The relationship between memorization techniques and understanding of the Qur`an

Abstract

Huffaz (graduates) in Indonesia, although being certified to have memorized the whole Qur’an upon graduation, majority are not able to fully interpret (tafsir) the meaning of the Qur’an. This could be related to the methods applied for memorizing the Text. It is imperative that this study is aimed to identify the most common method used by respondents in memorizing the Qur’an, to analyze the differences in the examination scores for Qur’an memorization based on gender, to examine the relationships between respondents’ score for Tafsir and Qur’an memorization. A methodology involving a case study was applied. Respondents from Ma`had Tahfiz Al- Qur’an at Al-Amien Prenduan Indonesia were selected on the basis that the curriculum implemented at this boarding school was known to have produced not just Huffaz, but graduates who scored well in Tafsir. As a result, they were able to recite the whole Qur’an without seeing the mushaf and could understand the meaning of the verse while memorizing it. To complement the secondary search for data and information, a questionnaire survey method was applied for obtaining primary data. Besides that, the examination score for Qur’an memorization (Tahfiz) and for Tafsir were also collected and analyzed to address the second and third research questions. Descriptive analyses, independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation were conducted to support evidences. Findings showed that four memorization techniques: Wahdah, Kitabah, Sima`i, and Jama` were applied by respondents, but the most common method used was the Wahdah method. With respect to the second research question, the study found that there was a significant difference in the examination scores for Qur’an memorization between male and female respondents. On the last research question, the study found that the relationship between respondents’ scores for Tafsir and scores for Qur’an memorization is statistically significant. The study concludes that by studying Tafsir, Huffaz could improve the understanding of the Qur’an which should be the ultimate aim in memorizing the text. Huffaz should not only expect to gain rewards while reciting the Qur’an but to be able to apply the teachings from the revelation in daily life.