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Heri Mahbub
There are many temptations when someone sets out to memorize the Quran, and we need to be wary of them from the start. Memorizing the Quran is one of the most noble acts of worship in Islam.
There are many temptations when someone intends to memorize the Koran, we need to be aware of them from the start. Memorizing the Koran is one of the noblest acts of worship in Islam. Experience, anyone who is passionate about the Tahfiz Quran program. For those who are in the process of memorizing, have just finished 30 Juz, or are currently murajaah, this temptation can be an evaluation of their journey and struggle to become a hafiz of the Al-Quran.
In this article, I've summarized these temptations into just seven, representing the many powerful temptations that come with being a sincere Quran memorizer and seeking His approval.
This process isn't just about memorizing verses and sentences, but also about instilling them in your heart and applying them in your daily life. However, this journey isn't easy and is often fraught with temptations.
Here are seven temptations that are often faced by those who memorize the Quran and their solutions based on personal experience and according to the verses of the Quran.
READ ALSO: With so many sins and transgressions, is it worth memorizing the Quran?
Laziness and the tendency to procrastinate are the main temptations that often come our way. After initial enthusiasm, enthusiasm can wane, and laziness can creep in.
Experience: When I first started memorizing, my ambitions and enthusiasm were high. However, after a few weeks or months, I started to feel lazy and often put off memorizing.
Quranic Solution: Remember Surah Al-Asr (103:1–3), about the oath of time and the loss of all mankind. Allah reminds us of the importance of using time wisely and not procrastinating. Setting a regular schedule and seeking support from friends or teachers will be helpful.
1. For the sake of time, 2. indeed, mankind is in loss, 3. except those who believe and do good deeds and exhort each other to truth and exhort each other to patience.
Wealth often distracts us, forgetting knowledge and the afterlife, except for those that are beneficial and blessed. Busyness with worldly affairs often distracts us from memorizing the Quran. Schoolwork, work, hobbies, and social activities can all be excuses for neglecting memorization.
Experience: There are times when we are so busy with work and other activities, often lulled by pleasure, or fanaticism towards football, artists, music that memorizing the Quran is neglected.
Al-Quran Solution: QS. Al-Munafiqun (63:9) reminds us not to be deceived by worldly life. Prioritizing and setting a specific time each day for memorization really helps maintain consistency.
9. O you who believe! Let not your possessions and your children distract you from remembering Allah. And whoever does that, then those are the people who lose.
READ ALSO: Some Recommended Prayers for Memorizing the Quran
In this day and age, we can't live without gadgets. Technology and social media are huge temptations that can consume a lot of time without us realizing it. It's important to regulate and discipline yourself when using them.
Experience: We're often tempted to browse social media during times we should be using for memorization, opening apps and channels unrelated to the Quran.
The Quran's solution ( QS. Al-Hashr, 59:18–19) reminds us to always be connected to Allah SWT, never forget Him, and always remember what we do is for an eternal future. Using technology wisely and limiting our social media usage can help overcome this temptation. Don't be tempted by the hustle and bustle of the sometimes deceptive world of social media.
18. O you who believe! Fear Allah and let everyone pay attention to what he has done for tomorrow (the afterlife), and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is very careful about what you do.
19. And do not be like those who forget Allah, so that Allah makes them forget themselves. These are the wicked people.
Discouragement can arise when memorization feels difficult and progress seems slow. This is especially true when it comes to murajaah (recitation), where the enthusiasm for memorizing and maintaining it seems to disappear.
Experience: There are times when we feel unable to continue because we feel our memorization isn't improving. Personal experience is indeed a toss-up between God's grace and despair.
Quranic Solution: QS. Az-Zumar (39:53) reminds us not to despair of Allah's mercy. Praying and reminding ourselves of the noble purpose of memorizing the Quran can restore our enthusiasm.
53. Say, "O My servants who transgress limits against themselves! Do not despair of Allah's mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives everyone's sins. Indeed, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
READ ALSO: What is Quranic Recitation and Its Urgency? Read the Explanation
An unsupportive environment or friends who don't share your interests can be a temptation to stop memorizing.
Experience: Those of you who are just starting to memorize the Quran may have found themselves in an unsupportive environment, where no one understood or supported your efforts. Find friends who motivate you and even share your goals; everyone's experiences are valuable lessons.
Quranic Solution: QS. Al-Furqan (25:27–28) teaches the importance of choosing good friends. Finding a supportive community or memorization group is crucial for maintaining enthusiasm and motivation.
27. And (remember) the day (when) the unjust people bit two of their fingers, (regretting their actions) while saying, "O! If only (once) I had taken the path with the Messenger.
28. Oh, woe to me! If only I had not made so-and-so my close friend,
6. Temptations of the Future, Family and Health
Worries about the future of life, family circumstances, livelihood, career, and future generations can all be tempting when trying to memorize the Quran. Feelings of poor health or physical exhaustion can also hinder the memorization process.
Experience: There are times when we feel too tired to memorize after a long day of work or activities. We need to heal, get some fresh air, go for a walk with our families, and reflect on the fact that eternal life is not in this world, but in the afterlife.
Al-Quran Solution: QS. At-Tahrim, 66: 6) reminds us that we must protect ourselves and our families from the fire of hell, together with our families we help each other, always reminding ourselves to obey is the key to overcoming this temptation.
6. O you who believe! Protect yourself and your family from the fire of hell whose fuel is people and stones; The guardians are rough and tough angels, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them and always do what they are told.
ALSO READ: Interpretation of Al-Quran Verses About the Future of Man
Feeling bored or fed up with the routine of memorization is a common temptation.
Experience: After several months, or even years of memorizing the Quran, it is natural to feel tempted and start to feel bored with the same routine every day.
Quranic Solution: QS. Al-Ankabut (29:69) promises that those who strive in the path of Allah will be guided to the right path. Finding variations in memorization methods, such as using memorization apps, memorizing the Quran, or taking tafsir tadabbur classes, can help overcome boredom.
69. And those who strive to (seek Our approval), We will show them Our path. And indeed, Allah is with those who do good.
Closing
Memorizing the Quran is a journey filled with challenges and temptations, but each challenge is an opportunity to strengthen faith, steadfastness, and patience. By remembering the noble purpose of memorization and using the Quran's teachings as a guide, these temptations can be overcome.
There are always solutions and inspiration from the verses of the Koran. May we all be kept away from all negligent temptations. Hopefully we will be given strength and determination to memorize the Koran and put it into practice. Amen
And God knows best
By: Heri Mahbub
Inspiring People To Love and Live With the Quran
