Tips

Hifz Tip

Sometimes we all forget certain things, it’s normal. But one of the most powerful habits for strong Hifz is to know the structure of what you’re memorising. ⸻ Know the basics of each Juzz: •Number of pages •Surah names •Where each 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full section begins and ends •Even small details like how many Ruku’s are in each Juzz and how they start ⸻ It might feel tough at the beginning, but soon it becomes part of your daily routine. Don’t move to the next 1/4 or next Juzz until the previous one is solid, meaning you can recite it confidently without mistakes and you know its basic structure. ⸻ This method builds strong Hifz, in sha’ Allah.

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Hifz Tip: How to keep track of your progress

Plan Smart! Set short-term goals that build up to your yearly target. Make a weekly target → then a monthly goal → keep building till the year’s end. ⸻ Be Flexible, Stay Consistent Some months will be heavier on revision, others on new memorisation — and that’s perfectly fine! What matters is steady progress. ⸻ Track Your Journey Every Hafiz should have a yearly progress sheet to record how many khatams they complete. Seeing your own progress will motivate you, and your teacher and parents can also see how far you’ve come! ⸻ Write It Down! Keep a diary or progress sheet for everything you read, it’s your roadmap to success in Hifz. ⸻ Want More Tips? Message Quba on WhatsApp for more Hifz guidance and motivation! Consistency + Planning = Barakah in Your Hifz

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Hifz Tip for Huffadh

If your Dhor (revision) is already strong, now is the time to maintain and strengthen it daily. Set a Target Aim to revise at least three Juz by heart every day. If Time is Tight Revise one Juz daily in Salah. •In each Salah, recite a quarter Juz. •Whatever remains, complete it in Isha. This routine will naturally encourage you to perform extra Nawafil and keep your recitation consistent. Suggested Routine •One Juz in the morning •One Juz before sleeping It may feel challenging at first, but with consistency it becomes easy and deeply rewarding. Track Your Progress Create a simple sheet with a yearly khatm target and note how many full, correct revisions you complete. Missed a Day? Catch up the next day and do not let anything stop you. Final Reminder Consistency always surpasses intensity. Every day of solid Dhor keeps the Qur’an alive in your heart.

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Method for Completing the Full Qur’an in Two Rakaats

