known Divine signs, miracles and special blessings associated with Ramadan – the revelation of the Qur'an brought by Jibreel (peace be upon him), the angels who descended to help the believers in the Battle of Badr, the angels who descend on the Night of Power – there are other tangible signs all around us. For instance, even the most rushed people find themselves spending greater time with the Qur'an: reciting, reading, memorizing or simply listening to it either on their own or during congregational Taraweeh prayers in the Masjid, where earlier they simply didn't think they had the time to do any of this. During the last days of Ramadan, one of the most fervent supplications of the believers is “to make the Qur'an the spring of our hearts, the light of our chests, the means of relieving our grief and eradicating overwhelming sadness.” Yet, invariably, with the end of Ramadan most of us revert to our earlier state, despite our best intentions and resolutions. The Mushaf (copy of the Qur'an) returns to the topmost shelf and gathers dust as we ‘catch up with normal life.' If this is a pattern you recognize, perhaps it's time to do something about it and change. Recently, I had the opportunity to get in touch with Rayhaanah Omar, a South Africa-based Hafidha, motivational speaker and mentor founder of an online Qur'an memorization website and blog for sisters, Fee Qalbee (In My Heart) (http://www.feeqalbee.com). An international award-winning radio personality, certified life coach and consultant, and Principal of a Qur'an memorization school, Rayhaanah memorized the Qur'an in less than a year and has since then, furthered her Islamic studies in numerous countries around the world. She is currently organizing an online program on maintaining a connection with the Qur'an post-Ramadan and spoke about the learning situation of Muslim sisters who would like to memorize the Qur'an, yet may not the means to attend regular Qur'an classes and tips on how parents can help children with Qur'an memorization. What is the kind of commitment and time that is required on a daily basis to memorize the Qur'an? • Memorizing the Qur'an is a 24/7 commitment, Masha Allah. It's all about learning, living and loving the Glorious Qur'an. Fee Qalbee provides individual and personalized learning packages, taking into consideration that many Muslim women are studying, working or are wives/mothers with additional responsibilities. Commitment is in knowing that you're always giving your very best in preserving the Qur'an in your heart – the time factor would range or differ with each individual. It's all about staying focused towards achieving your spiritual ambition of memorizing the Qur'an! Most people say there's no point reading the Qur'an if one doesn't understand it. What do you suggest for better understanding while memorizing the Qur'an? • I would encourage the use of a proficient translation of the Qur'an in your first language. This can in no way substitute the beauty and eloquence of the Qur'an recited and understood in the heavenly language, Arabic. I would also suggest consistently studying Qur'anic Arabic under the guidance and tutorship of a teacher, and attending/listening to discourses which emphasize on the explanation of Qur'anic Arabic vocabulary. With beneficial information at our fingertips (quite literally!), we can embrace a culture of acquiring knowledge on the sciences of the Qur'an, the reasons for revelation of Qur'anic verses, etc. How important is it to listen to the Qur'an with a view to memorizing it? • Listening to the recitation of the Qur'an is of paramount importance! It enhances ones audio memory, aids in improving ones pronunciation and recitation of the Arabic language, it assists in strengthening one's familiarity of recently memorized verses/chapters. Listening to a rhythmic, melodious recitation of Qur'an, never fails to invigorate the soul of the believer! Is there a tradition of women reciters today? • Yes, there is. You can find such inspiring sisters everywhere: especially in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, Syria etc. What would you suggest as the best techniques to help children memorize the Qur'an? • Having worked in the print, audio and electronic Islamic media – specifically for children – for more than a decade, I incorporate reading and writing exercises, memory enhancement skills and visual presentations for individuals/groups of children. Fee Qalbee does offer a unique mentorship and coaching program for children. Our mentorship programs are unique, in that they incorporate the precious mother-daughter relationship and the various dimensions which can be addressed. For parents who are inspired to assist their children in Qur'anic memorization, know that this in itself is a gift and bounty from Allah. The road ahead for your child will be filled with ease, challenges and many learning curves – so persevere, remain steadfast and constantly provide an anchor of encouragement. Your most valuable assistance, is through your heartfelt Du'a, optimism, conviction and interest shown in your child's Hifdh lesson. Always provide gentle encouragement, acknowledging that every child has his/her own capabilities and skills, and so their goal orientation would differ, too. The ultimate aim is in connecting your child to Allah; the ideal medium is by developing a incredibly strong relationship with the Qur'an. Children exposed to the frequent recitation of Qur'an and a home in which the message of the Qur'an is lived, are amongst the successful believers who honor the cherished goal of preserving the Qur'an in their hearts.
