Blessings Of Quran Memorization
Alif, Ba, Tha, Sa…As adults we are able to recognize these sounds as the beginning to the Arabic “ABC’s”. Arabic, is acknowledged as one of the most beautifully written languages in the world. Calligraphy from the Quran, has been perfected and even translated into art. Not only does it carry artistic merit, but also its unaltered dialect has preserved the meaning of Quran since the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Yet as a child, Arabic, in a predominately English speaking culture can be the metaphorical Mount Everest when approaching Islam. I can personally attest to the struggle of this linguistic climb, because as a child I was a nomad of numerous schools of Arabic. Finally, with the encouragement of my parents, and a very patient teacher I was able to control my wondering mind and embrace the divine words of the Quran.
An hour before my interview with Imam Shaikh Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi, I could not help but flashback to the challenges I faced in my childhood. The image of stern Imams, foreign dialects, and overall demanded discipline made me become reacquainted with some old nerves. I had not directly spoken to an Imam for years, “how on earth could I carry on a conversation concerning Hifz?” Before I stepped into the classroom, I tried to shed all my worries outside the door. Finally he was ready. My meeting with Imam Abdullahi of the Islamic association of Carrollton shattered my preconceived notions and eased my embedded worries from childhood. Throughout, our interview I could not help but be honored to be in the presence of an individual who emulated pure kindness and who provided valuable knowledge individuals of all ages could comfortably appreciate and understand.
So just in case you haven’t noticed, the definition of Hifz cannot be found in a Google search engine. The practice requires a little more spiritual depth in a definition than what a modern and convenient tool of technological ingenuity can provide for. The first question I asked Imam Abdullahi was “What is Hifz?” He referred to a verse from Surah of Al 'Ankabût (Surah: 29 V:49) “Nay here are the signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge”
The meaning of this particular verse can be found in the newest publication of the Quran by translator Abdullah Yusuf Ali. “It applies both literary and spiritual insight. To men so endowed, Allah’s revelations and signs are self evident. They commend themselves to their hearts, minds, and understandings, which are typified in Arabic by the word of sadr, “breast”.
This simple verse goes beyond the informal meaning of “Quranic memorization”. The line alone encapsulated the very essence of Islam and our obligations. Throughout our discussion came the reoccurring themes of knowledge, salvation, and preservation. The reason of preservation was probably the most intriguing to me.
“Fard Kifia- if one or two members of the community take care of everything then all of the people will okay, but if none take care of it they will all get sin. The memorization of Quran is like this. There should at least be one member of the community that should memorize.” Imam Abdullahi went on to stress the importance of memorization, along with the meaning a child will be able to grasp in adulthood. “You will get privilege as a hafiz of the Quran, and that blessing will also be passed on to your parents”.
It is apparent that by allowing your children to study hifz you are preventing them from being a bystander in Islam’s disintegration and instead encouraging them to be a preserver of the Quran (or the guidelines of life). As the discussion moved to children studying hifz, Imam Abdullahi agreed that hifz strengthens the bond between a child and Allah. He emphasized that specific development stages of a child are imperative in their recollection of Islam later on in life. He compared hifz to conditioning in an athletic event. “The more you memorize Quran, the more your brain will be active and ready to learn.”
Furthermore “When a person memorizes the Quran, it cures all the diseases of the heart” This includes the stresses of our daily life. By developing a strong bond with Allah, Imam Abdullahi emphasized that a sense of peace resonates throughout life.
Finally hifz has a great deal of cultural significance. Hifz removes the barrier of ethnic diversity in Islam, and unites all in the universal dialect of the prophet (PBUH). Arabic is similar to the function of a “dictionary”. The Imam stressed that when one becomes familiar with the fundamentals of Islam, which includes the process of memorization, there is a sense a comfort that can be found in every kind of community. Imam Abdullahi ought to be very familiar with this concept as a native Somali, a student from Pakistan, and most importantly a man who is fluent in many languages. His experience as a citizen of this world proves that a strong sense of a Muslim identity can be a great companion for the journey of life.
On behalf of my community and especially my generation I can easily say that we are so very grateful and blessed to have an Imam who provides both clarity and great consideration for the people around him. Perhaps it is time we all shake off the stern, unapproachable, and intimidating images of our childhood and pay homage to the host of our second home (the Masjid). Not only that, but perhaps it’s time to acknowledge our potential, and most definitely our children’s potential, to be among the divinely privileged.
http://www.hifznation.com/blessings/blessings-of-quran-memorization
No comments:
Post a Comment