Completing the full Qur’an in two rakaats is one of the greatest acts of devotion a believer can aspire to. It requires focus, patience, and most importantly, love for the Book of Allah. Though it may sound daunting, this feat has been achieved by many of the righteous, both in early generations and in our own time. With correct preparation and reliance on Allah, it is entirely possible. ⸻ 1. Motivation Remind yourself that this is achievable and has been done before by many great scholars and worshippers of the past. Completing the entire Qur’an in two rakaats is actually easier to prepare for than a standard full Qur’an recitation, as preparation can take only three to four weeks. Your aim is to express your immense love for the Book of Allah by reciting it all in a single night, just as Uthman ibn Affan RA, Imam Abu Hanifa RA, Imam Shafii RA and many others did. Shaytan will try to discourage you by making it seem impossible. Ignore such thoughts and stay firm in your intention. ⸻ 2. Choosing the Right Time The best time for this noble act is between Isha and Fajr, as Allah says in the Qur’an, “Indeed, worship in the night is more impactful and suitable for recitation.” Surah Al Muzzammil Choose a time when you have sufficient hours to recite at a calm and steady pace without rushing. Reading too quickly can cause fatigue and loss of focus. Find a balanced rhythm that suits your ability. ⸻ 3. Tarteeb, Preparation Gradually increase the amount of Qur’an you recite within your Salah. Consistency and gradual progress are key. • Begin by reciting three Juzz in two rakaats daily, continue until you complete one full cycle of dhor, ten days. • Then move on to five Juzz daily in two rakaats, for six days. • Then seven and a half Juzz daily, for four days. • Then fifteen Juzz in two rakaats, for two days. • Optionally, complete twenty Juzz in two rakaats before the final attempt. • Finally, you will be ready to complete the full Qur’an in two rakaats. During each stage, ensure someone is present to listen to your recitation. Even if they do not join in the Salah, they can note down any mistakes or places where you hesitate. ⸻ 4. Perfecting Memorisation Each day during your preparation, open your Qur’an and review every place where you made a mistake or paused. The goal is not only to complete the recitation but to do so with exceptional accuracy and fluency. The fewer hesitations you have, the smoother your Salah will be. Remember, perfection in memorisation is the foundation of ease in long recitations. ⸻ 5. Physical Preparation Make sure your body is ready for long standing. • Wear light clothing to prevent overheating. • Ensure the floor is soft to minimise strain on your feet. • Go to the toilet before you begin to avoid interruptions. ⸻ 6. Energy and Nutrition Eat a wholesome meal before starting so that your stomach gradually adjusts during the long Salah without causing discomfort. Avoid heavy or oily foods that can make you feel tired or cause you to need more breaks. Opt for light, energising meals that sustain you through the night. ⸻ 7. The Sajdahs Use your sujood wisely. • Take your time in sujood to allow for short moments of rest. • However, avoid making them too long, as standing back up may become more difficult. • While reciting, work your way mentally towards each sajdah, viewing them as checkpoints to maintain motivation and focus. ⸻ 8. Tawakkul, Trust in Allah Undoubtedly, this is a monumental challenge. You are in Salah, bound by its discipline. No food, no movement, no speech. Your focus must remain firm, standing in one place and reciting for several hours. But do not see these as obstacles. Rather, see them as opportunities to honour the Qur’an. Which other book inspires such devotion and endurance? This is not an act of hardship, it is a privilege, a blessing, and a great honour from Allah to be among those who recite the entire Qur’an in Salah. Prepare as best as you can, then place your complete trust in Allah, for He, the Exalted, says, “And whoever places their trust in Allah, He is sufficient for them.” Surah At Talaq ⸻ Conclusion Completing the full Qur’an in two rakaats is an extraordinary act of love and dedication. It is not reserved for the elite, but for anyone who prepares sincerely, relies upon Allah, and fills their heart with passion for His words. May Allah grant us the strength, sincerity, and steadfastness to connect deeply with His Book and to be among those who honour it through both recitation and action. Ameen.

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Method for Reading the Qur’an in One Sitting

