Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. However, the primary duty for Muslims is not just acquiring knowledge but also implementing what they have learned.
Learning the Quran is not merely about being able to read it but also entails applying its teachings in daily life. To effectively implement Quranic knowledge, periodic review or “murojaah” is necessary. Here are some tips for effective murojaah:
Understanding the Importance of Memorizing the Quran
Becoming a Hafidz or Hafidzah (someone who has memorized the Quran) is a remarkable achievement for any individual. However, it is a challenging journey that requires significant time and commitment. Some institutions even implement Quranic memorization “karantina” or quarantine systems for aspiring Hafidz/Hafidzahs.
Whether within or outside a karantina system, memorizing the Quran quickly relies on a method called “murojaah.”
What is Murojaah?
“Murojaah,” an Arabic term translated as “review” in English, is an essential part of Quranic education in schools and Islamic boarding schools. It involves periodic review and repetition of previously memorized Quranic verses.
For example, if a student has memorized verses 1 to 30, they will review and recite these verses before moving on to new material.
However, some individuals may find it challenging to retain their memorization despite repetitive reviews. Therefore, it is essential to explore effective murojaah methods to enhance memory retention and recall.
Murojaah Methods in Islamic Schools
Before discussing murojaah tips for home-based learning, let’s delve into the methods used in schools and Islamic boarding schools:
1. Murojaah Manzil
Murojaah Manzil involves the repetition of long-term memorization. In schools and Islamic boarding schools, this method is not limited to Quranic memorization; it is also used for other subjects. There are three ways to implement Murojaah Manzil:
- Collective Review Before Class: Students review their long-term memorization collectively for at least 15 minutes before the start of new lessons. This collective review ensures that students retain their previous memorization. It also allows teachers to correct pronunciation and tajweed errors, benefiting students’ fluency.
- Peer Pairing for Independent Review: In this method, students work in pairs, taking turns reciting and listening. When one student is reciting, the other listens, and they switch roles. This approach can be effective but requires students to be responsible and reliable in their study partnerships.
- Question and Answer for Old Memorization: Students are asked questions about verses they memorized in the past. This method helps refresh memory and solidify previous memorization.
2. Murojaah Sabqi
Murojaah Sabqi relies on short-term memory and repetition of relatively new memorization. Its purpose is to refine pronunciation, makhorijul huruf, and tajweed in a student’s recitation. Rather than reviewing older memorization, students repeat more recent sections, ensuring clarity and fluency in their recitation.
It’s important to emphasize that this type of review is done only 2-3 times per week, in contrast to the constant repetition of older memorization.
Effective Murojaah Tips for Home
Reviewing the Quran at home presents unique challenges due to the absence of peers and instructors. To address this, it’s essential to employ effective murojaah techniques that keep learners motivated. If a child cannot yet read the Quran, parents should engage them in listening and understanding makhorijul huruf and tajweed with a harmonious family environment.
Common obstacles when memorizing the Quran at home include struggling with the middle and end portions of a surah, leading to memorization stagnation or getting stuck in an ayat because of challenges in articulation.
Here are some effective home-based murojaah tips:
1. Divide and Conquer
Divide each surah into manageable sections. For example, if a surah contains 50 verses, break it down into five sections of 10 verses each. Within these sections, further divide the 10 verses into two sets of 5. Practice and review each 5-verse set repeatedly until they are memorized flawlessly. After both sets are mastered, combine them to complete the full 10-verse section. This approach ensures thorough memorization while retaining the quality of pronunciation, tajweed, and fluency.
2. Maintain Consistency
Maintain a consistent routine for murojaah at home. Dedicate specific time slots for review and repetition to ensure that the material remains fresh in the learner’s memory. Consistency is the key to effective murojaah.
Conclusion
Murojaah is a fundamental aspect of Quranic education, whether in schools, Islamic boarding schools, or home settings. Effective murojaah methods are essential for retaining Quranic memorization, and understanding these methods can significantly enhance a student’s learning experience. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage and empower students to become not just readers but true carriers of the Quran’s message, embodying its teachings in their daily lives.
