Introduction:
The necessity for learning is a universally accepted reality. Be it walking, talking, planting seeds, growing crops. grammar, mathematics and more, we are in a constant state of information increase, almost until the last moments of life itself.
While it is true that there are innate abilities and interests that are unique to each individual, and that learning disabilities, social conditions, and mental health conditions can have an impact on educational goals, there are simple and easy ways to develop effective skills to retain, understand, and be successful in accomplishing such needs.
Below you will find some tips which I have utilized, which have benefited me greatly. The steps below have been divided into individual scenarios.
(1) In school (High school, university, or other)
In such an environment, classes are taken within certain time frames, with rules and methods often unique to the institution or the teacher(s). In a broad sense, it is important to have time disciplines, avoiding distractions (that are readily available today via mobile phones, internet etc), adequate sleep, income, diet, and even good peers.
Some subjects we have to study are actually not interesting nor relevant to our goals, but if they are required courses (and unable to switch to more pertinent classes), they must be tackled. Lectures, reading, taking notes, asking questions from instructors, all are necessary steps.
While families should take steps to make the above easier to accomplish, it is incumbent on the student to create the environment most conducive to their own circumstances. Going to the library or park to study. Have notebooks(ft.1) dedicated to particular subjects/classes. If the subject under study is linguistic or scientific, as much immersion as possible is necessary. Living in a country where the language is spoken, study of literature, music, and the like. Attaining assistance from those capable people is also necessary.
(2) Individual study
This may be classified under informal study, in which there are no outside pressures, such as tests, deadlines, and the like are present. This could also be applicable (particularly to the elderly) in learning how to navigate the technology of the modern era.
A great deal of patience and discipline is required here, and depending on which subject, it can be relatively simple. A person can simply have instructions in a conspicuous spot that explains how to use the computer or to enroll in automatic bill pay. That could be sufficient.
However, for more complex topics, some more work would be required. Much of the advice from paragraph #1 above is applicable, but keep in mind that if no (physical) teacher is present, self-teaching a subject can result in internalizing incorrect information, because no one was there to give a correction, especially in language arts.
It is for this reason that (depending on which area of study) a teacher is highly recommended, even in self-teaching. The teacher does not always have to be an actual academic, but rather sufficient enough to assist one's growth in the subject. That teacher does not need to think on behalf of the student.
There are countless institutes in operation today on every subject imaginable, even outside of academia. The internet, and particularly in a post-COVID era, has seen the emergence of mass online learning, via ZOOM and other such platforms. While this is very useful, it is still the view of this writer that whenever possible, interactions with those giving us academic assistance should be done in person, rather than in a virtual realm.
(3) Scriptural study
For Muslims, the Qur'an is the words of God, conveyed to the Prophet Muhammad. The word Qur'an itself carries the meaning of recitation, or that which is to be repeatedly read. The title is very appropriate when we consider the role it plays in the Islamic life. It is the central source of religious guidance, used in legal and cultural roles.
Thus, we have to divide this discussion into (a) Memorization/Recitation (Hifz/Qira'aat) and (b) Understanding in a religious/academic role (tafheem/tafseer)(ft.#2)
(a) The Qur'an is the core text recited in daily prayers. Thus, all practicing Muslims memorize some portions (ft.3). If the goal is to memorize selected portions for prayers, this can be done via a teacher, repeated listening to the mosque Imam recitation during communal worship (ft.#4), as well as YOUTUBE videos, CDs while driving, cleaning, etc. The mind can retain such texts just as we retain song lyrics. If the goal is to memorize the entire text, this- in my opinion- requires a teacher, discipline, time and patience. It can take years to accomplish.
For memorization of a particular text (such as Ayatul Kursiyy, 2:255 for example), after one or two of the daily prayers, play a recording of it, and after learning it, use it inside of your prayers. Indeed, rotate various Quranic passages for usage in daily prayers (ft.5)
(b) Understanding the Qur'an: The Qur'an was given slowly to the Prophet Muhammad, Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, therefore, we must also expect that it won't reveal its treasures overnight. While teachers are useful in conveying information on it, we should take heed that it is also a text which God himself teaches (Q 55:2). While I do consult tafaseer (Quranic commentaries) in seeking to understand texts, my methods can be summarized as follows: Notebooks, in which texts, commentaries, reflections, questions are all noted down and studied. Consultation of the original Arabic text, as well as linguistic resources(ft.5). For a more exhaustive presentation on this, see This link as well as this lecture
Bible study
While I do not claim expertise in Biblical studies, I do study it, and generally follow the development of Biblical Hermeneutics as a religious and cultural field. I have found that writing notes in the back pages, highlighting passages, and notebooks have been very useful. There are also a number of Jewish and Christian scholars whose reflections are very deep in these regards.
My personal library contains almost all of the English translations and commentaries on the market, and have benefited greatly from all of them, despite my theological differences (ft.#6). Thus, I won't make any recommendations on a particular Bible translation or version.
General tips
(1) Use physical books for study when possible. Studying via e-books, audiobooks, PDF files, etc does not result in retaining the information nor in easier accessibility than physical books and notebooks.
(2) Don't be afraid to ask or acknowledge weaknesses in a particular subject.
(3) Review your written materials, as well as any lecture videos, recordings, etc., on a regular basis.
(4) Try using (or at least discussing) new information, it will help in retaining and understanding the information.
(5) Have a strong social network, particularly in spiritual affairs or religious studies.
(6) Avoid distractions during study time.
Footnotes
(1) Notebooks should be big enough to note texts, questions and the like. I suggest employing various color pens and highlighters in order to access information later. This can be done on a laptop computer as well; however, I do not suggest a phone, tablet or I-PAD for these purposes.
(2) Tafheem means "understanding" while Tafseer means "explanation", the latter being the term employed for Quranic hermeneutical literature. All the Muslim sects have produced contributions to the tafseer genre, (much of which is not available in English), yet it is my view that Tafheem is a better term, because ultimately these all represent human efforts to grasp the Divine message, and as humans we are subject to human limitations.
(3) After Al-Faatihah, the most memorized passages include chapters 112-114, because of their brevity and content, very useful for prayers. It is our suggestion that personal favorite Quranic passages be studied, memorized and used in prayers, as this has been another method for retaining knowledge. The "verse of God's light" (Q 24:35), or texts which speak of Divine mercy and the like are recommendations.
(4) The Friday prayers (Salaat al Jumu'ah) is the most obvious example, but also the fajr, maghrib and 'ishaa prayers, because in the first two standing postures of those prayers, the Quranic recitation is done aloud. (Jahri). Praying in a mosque or a communal setting during those times will allow for absorbing and memorizing texts, and eventually to employ the same texts for yourself.
(5) There are a number of works from the classical periods of Muslim history which looks at the Qur'an from a linguistic perspective mainly, such as Tafseer Al-Kashshaaf (whose author died in 1143). Resources such as Lane's Lexicon are ideal for Quranic studies (and indeed, all English translations refer to LL). However, even though LL is in English, knowledge of Arabic language is still necessary in order to access its contents. Indeed, the Qur'an itself cannot be accessed from a truly deep position without Arabic language. There are some dictionaries on the market, whose focus is on Quranic vocabulary, yet even those works have limitations. For English readers interested in a mostly linguistic approach to the Qur'an would do well to read The Message of the Qur'an, the translation and commentary by Muhammad Asad. That work relies heavily on Tafseer Al-Kashshaaf.
(6) While we have highlighted commonalities between the Bible and Qur'an in the following lecture at this link we have also shown significant differences and the reasons for that here
