Almost every hafiz will tell you the same thing: memorising new pages is the easy part; keeping them is the real work. The traditional madrasah system divides daily Hifz into three parts so that new memorisation and revision stay in balance.
The three parts of a Hifz lesson
| Part | What it is | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sabaq | The new lesson memorised today | A few lines up to a page, depending on the learner |
| Sabqi | Recent memorisation, usually the last few days to few weeks | Often the last 5 to 10 lessons, or a portion of the current juz |
| Manzil | Older memorisation, revised on a rotating cycle | A fixed portion daily so everything is revised regularly |
Why sabqi and manzil matter so much
Memory fades quickly unless it is revisited. A portion revised the next day, then a few days later, then a week later becomes far more secure than one memorised once and left. Sabqi strengthens fresh memorisation; manzil makes sure older portions do not quietly disappear.
Example weekly plan for a school-age child
| Day | Class (30 min) | Home practice |
|---|---|---|
| Mon to Thu | Recite yesterday's sabaq, sabqi check, read next sabaq with teacher | Memorise the new sabaq (2 short sessions), revise sabqi |
| Fri | Weekly test of the week's lessons | Manzil revision |
| Weekend | No class | Light manzil revision, listen to a reciter |
Adjust the amounts so the learner can recite sabaq and sabqi confidently. If sabqi is weak, reduce the sabaq.
Signs the balance is wrong
- New lessons are strong, but surahs from last month are full of mistakes: more manzil is needed.
- The child dreads class and takes very long to memorise: the sabaq is too large.
- Revision takes the whole lesson: pause new memorisation for a week to consolidate.
Tips for parents
- Listen to your child's sabaq before the class, even if you are not a hafiz yourself; follow along in the Mushaf
- Use the same printed Mushaf every time, as visual memory of the page helps
- Encourage recitation in Salah, the most natural form of revision
- Plan lighter weeks around exams and lighter or more focused goals in Ramadan
Before you start Hifz
A learner should read fluently with basic Tajweed before beginning. Correcting mistakes after memorising is much harder than learning correctly the first time.
The same three-part system works for adults. If you are a teenage girl or an adult woman who would rather recite to a woman, see how a week of online Hifz with a female Hafiza fits around school, work or small children.
Learn more about our online Hifz programme or start with a free trial.