Qur’an Journaling: Do’s and Don’ts

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

One of the most effective ways to retain what you have learned from your daily Qur’an reading is to keep a journal dedicated to it. Many Qur’an students use Qur’an journaling for memorization, Tafseer lessons, Arabic vocabulary building, and more.
However, it seems that many beginners find themselves lost when starting this beneficial hobby, and get thrown into the loop of decorative notes and colorful handwriting. To maximize the advantages of Qur’an journaling, you need to remember these basic do’s and don’ts —

Do’s

1. Have Pure Intentions

   Many people get into the hobby of journaling solely for the purpose of sharing snaps of their pretty notes on social media.
   For Qur’an journaling, you need to make sure you have pure intentions and not take up this habit unless it is for the sake of Allah alone. Having the urge to show off will only add to your sins, and you will not benefit from the knowledge you’re seeking.

2. Designate Your Own Space

   The comfort of your bed will lull you to sleep, and the clatter of your desk will distract you with other tasks.
   So, designate a specific area of your room where you can journal in peace and quiet. For example, you can sit in a corner with a folding table. This will subconsciously make your mind associate that area with Qur’an journaling.

3. Use Quality Materials

   Tattered notebooks and half-used pens won’t suffice for this honorable habit. Your Qur’an journal needs to exude wisdom, power, and elegance.
   So, invest in a good quality journal with nice paper and binding to make the practice more special. Our Daily Qur’an Journals are specially made for this!

4. Set Regular Time

   Consistency is key. Set aside a specific time each day or week for Qur’an journaling. This could be after Fajr prayer, in the evening, or any time that suits your schedule.
   Setting aside a specific time for this hobby makes habit-building easier and lets Qur’an journaling become a regular task in your daily routine. Plus, you’ll only get better with each session, inshallah.

5. Read with Understanding

   Read the Qur’an with the intention of understanding its meaning. Use a reliable translation and, if possible, a Tafseer book to gain deeper insights into the verses. Tafseer As-Sa’di and Tafseer Ibn Kathir are some popular examples.
   If you cannot access any books, there are plenty of videos online breaking down the meaning of each and every Surah. We recommend the Tafseer series by Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble.

6. Reflect and Ponder

   Take time to reflect on the verses you read. Think about how they apply to your life, the lessons they impart, and how they guide your actions and beliefs.
   You don’t need to record this into your journal if you don’t want to. Taking a moment to connect Allah’s Words with your own life experiences is enough to develop your love of Allah and faith in Him.

7. Write from the Heart

   Be sincere and honest in your journaling. Write about your thoughts, emotions, and any questions or inspirations that arise from your reading.
   Remember, this journal is for your own personal development. So, don’t shy away from including your own thoughts so you can revisit them and clear up any mistakes you had made earlier.

8. Make Du’a

   Include personal prayers and supplications in your journal. Ask Allah for understanding, guidance, and the ability to implement the teachings in your life. Highlight the new Du’as that you learnt while reading the Qur’an or going through its Tafseer.
   Also, make plenty of Du’a to Allah to keep guiding you and grant you a deeper understanding of the Qur’an. If Allah allows it, you can easily learn the Qur’an with no struggle.

9. Review and Reflect

   Periodically review your journal entries. Reflect on your spiritual progress, revisit past insights, and see how your understanding has evolved.
   If you’re studying multiple Tafseers, this is crucial. One teacher may not have the same overview on a Surah or verse as the next teacher. So, collect all of the lessons together to deepen your understanding.

10. Be Creative

    Feel free to express your reflections creatively. You can include drawings, calligraphy, or mind maps. Creativity can enhance your connection with the content and make journaling more engaging.
    But remember, do not get carried away with this. The essential part of Qur’an journaling is the content, not the decoration. So, dedicate most of your efforts and energy to learning.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Rush

   Avoid rushing through your journaling sessions. Take your time to read, reflect, and write thoughtfully. The goal is to deepen your understanding, not to complete a task quickly.

2. Don’t Be a Perfectionist

   Don’t be harsh on yourself if you miss a journaling session or if your reflections aren’t as profound as you hoped. Qur’an journaling is a personal journey, and it’s okay to have ups and downs.

3. Don’t Ignore Context

   Avoid taking verses out of context at all costs. Understanding the context in which a verse was revealed and its broader message is crucial for accurate reflections. Use Tafseer and the Seerah to gain context and clarity.

4. Don’t Focus Solely on Negatives

   While it’s important to reflect on personal shortcomings and areas for improvement, also acknowledge your progress and positive qualities. Balance is key to a healthy spiritual journey.

5. Don’t Compare

   Your journaling practice is unique to you. Avoid comparing your reflections or style with others. Each person’s relationship with the Qur’an is personal and distinct. Under no circumstances should you be in a secret competition with someone else while seeking knowledge.

6. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

   Start small and build your practice gradually. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many verses or lengthy reflections at once. Quality over quantity is the goal.

7. Don’t Neglect Application

   Reflection is valuable, but implementation is crucial. Strive to apply the lessons you learn from the Qur’an in your daily life. Your actions should reflect your insights. By applying what you have learnt, Allah will guide you to learn more.

8. Don’t Forget to be Grateful

   Always express gratitude in your journaling. Thank Allah for the guidance, wisdom, and opportunities to learn and grow through His words. Take time from in between sessions to thank Allah for the opportunity and ability to learn His Book.

9. Don’t Isolate Yourself

   While personal reflection is important, also engage with a community of learners. Sharing insights and discussing interpretations can enhance your understanding and provide new perspectives.

10. Don’t Lose Sight of the Big Picture

    Remember that Qur’an journaling is a means to strengthen your connection with Allah and His message. Keep your focus on the spiritual goals rather than getting lost in the details of the practice.