start memorizing the Qur’an.
At that age, I did not fully understand what such a decision meant. I was just a child. But the word Hafiz sounded special to me. It had a certain respect and beauty that drew me in.
Before making the decision, my father explained that memorizing the Qur’an is a beautiful journey, but not an easy one. He spoke about challenges, distractions, and moments when motivation becomes low. Despite all of that, something inside me still wanted to take that path.
After visiting a few institutes, he chose one that he felt was right for me. That is where my journey truly began.
The First Steps of Learning
Like every student, I started with the Qaida. It is a small book that teaches Arabic letters and how they connect to form words. It may seem simple, but it builds the foundation of correct pronunciation.
After completing it, I began reading the Qur’an with proper recitation before moving into memorization.
Then came the Hifz class. That was when the real journey began.
My memorization started from the 30th Juz, as is common, since the surahs are shorter and help build confidence.
My daily routine was simple but disciplined. I would reach the institute around 7:30 in the morning, revise my previous lesson, prepare the new one, and present everything to my teacher.
As time went on, revision increased. Eventually, I was revising three Juz every day to keep everything strong.
Balancing School and Hifz
At first, I was managing both school and Hifz simultaneously. But by the time I reached the fifth Juz, it became too difficult to handle both. At that point, my schooling was put on hold so I could focus fully on memorizing the Qur’an.
The Difficult Moments
This journey was not always easy.
There were days when I felt tired and completely unmotivated. At times, I even felt like I would not be able to complete it. As a child, memorizing so much can feel overwhelming.
But during those moments, my parents and teachers stood by me. They reminded me that every Hafiz goes through such phases. Their support is what kept me going whenever I felt like giving up.
The Unexpected Test During the Pandemic
After completing memorization, the real challenge began: revision.
Just as I started, the COVID pandemic happened, and everything went into lockdown. The institute was closed, so I could no longer see my teacher.
My teacher was concerned that my memorization might weaken, so he gave me a strict routine to follow at home. Every day, I had to recite seven Juz in two rakats of voluntary prayer.
At first, it felt extremely difficult. But slowly, it became part of my routine.
About four or five months later, my teacher called me for a surprise test. I was honestly nervous because it had been a long time since I had recited in front of him.
But when I started, I realized something. The routine I had been following had actually strengthened my memorization.
That moment meant a lot to me.
Later, when things returned to normal, I appeared in the final Hifz board exam and, by the grace of Allah, I achieved full marks.
The Honor and Responsibility
Completing Hifz changed something inside me.
It was not just about memorizing words. It felt like carrying both a responsibility and a blessing.
A Message for Everyone
One thing I truly understood during this journey is that the Qur’an is for everyone.
Allah says in the Qur’an,
And We have certainly made the Quran easy to remember. So is there anyone who will be mindful?
(Surah Al Qamar 54:17)
Many people think memorizing the Qur’an is only for scholars, but that is not true.
Becoming a Hafiz does not stop you from living your life or chasing your goals. You can continue your studies, build a career, and follow your dreams. The Qur’an simply becomes your guide.
˹This is˺ a blessed Book which We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ so that they may contemplate its verses, and people of reason may be mindful.
(Surah Sad 38:29)
After completing Hifz, I continued my education. I completed my O Levels privately in Computer Science, and now I am in my final year of college. I am also preparing to join the armed forces to serve my country.
A Personal Note
I am the eldest among my brothers, and by the grace of Allah, both of my younger brothers are also Huffaz of the Qur’an.
Advice and Open Invitation
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this.
Start somewhere.
You do not need to begin with something big. Even a small connection with the Qur’an can change your life.
If anyone wants to start this journey or needs guidance, they must not hesitate.
Wrap Up
Looking back today, I realize that the decision I made at age eight shaped my life in ways I never imagined.
And that journey is continuing.
Because memorizing the Qur’an is not the end, it is the beginning of a lifelong connection with it.
