How to Learn the Quran Quickly

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The importance of the Quran to Muslims cannot be overstated. Learning the Quran by heart, not only in your native language but in Arabic, is an important part of being a Muslim. Memorizing the Quran in English is not enough. The Quran in Arabic is considered the only true version of the Quran. It can be difficult for English speakers to get used to memorizing the Quran in another language, much less one as dissimilar from English as Arabic. Yet there are steps you can take to help memorize the suras of the Quran more easily and quickly.

  • The Quran, in English and Arabic
  • Computer
  • Internet connection
  • Printer
  • Notebook
  • Pen

1 Learn Arabic

Vocabulary Builder

2 Download and print out charts

Download and print out charts of the Arabic alphabet. Printing them out and keeping them for reference will help you to study them any time, not only when you are in front of your computer.

3 Practice writing with the correct strokes

Practice writing Arabic with the correct strokes. Keep a notebook and practice writing the letters of the Arabic alphabet until you have memorized how to do it and can recognize individual letters in words easily.

4 Pronounce the alphabet correctly

Pronounce the alphabet correctly. Most charts will have the proper pronunciation on them, but you can also listen to the pronunciation of the Arabic alphabet online. The Shariah Program has charts, explanations and audio files about the Arabic alphabet.

5 Read in Arabic

Read in Arabic. Practice with the reading lessons in the Shariah Program or begin reading the Arabic in your Quran. Keep practicing until you are proficient in reading, even if you do not understand all the words.

6 Memorize the Quran

7 Learn a little at a time

Learn a little at a time. There is no way you can memorize an entire sura (chapter) at once. Take it slow and steady. Learn individual verses in English first. Then try to learn that same verse in Arabic. The Online Quran Project has the entire Quran online with English and Arabic side-by-side.

8 Write out the verse

Write out the verse you have learned in English in Arabic. Sound it out yourself. Repeat it several times.

9 Write the verse out on an index card

Write the verse out on an index card. Write the English on one side and the Arabic on the other. Carry it around with you and practice at various times during the day.

10 Listen to the Quran in Arabic

Listen to the Quran in Arabic. There are several sites which have audio files of the suras of the Quran online for free. Quran Online has a media page where you can not only hear individual chapters in Arabic but also see the writing as you hear it, so you can read along. Quran 101 has audio files of the several of the suras available for downloading in Real Audio.

11 Choose a favorite reciter for regular listening

Choose a favorite reciter for regular listening. IslamWay has a page dedicated to different reciters of the Quran. Choose a favorite and listen regularly, while following along in your own Quran.

  • Practice every day. You will learn more quickly and remember better if you practice every single day.

Amber D. Walker has been writing professionally since 1989. She has had essays published in "Fort Worth Weekly," "Starsong," "Paper Bag," "Living Buddhism" and more. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Texas and worked as an English teacher abroad for six years.

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