Reading the entire Qur’an in one sitting is a noble and remarkable goal. It requires passion, consistency, and a structured approach. The following method provides a step-by-step plan to help students of the Qur’an strengthen their memorisation, improve fluency, and build a lasting connection with the Book of Allah. ⸻ 1. Start with Quarters Begin by reading the Qur’an in quarter sections. Learn Ruku by Ruku. Also make sure to write down all Mutashabihat, similar verses, learn the names of each Surah, and memorise the page layout so that you can visualise the Ayat in your mind. ⸻ 2. Read the Entire Juzz After completing the quarters, read the full Juzz together in one sitting. This helps connect the verses fluently and strengthens your overall memorisation. ⸻ 3. Repeat for the Second Juzz Follow the same process for the second Juzz. However, do not move on to the third Juzz until you have read both the first and second Juzz together in one sitting. This reinforces accuracy and retention. ⸻ 4. Gradual Increase in Recitation Continue this method until you have completed five Juzz. Before attempting to read all five Juzz together, follow the gradual cycle below, • Read one Juzz daily for five days • Then two Juzz plus two Juzz plus one Juzz over three days • Then two and a half Juzz plus two and a half Juzz over two days • Then three Juzz plus two Juzz over two days • Finally, read the full five Juzz in one sitting and recite it to someone for correction ⸻ 5. This Becomes Your Revision Once you have completed five Juzz, this becomes your revision, known as dhor, and your new sabak, lesson, will begin from the sixth Juzz. ⸻ 6. Daily Revision Routine Each day, revise one or two Juzz from the first five Juzz. Daily revision helps to strengthen your memory and improve fluency over time. ⸻ 7. Maintain the Cycle For the next set of five Juzz, repeat the same process as before. Once completed, combine each set of five Juzz, reading ten Juzz in one sitting. Since you will already be familiar with the first five Juzz, you may not need to follow the full method again. Follow this cycle, • Two Juzz daily for five days • Two and a half Juzz daily for four days • Five Juzz daily for two days • Full ten Juzz in one day, ensuring it is read to someone for correction Now this new set of five Juzz becomes part of your dhor. Revise one or two Juzz from each set of five daily, meaning two or four Juzz of dhor every day. Continue this pattern to strengthen memorisation and fluency until you have completed all thirty Juzz. ⸻ 8. Method for Fifteen Juzz When you reach fifteen Juzz, break them down using the following schedule, • Two and a half Juzz daily for six days • Three Juzz daily for five days • Five Juzz daily for three days • Seven and a half Juzz daily for two days • Full fifteen Juzz in one day, ensuring it is read to someone for correction ⸻ 9. Method for Twenty Juzz Once you reach twenty Juzz, follow this schedule, • Two and a half Juzz daily for eight days • Five Juzz daily for four days • Ten Juzz daily for two days • Full twenty Juzz in one day When you reach twenty-five Juzz, reading all twenty-five in one sitting is not necessary. ⸻ 10. Final Stage, Thirty Juzz At the final stage of thirty Juzz, complete the recitation using the following method, • Three Juzz daily for ten days • Five Juzz daily for six days • Ten Juzz daily for three days • Fifteen Juzz daily for two days • Twenty Juzz plus ten Juzz over two days • Ten Juzz plus twenty Juzz over two days • Full thirty Juzz in one sitting ⸻ 11. Passion The most essential ingredient for achieving the honour of reading the entire Qur’an in one sitting is passion and love for the Book of Allah. Hifz should flow through your veins and bring peace to your heart. May Allah bless us with a strong and lasting connection to His Book, and grant us the ability to recite it with devotion, understanding, and sincerity. Ameen.

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The Path to Seeking Islamic Knowledge

Seeking Islamic knowledge is among the most virtuous and rewarding acts a Muslim can pursue. But the intention behind this pursuit must be pure, not for fame, credentials, or arguments, but to draw closer to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” True knowledge begins by recognising how little we actually know, and that all knowledge belongs to Allah. This humility is the foundation of sincere learning. ⸻ 1. Sincerity in the Pursuit of Deen The goal in seeking knowledge must be to understand and practise the religion better, not to become a scholar in title. Imam Shafi once said, “Knowledge is not measured by how much is memorised, but by how much is acted upon.” Make dua frequently for sincerity. Ask Allah to purify your intentions and grant you knowledge that benefits. ⸻ 2. Humbling Yourself Before Allah A student of knowledge constantly reminds themselves, “I do not know.” Arrogance is a barrier, humility opens doors. True scholars tremble at the responsibility of knowledge, they are not boastful. The jug must be lowered before it can pour its water. ⸻ 3. Build a Base with a Local Scholar Before diving into complex debates or online content, seek someone grounded in knowledge, someone whose life reflects what they teach. Sitting with a scholar brings more than information, it teaches adab, perspective, and wisdom. Even if they only teach basic books, this foundation is crucial. It is not about speed, it is about stability. ⸻ 4. Study Approved Books Not all Islamic books are equal. Begin with texts that scholars of Ahl al Sunnah recommend, books that are balanced, clear, and time tested. Some classical beginner books include, * Al Arbaeen An Nawawiyya, Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi * Riyadh as Saliheen * Basic fiqh books based on your madhhab * Tafsir al Jalalayn or beginner Quran tafsir Ask your teacher which books to begin with, do not self navigate. ⸻ 5. Do Not Be Afraid to Travel for Knowledge Knowledge is not always in your backyard. Sometimes you have to explore different classes, cities, or even countries. Each place gives you new angles and understandings. Test different waters, every drop can shape your depth. The companions and scholars of the past would travel weeks just to hear one hadith. Let that inspire you to break out of your comfort zone. ⸻ 6. Teach What You Learn Teaching is not about being a master, it is about passing on what you know with humility. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” When you teach, you strengthen your own understanding. Start small, help a friend, guide children, share simple reminders. The goal is not to impress, but to benefit yourself first and those around you also. ⸻ Conclusion The path of seeking knowledge is a lifelong journey that refines the soul before the mind. It begins with sincerity, grows through humility, and flourishes through service. When knowledge is sought for Allah, it becomes light, guidance, and a means to draw nearer to Him both in this life and the next.

