How to Spend More Time With the Quran | 5 Easy Tips
As-salamu Aleikum!
There’s nothing like the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you are huddled with the Quran, pondering over its verses, and it feels like they are speaking directly to you. Sometimes I wish I could just retreat to a cave, away from all distractions, and just be alone with this blessed book (like my very own Cave Hira experience!). But then reality hits, and of course it’s easier said than done. This Dunya sweeps in, with all its responsibilities (and distractions), and I find myself struggling to find pockets of time to connect on a deeper level with the Quran.
I’m sure many of us has been there - not sure when the last time we picked up the Quran was or felt connected to its words on a deeper level.
Here are 5 simple tips that have helped me spend more time with the Quran, and I hope they help you too!
A Clear Plan
It is SO important to set clear expectations of how you want to spend more time with the Quran.
Telling yourself “I’ll try to spend more time with the Quran” is likely not going to do much for you, but telling yourself “I want to read 5 minutes of Quran after Fajr prayer” for example, is a much more clear and defined goal that you can hold yourself accountable to.
And make it a beautiful experience! Grab your favorite beverage, light a candle, cuddle up with a soft blanket - associate joy and positivity with it. It doesn’t have to be so serious. The more joy you can bring into the experience, the more you are going to look forward to it and follow through with it!
Have the Quran accessible
Place your Quran somewhere you can see it, so it will be a subtle reminder when you look at it and you haven’t picked it up yet.
One thing I personally like to do, is to place it on my bedside table, and - oh boy let me tell you - how it is glaring at me at night when I see it and haven’t picked it up yet.
Creating a Source of Accountability
Sometimes it’s just easier to have someone else hold you accountable. If you have a trusted friend or family member that is on the same journey as you, use them as your accountability partner! Set check-ins with one another to see if you’ve followed through with your goal, or even set up a weekly time where you recite and reflect together. Meeting on Fridays to recite Surah Al Kahf together is one example.
Back in 2020 or 2021, I started our Kahf Fridays sessions (BIG thanks to the several sisters who suggested it) - and it’s been a life-changer! I have ZERO excuse not to show up, and it’s the most consistent I’ve ever been with Surah Al Kahf recitation on Fridays.
Attending a Class
If you’re not sure where to get an Accountability Partner (aka #3 above), try attending a structured class!
Check out your local mosques or schools, or even online academies.
Sisters: If you’re looking for sessions to join to connect more with the Quran, I would highly recommend Ribaat Academic Institute. It’s for women by women, and they have all kinds of courses to help you learn and love your deen! From Reflections on the Quran to Quran Inspirations, and more. I have enjoyed every course I’ve taken with them - it’s all online, so you can snuggle up on your couch, wearing your fuzzy slippers and attend! Check out their courses, here.
Evaluate and Adjust
Hey - this is your reminder to not beat yourself up if you don’t achieve your goals!
Set yourself a plan, and have some way to check if you are following through with your plan (e.g. have a checklist where you cross off everyday if you’ve hit your Quran goal). And if you catch yourself consistently not following through, then it’s time to reflect and make a change! Don’t take it as a sign that you should just give up.
Reflect and adjust - what has stopped you from achieving your Quran goal? Maybe you’ve set a goal for yourself to read in the morning, but you are always rushing out the door to school or work in the morning, unable to squeeze in your Quran time? Then change your goal - and make it an evening wind-down goal for example.
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Keep going and don’t give up - you got this!
with love and duaas,
Ghena
