As Salaamu alaikum, I have a question. If someone wants to pursue memorizing the Quran, does it have to be done with a teacher/through a hifz program or can it be done at home individually for it to count in the eyes of Allah swt? Meaning is it necessary for one to officially be recognized/certified in the community as “Hafiz” for the hifz to count, or is it okay for a person to just do it on their own and keep it to themselves?
Wa alaikum salaam,
We hope this message reaches you in good health and Iman. It is not required for a person to be considered a Hafiz that the community recognizes one as such, but what is essential is that the entire Quran is memorized and recited in the correct manner. This depends on having a teacher to correct one’s reading, because this Quran was preserved orally, delivered from heart to heart from the time of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wa Salam. We often make mistakes without realizing, or perhaps memorized portions incorrectly unknowingly. This is why I stress to have a teacher and learn according to the Prophetic method instead of attempting it alone, since it can lead to a person missing the goal of becoming a Hafiz completely. Moreover, programs and teachers keep a student accountable for their lessons and motivated to move forward through difficult parts.
If one does have a teacher and are committed to the effort, then they may continue without the community being aware of their Hifz.
Allah knows best.