What is the best age to learn the Quran?
Four years old is the best age to learn the Quran as a child's mind is fresh and grabs everything easily. They are like vibrant gardens, ready to bloom with knowledge and fitra. Research also shows that young children have highly plastic brains. This means they can absorb information rapidly, including language and memorization skills. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of teaching children from an early age saying “Every child is born upon fitra” (Sahih Muslim).
قالَ النبيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ: ما مِن مَوْلُودٍ إلَّا يُولَدُ علَى الفِطْرَة
Prominent Muslim scholars like Imam Shafi’i and Imam Bukhari began learning and memorizing the Quran at a very young age, around four to six years old. This illustrates that early Quranic education has always been encouraged, yielding profound results in shaping the future of young minds.
Benefits of Quran Learning at an Early Age:
● Introducing the Quran early helps instill a love for it in the child’s heart. The younger they start, the more it becomes an essential part of their daily routine. Allah said, "Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers." (Quran 17:9).
(إِنّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ يِهْدِي لِلّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصّالِحَاتِ أَنّ لَهُمْ أَجْراً كَبِيراً) سورة الإسراء.
● The Quran learning shapes kids character and Islamic values for children such as honesty, kindness, and patience. Allah describes the Prophet (PBUH) as the one who embodies the teachings of the Quran: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (Quran 68:4).
قال تعالي "وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ" .
● Children in this age are less distracted by responsibilities and often find it easier to memorize verses compared to older kids or adults.
● Learning the Quran early fosters a deep connection with Allah, making it more likely for children to maintain their faith as they grow older.
● The Quran makes them more obedient, especially when they understand its meanings. This allows them to fully comprehend the commands to follow and the prohibitions to avoid.
● Learning the Quran makes children smarter and more likely to excel in the academic side. It enhances their social and verbal skills, while its memorization improves memory, focus, and linguistic abilities. Modern studies also show that the Quran memorization improves cognitive functions, while the Quran enhances verbal and analytical abilities.
● Learning the Quran protects our kids from evils, devils and false ideas. Allah said, "Indeed, My servants—no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators." (Quran 15:42).
إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ إِلَّا مَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْغَاوِين
[ الحجر: 42]
How to Introduce Your Child to the Quran:
1- Start with yourself first, being a parent everything starts with you. You are the role model. Kids mirror what they see in their homes first. Allah says in the Quran, "And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in [its practice]." (20:132). This verse emphasizes the importance of leading by example. The Prophet (PBUH) also said, "The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
2- Be encouraging parents, teach them how to keep going and never give up. Always remember that “a good word is sadaqa”. You can encourage them with kind words like, “MashaAllah, you’re trying so hard, and Allah loves those who strive.” Always remind them that Allah helps the sincere learner of the Holy Quran.
3- Always remind them of the great reward of learning the Quran, the biggest one being the highest ranking in Jannah. As the Prophet said, “The one who was devoted to the Qur’ān will be told to recite, ascend and recite carefully as he recited carefully when he was in the world, for he will reach his abode when he comes to the last verse he recites.”
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: " يُقَالُ لِصَاحِبِ الْقُرْآنِ: اقْرَأْ وَارَتْقِ وَرَتِّلْ كَمَا كُنْتَ تُرَتِّلُ فِي الدُّنْيَا فَإِنَّ مَنْزِلَكَ عِنْدَ آخِرِ آيَة تقرؤها ".
4- Share with them stories and morals of the Quran. Allah says, "Indeed, in their stories there is a lesson for those of understanding." ( 12:111). Read stories of Prophets like Yusuf (AS) or Musa (AS) and discuss their morals, such as patience, trust in Allah, and standing for justice.
5- Create a routine by making everyday practice for the Quran memorization which is the most beneficial way to progress. Set a fixed time daily for Quran memorization or recitation, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to build consistency and make it part of your child’s routine. Always remember The Prophet’s saying, " The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done most continuously, even if they amount to little.”
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «أَحَبُّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَى الله أدومها وَإِن قل»
6- Praise their small accomplishments. Celebrate small victories, such as learning a single verse, with words like “Alhamdulillah, look how beautifully you recited that verse!”
7- Read the interpretation of the Quran together. Use a child-friendly Tafsir book, like "Tafsir Ibn Kathir for Kids," and discuss the meanings of short Surahs, such as Surah Al-Fil or Surah An-Nas.
How does learning the Holy Quran affect a kid's mind?