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Common Tajweed Mistakes in Surah Al-Fatiha and How to Correct Them

Surah Al-Fatiha, the “Opening” of the Qur’an, holds a central place in every Muslim’s life. It is the most frequently recited passage in Salah (prayer), repeated at least seventeen times each day. Because of this repetition, the correct pronunciation of its words according to the rules of Tajweed, the science of Qur’anic recitation, is essential. Despite its familiarity, Surah Al-Fatiha is often recited with subtle but significant errors related to Makharij al-Huruf (points of articulation) and Tajweed rules. These mistakes may affect the meaning of the words and therefore must be corrected. This article explores the most common Tajweed mistakes made in Surah Al-Fatiha, focusing on articulation, nasalisation, vowel clarity, and letter emphasis, along with practical guidance for accurate recitation. ⸻ 1. Nasalising Word Endings Unnecessarily A frequent mistake occurs when readers end certain words with a nasal tone even though no ghunnah (nasalisation) rule applies. Examples: الرَّحِيمْ – الدِّينْ – الْعَالَمِينَ Incorrect: Ending these words with a nasal or sing-song sound. Correct: End them cleanly without any nasal quality, as ghunnah is not required here. Tip: Focus the sound through the mouth rather than the nose to maintain clarity. ⸻ 2. Incorrect Pronunciation of the Letter “ح” Words such as الْحَمْدُ, الرَّحْمَٰن, and الرَّحِيم contain the letter ḥā’ (ح), which must be pronounced from the middle of the throat with a strong, breathy tone. Incorrect: Pronouncing it like a soft “ha” (هـ). Correct: Release a firm breathy sound from the middle of the throat without airiness. Tip: Tilt the head slightly upward while pronouncing “ح” to feel the vibration in the middle of the throat. ⸻ 3. Inaccurate Articulation of the Letter “ع” The letter ‘Ayn (ع) appears in words such as نَعْبُدُ and الْعَالَمِينَ. It must be pronounced distinctly from the middle of the throat. Incorrect: Weakening or omitting the sound, making it resemble a soft “a” or a glottal stop (ء). Correct: Ensure that “ع” emerges firmly and clearly from the throat. Tip: Practise it like “ح”, as both are produced from the middle of the throat. ⸻ 4. Improper Articulation of “Yawm” (يَوْم) In يَوْمِ الدِّينِ, the “و” sound must be pronounced fully with rounded lips. Incorrect: Reading “Yawm” with a flat mouth, causing the “و” to sound weak. Correct: Shape the lips into a rounded form, giving the sound depth and fullness. ⸻ 5. Neglecting the Tashdeed on “إِيَّاكَ” In إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ, the doubled letter “يّ” carries a tashdeed (shaddah) which must be emphasised. Incorrect: Skipping over the tashdeed. Correct: Hold the doubled “يّ” for two beats. This distinction changes the meaning entirely: •إيّاكَ means “You alone.” •إياكَ (without tashdeed) means “sunlight.” Even a single mispronunciation can drastically alter the meaning. ⸻ 6. Lip Rounding in “نَعْبُدُ” The dhammah (ُ) on the letters “ب” and “د” in نَعْبُدُ requires proper lip rounding. Incorrect: Pronouncing the dhammah with flat lips. Correct: Round the lips gently while pronouncing the “bu” sound, similar to the English “boot.” ⸻ 7. Correct Emission of the Letter “ه” The letter hā’ (ه) appears in words such as إِهْدِنَا and عَلَيْهِمْ. Incorrect: Making the “ه” sound heavy or harsh, like “ح.” Correct: Pronounce it softly from the bottom of the throat with a relaxed breathy tone, similar to the English “h,” but more refined. ⸻ 8. Proper Emphasis on the Letters “ص” and “ط” In صِرَاطَ, both Ṣād (ص) and Ṭā’ (ط) are heavy letters. Incorrect: Substituting them with the lighter Sīn (س) and Tā’ (ت). Correct: Apply pressure with the tongue and pronounce them boldly and fully, maintaining their heaviness. ⸻ 9. Correct Production of “غ” and “خ” Words such as غَيْرِ and مَغْضُوبِ contain Ghayn (غ) and Khā’ (خ), both produced from the upper throat with a fricative sound. Incorrect: Pronouncing “غ” as “g,” “r,” or “k.” Correct: Produce a throaty buzzing sound by keeping the airflow smooth and controlled. Tip: Practise gentle gargling to develop the correct vibration for these letters. ⸻ 10. Correct Pronunciation of “ض” in “الضَّالِّينَ” The letter Ḍād (ض) is one of the most challenging Arabic sounds. Incorrect: Replacing it with “د” and pronouncing it lightly. Correct: Produce the sound by pressing the side of the tongue against the upper molars, creating a deep, resonant tone that fills the mouth. ⸻ 11. Avoiding Lip Movement on Full-Mouth Letters The full-mouth (heavy) letters—ص, ض, ط, ظ, غ, خ, ق—are pronounced with depth and heaviness from the tongue and throat. Incorrect: Moving or rounding the lips while pronouncing them. Correct: Keep the lips still. The heaviness comes from the tongue and throat, not from lip movement. Tip: Practise in front of a mirror. The lips should remain still while the sound resonates from the back of the mouth. Conclusion Surah Al-Fatiha is not only the opening chapter of the Qur’an but also the foundation of every prayer. Perfecting its recitation is therefore essential for every Muslim. By paying attention to the points of articulation, maintaining proper balance between light and heavy sounds, and observing the rules of Tajweed, one can recite it with both accuracy and beauty, honouring the words of Allah as they were revealed.

