Qur’an journaling has been around for a while and it is the new buzzword for intentional Muslims all around the world. I have had a lot of people reach out to me since I started the An Ayah A Day series three years ago asking about it and I remember doing a post then. However, I moved my site and lost my previous posts. So here goes…

What is Qur’an journaling?

It is simply journaling using the ayahs of the Qur’an as a backbone. You read an ayah, research it, reflect on it and assess your situation based on that ayah and then formulate an action plan and even make dua based on that ayah.

Why Qur’an Journaling?

Ah! This is relative, it depends on you. It also depends on the day. I find that people that have purchased my Qur’an journals have bought them for various reasons. The one sister whose response inspires me every time I hit a consistency glitch said,

“I want it to be my legacy. That thing I want to leave behind for my children. A way for them to remember me when I am gone.”

So you see, It can be your legacy.

How do I get started?

Easy! Get a sheet of paper or a journal, a pen and even the Qur’an and Tafseer apps on your phone would suffice.

Yeah! That’s all. It’s okay if you don’t have fancy pens or cute stickers or even the creative doodles and drawing.

Set your intentions – Always start with the intentions.

Start now.

Start where you are.

Start with what you have.

Over the years, the format for my journaling has evolved. Some days, I don’t even like the structure and I prefer a blank sheet. So find what works for you. Here are some ideas for structure;

1. Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy method

Ayah – You write out an ayah in Arabic or English.

Notes – What stands out at first glance, Asbahul Nusul (Reasons for revelation), some background, notes from the study of the Tafseer.

Reflections – How does the ayah relate to your situation right now.

Action Plan – Way forward – Simply put, how can I live this ayah.

2. The SOAP method

I can hear those in medicine go Subjective data, Objective data, Assessment and Plan. However, here it stands for Subject, Observation, Application and Prayer.

Subject – The Ayah in focus

Observation – A look at the ayah – Reason for revelation, Tafseer, new words, the names of Allah used in the ayah, Something you didn’t notice before (if its an ayah you know well).

Application – How the ayah applies to you, to others around you especially at that moment.

Prayer – and Gratitude. Gratitude increases, never forget that.

So tell me, do you Journal? Was this helpful? What questions do you have or need clarity on?