7 Proven Tips to Help Your Child Memorize Surahs at Home
7 Loving Ways to Help Your Child Memorize Surahs at Home (From One Parent to Another)
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, dear parent,
If you’ve been wondering how to start your child on their Quran memorization journey—or how to make it less stressful and more joyful—this one’s for you. I’m a parent too, and I know how it feels to want so much for our children, especially when it comes to the deen. We want them to love the Quran, to feel connected to Allah from a young age—but sometimes we’re unsure where or how to begin. That was me not too long ago. Alhamdulillah, with trial, error, and lots of dua, I found small things that made a big difference. Today, I’d love to share them with you—not as an expert, but as a fellow mum or dad who gets it.
1. Start Small and Sweet: Let the First Surah Be a Gentle One
When I first introduced Quran memorization to my child, I started with what felt doable for both of us. We picked Surah Al-Ikhlas—short, rhythmic, and filled with beautiful meaning. I didn’t set any expectations; I just recited it during bedtime, sometimes in the car, and always after our daily prayers. Eventually, my child began repeating the last few words. That’s when I realised: the Quran doesn't need to be “taught” in a formal way at first. It needs to be felt—through voice, routine, and repetition. Choosing a surah that’s not overwhelming, and weaving it into moments of warmth, helped us begin our journey in a way that was gentle and natural.
2. Make Repetition Playful, Not Pressured
Repetition is key in memorization, but how we repeat matters. At first, I would simply ask my child to follow me word by word. But honestly, it became boring for them—and frustrating for me. So we switched it up. We turned it into a chant with claps, made up little actions to go with each ayah, and even used a mini drum one day. I noticed that when my child was moving, laughing, and having fun, the surah stayed in their mind. Children learn through their bodies and emotions, and the Quran deserves to live in their hearts—not just be stored in their heads. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection. So take the pressure off and let the process be joyful.
3. Draw, Point, Show: Use Visual Aids to Anchor Meaning
Children are visual creatures. They remember things better when there’s a picture, a symbol, or even a color to hold onto. One day, I drew simple stick figures to go along with Surah Al-Fil: an elephant, birds in the sky, tiny stones. My drawing skills were… questionable, to say the least, but my child’s eyes lit up! We stuck the pictures to the wall and suddenly, the words of the surah became more real and alive. You can use flashcards, printable posters, or just scribbles on a whiteboard. The point is to give the words something tangible to attach to. It makes memorization not only easier, but also meaningful—and even more fun!
4. Let the Quran Be the Soundtrack of Your Home
Sometimes we underestimate how powerful passive listening can be. I started playing beautiful Quran recitations—softly, in the background—while we had breakfast or tidied up the room. I didn’t ask my child to “listen carefully,” I just made it part of our day. After a few weeks, I heard my child humming the melody of a surah we hadn’t even formally “learned” yet. It reminded me that children absorb so much through their ears—more than we give them credit for. Using audio from well-loved Qaris like Mishary Rashid or Saad Al-Ghamdi can help your child internalize the rhythm and flow of the Quran, even without active teaching. Just press play and let the barakah fill your space.
5. Keep It Short but Show Up Every Day
We live in busy times. Between work, errands, meals, and bedtime routines, the idea of “daily Quran memorization” can sound overwhelming. But here's what worked for me: we kept it short—just 5 to 10 minutes a day, and some days even less. The key wasn’t how long we spent; it was showing up regularly. Children respond well to small routines, and when they know they’ll have this quiet, special time every day—even for a little while—they look forward to it. Some days we skip. That’s okay too. But having a rhythm to return to keeps things steady. Small, consistent drops fill the ocean, and over time, you’ll be amazed at how much your child has absorbed.
6. Learn It Together – Be Their Learning Buddy, Not Their Teacher
One day, I sat beside my child and said, “Let’s learn this together.” I recited the first ayah with them, stuttered a bit (on purpose!), and let them correct me. They laughed, their confidence grew, and suddenly, Quran time felt like a team project—not homework. Children love when we’re learning with them, not instructing at them. It tells them: "We’re on this journey together." You don’t have to be perfect or even fluent. Your presence, your encouragement, and your willingness to stumble along with them—that’s what sticks. Let Quran memorization be a bonding experience, full of warmth, mistakes, laughter, and love.
7. Celebrate the Little Wins Like Big Victories
When my child completed Surah Al-Falaq, we had a little celebration—just us. We baked cookies, put a sticker on their chart, and said Alhamdulillah out loud. That joy? That memory? It anchored the surah in their heart in a way no repetition ever could. Celebrating milestones—no matter how small—builds a positive emotional connection with Quran learning. It motivates, inspires, and reminds them that this journey is something special. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. A high-five, a sticker, a whispered dua into their ear—“May Allah make you among the people of the Quran”—can go a very long way.
💛 Final Reflections from a Fellow Parent
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t how much your child memorizes, but how much they love what they’re memorizing. Let it be slow. Let it be imperfect. Let it be real. You don’t need to be an expert. Your voice, your presence, your dua—that’s more powerful than any curriculum. The Quran is light, and your child will carry that light with them, inshaAllah, if we nurture it gently, with joy and sincerity.
If you're looking for a loving, movement-based approach to Quran learning, feel free to explore what we do at Little Quran Kids. Our hearts are with you, and we’re cheering you on in every step of this journey.
With love and dua,
A fellow parent at Little Quran Kids