Beyond Memorization: Unveiling the most Effective Techniques for Quran Memorization and Murajaah

Empowering Quran memorization in Tahfiz Religious Secondary Schools is a vital effort to ensure that the next generation of huffaz is able to memorize and retain the sacred verses of the Quran effectively and continuously. Historically, various methods have been applied to strengthen Quran memorization and retention (murajaah). These include selecting a suitable environment and time, using effective memorization techniques, setting clear goals, and enhancing motivation. However, challenges such as forgetfulness, weak retention, and difficulty in selecting the most appropriate method to memorize the Quran still persist among tahfiz students in mainstream educational institutions. Therefore, this study aims to identify the most effective strategy for Quran memorization and retention. A mixedmethod approach was used, with data collected through questionnaires containing questions related to memorization techniques and adapted questions from the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), as well as interviews with 30 tahfiz students and 15 tahfiz teachers to obtain deeper insights into the memorization practices of huffaz at Tahfiz Religious Secondary Schools. The analysis of quantitative data was carried out with descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression, while qualitative data was thematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s framework. The results showed that visual mushaf reading, repetition (takrār), and tahrīrī were the most common strategies. Correlational studies demonstrated that weekly tasmīk volume was advanced as a significant predictor of retention, whereas systematic murājaʿah was shown to be beneficial for memorization but was not always significant independently. Thematic analysis revealed five major aspects: repetition is the main approach, the spiritual aspect of prayer, the social aspect of talaqqi, the reinforcement of writing and observation, the pragmatic strategies that deal with modern challenges.The research demonstrates that Qur’anic memorization reaches its maximum effect when the given strategies are incorporated systematically into regular practice. Frequency and memorization volume criteria proved themselves to be the most effective long-term retention predictors, thus upholding the complementary nature of traditional Islamic pedagogy and cognitive science. These findings suggest that tahfiz curricula need to be orchestrated to sustainably perpetuate classical methods and adapt them to the modern learning environment.