How to memorize the Quran: a practical plan
You do not have to be a child or a full-time student to memorize the Quran. A few verses a day and a steady review routine add up to whole surahs, then whole juz.
The virtue of memorizing
The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.
Sahih al-Bukhari
It will be said to the companion of the Quran: Recite and rise, and recite as you used to recite in the world, for your rank will be at the last verse you recite.
Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi
A plan that works
- Start with Juz Amma (the 30th juz) and short surahs you already partly know: al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, an-Nas.
- Learn a small amount daily: three to five verses, or half a page.
- Listen first. Play each verse several times before reading it from the page.
- Repeat each verse ten times, then link it to the previous one.
- Review is more important than new verses. Every day, review what you learned yesterday and a portion of older surahs.
- Recite it in your prayers. That is the best review.
- Recite to someone once a week: a teacher, a friend or family member.
Keep going
The Prophet ﷺ said the Quran escapes from memory faster than camels from their ropes (al-Bukhari, Muslim). Plan review time for life. Track new verses and review separately.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to memorize the Quran?
At half a page a day, roughly three and a half years. At one page a day, under two years. Consistency matters more than speed.
Which surah should I memorize first?
Most people start with al-Fatiha and the short surahs at the end of the Quran, then Surah al-Mulk, Yasin and al-Kahf.