Q. Assalamu Alaykum,
Alhamdulilah I know how to read the quran, but where the problem comes in is memorizing, do you have any sort of tips/advice to help?
jazakallahu khair
Time Sent:  Tuesday June 2, 2009

A.

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Likewise, Imaam shafee too once complained to a person named Waki – some say it was his teacher — he lamented regarding his memory.  Although differing versions of this couplet exist, the following can benefit us all:

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I complained to Waki’ about my weak memory…
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So he advised me to leave sins
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And (waki) said: Know well (oh lad) that verily knowledge is light (a special Noor – a special light filled with guidance for the seeker)
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And the Noor of Allah is not given to a sinner.

Imaam Shafee claims, when he took the words of his teacher at heart, Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala) gifted him the memory that continued to make him the great man he was to later become.

It’s not about memory. It’s about obedience to the Greatest

Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala) tests some people by giving them a weak memory. It can be as a test that sometimes helps a person keeps focused on only a limited set of tasks so as to be away from greater evils. Later, once the students have shown care for the teaching of Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala), His laws in everyday life, does He strengthen their memory. As for some, Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala) gives a brilliant memory, only to have it snatched or reduced to a limited contribution to humanity. Some students possess a brilliant memory, only to use it on things that would later pollute their clear judgment and remove them from the remembrance of Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala). Our goal should be to attain that knowledge which can help us benefit all of humanity by helping each person recognize the Greatness of Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala).

To help your memory:

Your solution thus would be simple: stay away from every haraam action. I challenge you to the following: Only talk what is necessary, only talk to that person whom it is necessary to talk to, only communicate with that person sharia has called for you to communicate with. Never lie regardless of how tempting, for lying and true knowledge never go hand in hand.

As for strangers, only talk to them to the extent that it is necessary for you to do so, never look at any person that sharia prohibits you to look at, eat food that is made in your home that is also halaal, read all your salaah and send salutations before and after you study whatever it is you studying. Whenever you are called upon to make a decision, remember: Good and evil can never be placed in the same vessel.

Try the above for just three days in a row.  Once you see what I am saying works, I promise you, you not only would stop sinning, but you would see your memory expand before you. You would even begin to taste the sweetness of Imaan.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.