Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Assalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
Subhanallah, we are on Juz 16 right now in Taleem-ul-Quran. About 18 months ago, when I embarked upon the journey of learning the Quran with Ustaza Dr. Farhat Hashmi, I was apprehensive about my own commitment towards the course, as well as, the unexpected turns in life. I was afraid that either of these could end this journey prematurely. In the earlier weeks of the course, I recall Sr. Shazia saying that even in a class of 200 registered students, no one was really considered a [committed] student until she completed 10 paras (because people often quit). Her remark really struck me and made me wonder about myself. Was I going to quit before completing 10 juz or would I be able to persevere?
Unsurprisingly, 'life' happened. A couple of months into the course, I was traveling overseas and couldn't take classes for about three weeks. As a result, I missed two tests and an assignment. But, Alhamdulillah, I was able to return to the course, and I eventually caught up with the tests. Another few months later, I had a baby followed by medical complications. I missed nearly two months of classes. How easy it would have been to quit! But oh, the words of Sr. Shazia ringing in my ears! Alhamdulillah, with Allah's tawfeeq, I decided to overlook the pile of missed lessons, tests, and assignments, and to focus on the current lessons. My baby girl is six months old now, mashallah, and I still have three Juz worth of tests to make-up. However, the significant thing is that I am still here!
It's not important what I missed. What's really remarkable is what I have gained. I have under my belt, alhamdulillah, 12 Juz with all tests posted! To imagine the reward, inshallah, for reading and learning 12 Juz several times, Subhanallah!
Recently, somebody asked me what changes I saw in myself since taking the course. The greatest change this course brings in one's life is how much Quran one reads! (can't help the exclamation marks!!). We spend five hours, three days a week, exclusively in learning Quran and related subjects. Besides these fifteen hours, we spend a considerable amount of time during the rest of the week to read the lessons, do the homework, and prepare for the tests. Consequently, there is practically no time left for the afternoon naps, the trips to the mall, and the unnecessary phone conversations. The motto of Al Huda Institute is "Quran for All - in every hand, in every heart." The course definitely puts a Quran in one's hand-- may Allah also bring it to our hearts. Ameen.
Hence, based on personal experience, to answer the title of this post (When to Quit Taleem-ul-Quran), I'll say, NEVER. And here are some more reasons:
1. It is no less than a miracle that in spite of spending so much time with the Quran, I have never felt, nor known anyone else who felt, that there is less time for taking care of the family or other important things in life. Subhanallah. Somehow, everything falls into place and business runs as usual.
2. A friend of mine who recently joined a course keeps getting disheartened by how she keeps forgetting the translation. Every week she tells me she can't continue. If you are feeling something like this, please know that the moderators, the group incharges, the group members are all there to help you! Just ask. But more importantly, you'll need to help yourself by bringing discipline to life, making lots of dua, and developing a desire to complete this course. If thousands of other women can do it, you surely can't be that incapable.
3. Please don't get obsessed with your test-scores. I heard this in a lecture somewhere: if a students studies for a whole week for a chemistry test, but does poorly on the test, the teacher never gives points for the hard-work. What you put on the test-paper is what you get graded on. But with Quran, it's completely different. Each time you read a harf, you get ten rewards, inshallah! So if you prepare for a test and get a not-so-exciting grade, what difference does it make? Your real score is safe with Allah!
4. With hardship comes ease. If personal-life circumstances take you away from the course, don't lose patience. Inshallah, Allah sees the intent. Eventually, when matters resolve (and alhamduillah, they always do), please log back in!
There is no greater act than learning the deen of Allah. So please stay the course and finish the course.
Jazakallah khair for reading my blog :-) . I would love to hear your experiences and remarks, so please leave a comment. And all you Quran-learning sisters, I love you for Allah's sake! Assalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
