When I first heard about Quran Journaling I found it so interesting but I was not sure where to start or how to do it. If you are interested in knowing how to Quran journal, keep on reading. I have come to learn that there are many different ways to Quran journal and you can do it your own way, any style and anyhow you like it. You will learn and choose the way to Quran journal best suitable for you.
In this blog post I will share my tips and resources I use to Quran journal. Inspire you with different ways of Quran journaling and by the end of this blog post you will for sure have found a style of Quran journaling which works for you and your lifestyle.
What is Quran journaling?
If you don’t already know that much about Quran journaling, let me explain to you what it is.
There are many different ways to Quran journal. But the basics are that you choose a verse/ayat or surah/chapter from the Quran. Read it, contemplate on it and write down the verse in Arabic and/or the translation in English/any language of your choice. Then you write down your thoughts you had on those lines, the tafsir or how the verse made you feel/how to implement it in your life and so on.
That’s basically it. But there is more, continue reading..
What to know about Quran journaling?
It is compulsory for evey Muslim to seek knowledge, and reflect and ponder on the Quran. We will get rewarded for every letter we recite of the Quran! insha Allah
Hadith:
Aishah r.a reported:
مَن قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ
Whoever recites a letter from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
You might be wondering why Quran journal?
Quran journaling is a more creative way of reading and pondering on the verses from Allah SWT.
By writing it down your mind and body will remember and understand it more easily.
You can express yourself creatively, by drawing nature or objects or just make the page colorful (Do not draw animals or humans – see fatwa).
When you read tafsir on the surah or listen to a scholar explain the surah, you get a deeper understanding of the Quran.
Quran journaling will insha Allah bring peace and tranquility to your heart and guide you to the Straight Path. It will teach you how to apply the surahs to your life situation.
When to Quran journal:
You need to find a good time during the day or week which you dedicate to Quran journaling. A time where you have some peace and quiet and can really focus on your task without getting interrupted.
That could be arround Salah times or you can try this early morning routine which includes Quran journaling. Set a timer to stay focused and to remember taking breaks in that period of time you chose for Quran journaling.
It could be by using the pomodoro method: 25 minutes of researching – reading the surah, listening to/reading tafsir of the surah, reading a translation and so on.
Then taking a 5 minute break for drinking water, eating a snack or simply stretching. Then continuing for 25 minutes with the journaling – writing the ayah in arabic and the translation, decorating the page how you like, writing the most important points that came up in your reseach and how to implement this in your life.
What resources are needed when Quran journaling?
There are a few items that are a must for Quran journaling such as a Quran and pen and paper. The rest is optional. These are my recommendations:
- Quran with english, arabic and transliteration
- Notebook dotted A4. I recommend a dotted A4 to journal more freely but you can do A5 as well, depending on your style of Quran journaling.
- Online Quran journal
Check out different online Quran Journals and downloadable sheets. I recommend this online Quran Journal MashaAllah:
- Pens and brush and paint for creativity and decoration
- Printed pictures to cut out and glue in the Quran journal
(remember only nature, objects or so, no animate/human beings)
- Stickers for decoration + Washi tape, brings color to the journal
- Tafsir:
How to Quran journal?
- To Quran journal you start with setting the intention.
- Every time you read the Quran in arabic in book form and touch the Quran you need to be in the state of Wudhu. (When women have their period they can’t touch the Quran)
- Make a cozy prayer corner with pillows and the Quran or find a place you are most comfortable which will be with the least distractions.
4. Get a bottle of water ready or some tea/coffee/drink of your liking and snacks if you need it (insha Allah careful you don’t spill!)
5. You can even light some candles or dim the lights to set the mood. But a good reading light is needed so you don´t harm your eyes.
6. Gather the material and books needed for journaling ready and it´s time to start Quran journaling! Bismillah! Enjoy 🙂
Choose your way of Quran journaling
Make it yours! There are different ways and styles to use when Quran journaling. Pick the one that you like or try mixing different styles.
You can use a notebook or journal and write on paper.
You can use an online Quran journal such as this or Quran journal sheets.
Another option is that you can buy an already made, ready for you and easy to use Quran journal.
These are some examples of different Quran journals to inspire you.
The creative Quran journal:
You paint and draw and keep it colorful and fun.
(only objects and nature, no animals or humans – see fatwa on drawing living beings)
The scrapbook Quran journal:
You glue pictures of nature or so, use stickers and washi tape. Make it interesting with many textures like a scrapbook.
The simple Quran journal:
Keeping it short and simple with text like journaling or taking notes. How did this verse from the Quran make you feel? What thoughts did it bring? How can you apply it to your life?
The facts Quran journal:
This Quran journal is filled with facts about the Quranic verse, tafsir and hadith connected to the ayah.
What are the benefits of Quran journaling?
To read the Quran and reflect upon it often is a way to cleanse our hearts. The Quran is important to understand as a Muslim. Quran journaling is a great way to reflect upon the Quran and for you to gain a deeper connection with the book of Allah SWT.
Quran journaling is a personal way to apply the Quran verse to your current situation. When looking for answers – you will find it, when pondering on the Quran and tafsir of the Quran.
Share the wisdom with others!
After Quran journaling, do not be afraid to share it with others! Go to the mosque with the sisters or brothers and share what you have learned. Reflect together on the words of Allah SWT and how to apply it to your life.
When you have new knowledge it is important to share it with others! Especially for yourself to remember it by heart and to reflect more upon it. But also for others to learn more. If you know something good – pass it along. Don´t just keep the knowledge from others. Family and friends around you can benefit from it as well. We as Muslims have to share knowledge with others.
How do I Quran journal?
I like to spend my early mornings on Quran journaling. Those hours before sunrise are so special and full of tranquility. It is a time to easily concentrate fully and contemplate on the words of Allah SWT.
To be creative is something, I really enjoy, so being able to use that in my Quran journaling, is a great way for me to connect with Allah SWT. It´s a win-win situation!
I get to improve my Deen plus express myself creatively.
Sometimes I paint, draw, use stickers and glue pictures of nature in my Quran journal. I use this authentic tafsir and write down the tafsir explained in a simple way. I write the Quran verse in arabic as well as english translation.
Then I tell my family and friends or people around me about what I learned.
Final tip for Quran journaling
Finally I can tell you, there is not one way to Quran journal, this post is to give you some ideas as well as for inspiration. You can do it any how you want. Set your intention and reap the benefits from it. You will see a difference in your life insha Allah.
How do you Quran journal? Let me know in the comments. Send your pictures to my pinterest insha Allah
Salam,
Hawwa, that Main Muslimah