THE SCHOLARS SAY: memorize the Qur’an before anything else!

“As for seeking to memorise the Qur‘an, then this is to be given preference over many of the things that the people consider to be knowledge, but are - in reality - either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Deen, its principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should begin by memorising the Qur‘an, as it is the foundation of the branches of the knowledge of the Deen. This is contrary to what is done by many of the people of innovation from the non-Arabs and other than them, in that one of them will pre-occupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as kalaam (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters of differences; and blind-following; which there is no need for; or very strange and rare ahadeeth, which are not established, nor of benefit; and many discussions which do not establish proofs. And he abandons memorising the Qur‘an which is more important than all of this.” [1]

“I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study under Qutaybah so he said: “First learn the Qur‘an and then I will give you permission.” So I memorised the Qur‘an by heart. So he said to me: “Remain until you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e for Taraweeh Prayer).” So I did so, then after the ‘Eed he gave me permission, so I left for Marw.” [2]

“So the first thing he should begin with is memorisation of the mighty Qur‘an, which is the most important branches of knowledge. And the Salaf did not use to teach Hadeeth or Fiqh, except to one who memorised the Qur‘an. So when he has memorised it, then let him beware of pre-occupying himself from it with Hadeeth, Fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the Qur‘an, or makes that likely.” [3]

1. -Shaykh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Fatawaa al-Kubraa (2/54-55)

2. -Muhammad Ibn al-Fadl, reported by adh-Dhahabi in Tadhkirat ul-Huffadh (2/722)

3. al-Imam an-Nawawi, from the introduction to al-Majmoo’ Sharh ul-Muhadhhab (1/38)