Question about memorization

[Darth Ultor]

Why is there more importance placed on memorizing and reciting the Quran than there is on reading and studying it?

[Ramadan90]

Both are emphasized in Islam. It is easier to study the meaning of the quran if you have recited and memorized it before.

[Muhaba]

That is a good question. Actually, in the past great importance was placed on not only understanding the verses but also following /acting upon them. A companion of the Prophet (SAW), I don't remember his name now, said that when they would read ten verses they wouldn't proceed until they understood them and acted upon them.

So it's so important to understand the Quran - which one can do so by reading the commentary of the Quran - and also following the Quran. Memorizing is also very importnat because it helps you remember the commandments but you would first have to know the meaning. If you only memorize without knowing what the verses mean, it won't do much to help you in remembering Allah's Commands.

Memorizing the Quran along with translation may rmove this obstacle.

[Muwaahid]

That is a good question. Actually, in the past great importance was placed on not only understanding the verses but also following /acting upon them. A companion of the Prophet (SAW), I don't remember his name now, said that when they would read ten verses they wouldn't proceed until they understood them and acted upon them.

So it's so important to understand the Quran - which one can do so by reading the commentary of the Quran - and also following the Quran. Memorizing is also very importnat because it helps you remember the commandments but you would first have to know the meaning. If you only memorize without knowing what the verses mean, it won't do much to help you in remembering Allah's Commands.

Memorizing the Quran along with translation may rmove this obstacle.

The sahaabis name was ibn mas' ood radhiya allahu anhu

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[Muhammad]

Greetings Darth Ultor,

Why is there more importance placed on memorizing and reciting the Quran than there is on reading and studying it?

Out of interest, what led you to come to this conclusion? It is certainly true that memorising and reciting the Qur'an is in itself an act of worship that confers immense rewards and benefits. But that does not mean that studying and reflecting on its meanings is not given due importance - the Qur'an and the hadith, as well as the example of the early Muslims, all encourage Muslims to ponder over the meanings of the Qur'an, to study it and be moved by it. We read of pious Muslims who would spend the entire night weeping over a single verse. One must also note the thousands of books on various sciences of the Qur'an, all clearly illustrating the importance of its study.

In addition, I quite liked this little excerpt regarding the importance of memorisation:

The Qur'an is unique in demanding to be preserved in memory, the hifz.

The word hifz itself, though now used in the limited sense of memorizing, includes both understanding and practice. In fact there is no English word which can accurately reflect its true and full meaning.

Hifz is an essential way of making the Qur'an penetrate you. It is not a mechanical, ritual act; it is an act of high spiritual and devotional importance. Only through hifz can you read the Qur'an in Prayers and ponder over its meaning while you stand in the presence of the Speaker. But apart from that, it makes the Qur'an flow on your tongue, reside in your mind, dwell in your heart: it becomes your constant companion. Also as you memorize more you will find it easier to make your inner self participate in its reading and your mind study and understand its meaning.

Way to the Quran, Khurram Murad

[Hulk]

Do you think a child's ability to comprehend is the same as an adults'? Even as adults no muslim would claim to have full knowledge of the Quran. However, whether as a child or adult, a muslim who has memorized at least a small portion of the Quran has contributed to protecting the book.

It just takes a bit of thinking..