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Balancing Hifz and School: A Practical Daily Guide

Memorising the Quran alongside school can be challenging, but with structure, discipline, and support, it becomes a rewarding journey. Here’s a clear, bullet-point guide for students and parents to follow: ⸻ 1. Start the Day with Fajr and Quran •Wake up early and pray Fajr on time. •Recite Quran immediately after Salah to gain its blessings. •Use this time when the mind is freshest for memorisation. •Even 20–30 minutes can make a big difference in retention and focus. ⸻ 2. Set Clear Daily Hifz Targets •Create realistic and consistent goals for daily memorisation. •Include time for both new memorisation and revision. •Example: •Memorise half a page in the morning. •Revise a full page in the evening. •Track progress in a notebook or chart to stay motivated. ⸻ 3. Stay Disciplined — Push Yourself •Stay committed even when tired or busy with schoolwork. •Build a habit of pushing through tiredness with sincere effort. •Don’t skip a day — read even a small amount if necessary. •Hifz requires daily effort and consistency, not speed. ⸻ 4. Parents’ Role: Support and Supervision •Sit with your child during Hifz sessions to offer moral support. •Actively supervise to reduce distractions and maintain focus. •Encourage them gently and celebrate small successes. •Be involved emotionally, not just logistically. ⸻ 5. End the Day with Quran •Before bed, listen to the Quran — especially the portion memorised. •Use a reliable Qari’s audio from an app or recording. •Helps with pronunciation, fluency, and memory. •Ends the day on a spiritually uplifting note. ⸻ 6. Remember: Balance is Key •Adjust targets during exam periods or holidays. •Don’t compare with others — every child has their own pace. •Keep the intention pure: memorising for the sake of Allah. •With effort, dua, and support, students can succeed in both Hifz and school.