Learning the Holy Quran has a profound impact on a child’s mental, spiritual, and emotional development. Here are the key benefits:
1. Enhances Mental Abilities
Teaching the Quran significantly improves a child’s cognitive skills, such as memory, focus, and analytical thinking. A study published in the International Journal of Educational Development (2017) found that children who memorize the Quran exhibit enhanced memorization and language learning skills. The repetitive nature of Quranic recitation stimulates the brain and sharpens intellect, making it easier for children to excel in other academic areas.
2. Boosts Linguistic Skills
Learning the Quran involves mastering classical Arabic, which enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and overall linguistic ability. This skill often extends to improved performance in reading and writing in other languages. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran that you might understand.” ( 12:2).
3. Develops Discipline and Time Management
Memorizing the Quran requires consistent effort, discipline, and routine. This helps children develop time management skills, self-discipline, and emotional balance, which are essential for success in all areas of life.
4. Provides Spiritual and Emotional Balance
The Quran acts as a source of comfort, instilling moral values and helping children build spiritual resilience. It offers guidance and emotional stability in the face of challenges.
5. Acts as a Shield Against Negative Influences
The Quran serves as a moral compass, protecting children from false thoughts, immoral behavior, and corruption of faith. Its teachings help them develop strong ethical values and a clear sense of right and wrong.
How Learning the Quran Blesses You and Your Child on Judgment Day
1. The Quran will intercede for its learner on the Day of Judgment. As The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Recite the Quran, for on the Day of Resurrection, it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it."
2. The Quran defends its learner from punishment in the grave. The Prophet said: "Surah Al-Mulk is the protector; it saves from the punishment of the grave."
3. The Quran as light in the grave and a companion against loneliness. Allah says:
"Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness into light..."
4. The Prophet (PBUH) likened the learner of the Quran to a citron, which is both pleasant in taste and smell: "The example of a believer who recites the Quran is that of a citron, which tastes good and smells good..."
5. Elevated status and shelter on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The one who recites the Quran and acts upon it will be among the noble and righteous scribes, and the Quran will argue in his favor on the Day of Judgment."
6. Allah blesses the learner with tranquility and honor. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whenever people gather in one of Allah's houses to recite the Book of Allah and study it, tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him."
7. The angels surround the reciter of the Quran. This is further emphasized in the hadith: "The angels lower their wings in humility for the seeker of knowledge, and the Quran reciter is surrounded by angels during recitation."
8. The Quran acts as a shield for the believer’s heart. Allah says: "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian." (15:9)
9. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
10. The learner of the Quran is crowned with nobility on Judgment Day. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The one who memorized the Qur'an shall come on the Day of Judgement and (the reward for reciting the Qur'an) says: 'O Lord! Decorate him." So he is donned with a crown of nobility. Then it says: "O Lord! Give him more!' So he is donned with a suit of nobility. Then it says: "O Lord! Be pleased with him.' So He is pleased with him and says: "Recite and rise up, and be increased in reward with every Ayah.'"
Why Choose TAJ Al-Quran Academy?
When it comes to learning the Quran, finding the right educational environment is crucial. TAJ Al-Quran Academy offers an enriching experience for students of all ages and backgrounds. Here are six key reasons why you should consider joining TAJ Al-Quran Academy:
1. Halaqa (Group Study Sessions):
At TAJ, we follow the tradition of Halaqa, inspired by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, who gather in groups to study the Quran and Islamic knowledge. This approach creates a collaborative learning atmosphere, strengthening bonds of brotherhood while enhancing both memorization and comprehension of the Quranic teachings.
2. Monthly Value Focus:
Each month, TAJ’s dedicated instructors introduce students to a new Islamic value, ensuring that lessons go beyond memorization. This approach helps students understand the deeper meanings behind the Quranic verses and apply those principles in their everyday lives.
3. Interactive Classes:
TAJ's interactive classes keep students engaged and excited about learning. Our instructors use fun, creative activities and educational games to make learning the Quran both enjoyable and informative, making it easier for students to absorb and retain knowledge.
4. Native Arabic Teachers:
To ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the lessons, TAJ only employs native Arabic-speaking teachers, all of whom are authorized by Al-Azhar University, one of the most respected Islamic institutions. This guarantees that students are learning from experienced and qualified instructors.
5. Flexibility to Fit Your Schedule:
We understand that life can get busy, which is why TAJ offers flexible class schedules that work around your personal commitments.
6. Developing Life Skills:
At TAJ, we focus on more than just academic growth. Our classes encourage the development of essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and active participation. By studying in a dynamic and interactive environment, students not only learn the Quran but also build character and improve their skills.
Join TAJ Al-Quran Academy today and see your children flourish in faith, knowledge, and character. Enroll Now!