8 Questions with Ustadha Hala, Head of Qur’an
1. What do you think of Rukayat’s achievement?
Rukayat's achievement is truly remarkable. Memorising the Quran by the age of 15 is not an easy thing to do, and her commitment to perfecting her Tajweed and pronunciation shows a deep level of sincerity. To me, this is not just an academic milestone, but a spiritual one as well. I’m certain that her efforts will not only benefit her in this life but also in the Hereafter. MashaaAllah, she’s setting a beautiful example for others around her. Her commitment at such a young age demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving great things when you have the right intention and focus.
2. What are your plans for Rakayat?
Given her current progress, my plan for Rukayat would be to help her transition smoothly into the study of Qira’at after she has perfected her reading in "Hafs an Aasim." It’s important to approach the learning of Qira’at with patience and focus, as it requires both theoretical knowledge and practical application. I would start by introducing her to the basics of different Qira’at, especially the differences in pronunciation and Tajweed rules. After that, we can work on applying those differences by reading from the Quran according to the specific Qira’ah she chooses to study. At the same time, I would encourage Rukayat to maintain her memorisation by reviewing her hifż daily, even as she learns new styles of recitation.
3. What advice do you have for the Dar al-Zahra girls?
To the DAZ girls, I would say: Stay focused, patient, and consistent. Memorising the Quran and perfecting Tajweed is not easy, but the rewards are immense. Don’t rush the process—take your time to perfect your recitation, as it is better to read slowly and correctly than quickly and incorrectly. Remember that every effort you put into the Quran is an act of worship and will bring you closer to Allah. Stay close to the Quran, and make sure you’re applying its teachings in your daily life, not just memorizing the words. Also, seek support from each other—sometimes having a study buddy or group can make the journey lighter.
4. What qualities help a young person succeed in memorising the Qur’an?
The key qualities are patience, consistency, and discipline. Memorisation isn’t about speed; it’s about steady and persistent effort. A young person must have a strong sense of focus and determination, as well as regular revision to retain what’s memorised. Another quality is humility—recognising that memorising the Quran is a spiritual journey that requires sincerity and connection with Allah. Lastly, having a supportive environment, whether from family, teachers, or peers, is also crucial.
5. What advice would you give to parents supporting a child memorising the Qur’an?
Parents play an essential role in the success of their child's Quran memorisation journey. My advice to parents would be to create a nurturing and supportive environment. Encourage your child by being actively involved—whether by setting aside time for memorisation, reviewing with them, or simply showing enthusiasm and respect for their efforts. Also, avoid putting excessive pressure on them, and instead, provide motivation and positive reinforcement. It’s important to balance Quran memorisation with other aspects of life so that the child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Finally, make dua for your child’s success and keep them connected to the spiritual aspects of their journey.
6. What does it take to preserve and strengthen ḥifẓ after memorisation?
Preserving and strengthening ḥifẓ requires continuous review. The Quran should not just be memorised, but regularly recited and practiced. A consistent revision routine—ideally daily or weekly—helps keep the memorisation fresh. In addition, setting a goal to memorise smaller sections for review at a time (like a Juz or part of a Juz) can make this process manageable.
Another important tip is to not forget to read your newly memorised ayaat in your salah. This helps reinforce your memorisation and strengthens the connection to what you’ve learned. I also recommend having regular recitation sessions with a teacher, a peer, or in a group to keep your recitation aligned with proper Tajweed and avoid errors that can creep in over time. Most importantly, maintaining a strong connection to the Qur’an spiritually by reflecting on its meanings will keep the heart engaged with the memorisation.
7. Why is correcting recitation such an important stage before learning a qirāʾah?
Correcting recitation is essential before moving to a different Qira'ah because if the foundational recitation isn’t precise, it can carry over to the new Qira'ah and cause confusion or errors. The purpose of Tajweed is not just to beautify the recitation but to ensure that the recitation is accurate and in line with the original revelation. When learning a Qira’ah, which involves different pronunciation rules and subtle differences in articulation, it is vital to have already perfected the standard recitation. This ensures that the foundation is solid and that the student can easily transition to different styles without compromising accuracy.
8. How can communities better nurture young huffāẓ?
Communities can play a huge role in nurturing young huffāẓ by providing not only academic support but also spiritual and emotional support. Communities should create environments that encourage the memorisation of the Quran, such as holding Quran competitions, offering scholarships for huffāẓ, and creating spaces where young huffāẓ can connect and share their experiences. Mentorship programs where experienced huffāẓ guide and support younger ones can also be beneficial. Additionally, having Quranic classes that focus on both memorisation and practical application of the Quran’s teachings will help keep young people engaged and motivated. Lastly, making the Quran accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic background, is key in nurturing the next generation of huffāẓ.