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How to win a Quran competition

1. Exert Yourself with Increased Daily Recitation •Read multiple Juzz per day in the weeks leading up to the competition. •This builds stamina, fluency, and mental endurance for long sessions. •Push yourself slightly beyond your comfort zone to simulate high-pressure conditions. ⸻ 2. Revise Mutashabihaat (Similar Verses) •Focus on verses that sound similar or are repeated across different Surahs. •Create comparison lists or charts to spot subtle differences. •Practice distinguishing between these verses quickly and confidently. ⸻ 3. Get Tested by Family and Friends •Ask them to open the Quran randomly and start a verse for you to complete. •Take turns doing mock rounds to mimic a real testing environment. •Accept their feedback and note any patterns of mistakes. ⸻ 4. Practice Slower Recitation than in the Competition •Slow recitation builds patience and deepens focus on accuracy. •It helps reduce nervousness and improves control under pressure. •This practice sharpens your ability to recite calmly and confidently when you speed up later. ⸻ 5. Identify Juzz and Surah Quickly During Practice •Train yourself to immediately recognize the Juzz and Surah when you hear a verse. •Visualize the actual page in the Mushaf to aid mental mapping. •Practice this skill with friends: they read a verse and you name its location. ⸻ 6. Prioritise Tajweed over Tune (Melody) •Proper pronunciation and rules take precedence in judging criteria. •Work with a teacher to refine your articulation and fix any errors. •Once Tajweed is solid, enhance melody naturally without compromising correctness. ⸻ 7. Engage in Spiritual Preparation (Dua, Reflection) •Make sincere Dua for success, clarity, and the ability to represent the Quran well. •Reflect on the spiritual reward of memorization and recitation, not just the competition outcome. •Stay connected with your intention: to please Allah and strengthen your relationship with His Book. ⸻ 8. Stay Positive Even if You Don’t Win •Understand that each competition is part of your long-term growth. •Don’t let a loss define your efforts—use it as fuel for improvement. •Trust that consistent effort will eventually lead to victory, in both this world and the Hereafter.

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Balancing revision and Quran

1. Create a Set Timetable for Both GCSEs and Maktab •Block out fixed times each day for Maktab and school revision. •Ensure your timetable reflects realistic durations with short breaks. •Be consistent, as discipline builds momentum in both areas. ⸻ 2. Plan Ahead with School Studies to Reduce Daily Pressure •Start school assignments and revision early to avoid last-minute stress. •Use weekends or lighter Maktab days for bulk studying. •Spread out school tasks to keep daily workloads manageable. ⸻ 3. Don’t Let Shaytan Convince You That Maktab Is a Waste of Time •Remember: Maktab brings Barakah (blessing) into your life and time. •Islamic learning builds character, discipline, and sincerity—skills that also help in school success. •Trust that the long-term spiritual and worldly benefits are far greater than the short-term stress. ⸻ 4. Transfer Learning Techniques from Maktab to School Work •Use “blurting” for school subjects, just like when memorising Surahs or Duas—write from memory without looking. •Revise new school material frequently, and older content less often, like spaced repetition in Hifz. •Recite or teach others what you learn—explaining helps solidify memory. ⸻ 5. Make Constant Dua for Balance and Success •Ask Allah to bless your time and give you focus, clarity, and strength. •Make Dua after Salah, before studying, and when things get hard. •Relying on Allah doesn’t replace effort—but it multiplies the reward and result.

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