How to Muslim

How to Quran Journal

Quran journaling means slowing down on one verse and writing what you find in it. Here is a four-step method, a worked example, and a free template to start with.

The QRAN Method Start with 2–3 verses Ten minutes is enough

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?”

Surah Muhammad 47:24 (Sahih International)

What Do You Need to Get Started?

Habit Building

Start Small and Keep Going

Most people give up on journaling because they start too big. Two or three verses, a few times a week, is a real start. Build on it once it sticks.

Prophetic wisdom The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked which deeds Allah loves most. He said: “The most constant, even if they are few.” He also said: “Take on the deeds you are able to keep up.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6465
Quick Checklist

What You’ll Need

  • A journal: a paper notebook or a notes app. Either works.
  • A Quran with translation: a printed copy, or Quran.com.
  • A tafsir: Tafsir as-Sa’di is the easier one to begin with. Tafsir Ibn Kathir goes deeper. Quran.com carries both under the Tafsir tab on every verse.
  • Ten quiet minutes. That is genuinely enough.
Before You Write

Wudu and the Arabic Text

You need wudu to touch the Arabic text inside a Mushaf. Make wudu before you open it.

Reading a translation, reading from a screen, or reciting from memory does not need wudu. So you can still journal on a day you cannot make wudu, using a translation.

What Is the QRAN Method?

Q

Q – Quote the Verse

Pick one verse. Write it out in Arabic, then write the translation underneath it. Copying by hand slows you down, and slowing down is the whole point.

R

R – Read the Context

Read the tafsir, which is the scholarly explanation of the verse. Look at what comes before and after it, who it was revealed about, and what the wording actually means.

A

A – Apply It

Write one thing you will do differently this week because of this verse. Keep it small and specific enough that you can check on Friday whether you did it.

N

N – Next Verse

Before you close the journal, write down which verse you are taking next. That one line is what brings you back to the page tomorrow.

What Does the QRAN Method Look Like in Practice?

Worked Example

Journaling Surah Ash-Shams 91:12

Here is the QRAN method run through one short verse, start to finish.

Q: Quote the Verse

Write the Arabic first, then the meaning underneath:

إِذِ ٱنۢبَعَثَ أَشْقَىٰهَا

“When the most wretched of them was sent forth.” Surah Ash-Shams 91:12 (Sahih International)

R: Read the Context

Read verses 11 to 15 together. The people of Thamud rejected their prophet Salih. Allah gave them a she-camel as a sign, and Salih warned them not to harm her or keep her from her water. The most wretched of them was sent forth, they hamstrung her, and Allah destroyed them for it.

You can read all of this on the verse page at Quran.com under the Tafsir tab.

A: Apply It

  • Silence is a choice. One man hamstrung the camel, but verse 14 says “they hamstrung her”. The rest of them stood by, and it was counted against them too.
  • Signs are not enough on their own. They had the sign in front of them and still went ahead. Ask yourself which warning you already know and keep putting off.

N: Next Verse

Write your next line before you close the journal:

“Tomorrow: Surah Ash-Shams 91:13 to 15, to finish the passage.”

What Are Some Practical Tips?

Read the Tafsir First

Write down what the verse means before you write down what it means to you. Every verse page on Quran.com has a Tafsir tab with Ibn Kathir and as-Sa’di in English.

Make It Yours

Colour, sketches, margin notes, whatever helps. A journal you enjoy opening is a journal you will keep opening.

Attach It to a Habit

Pick a slot you already keep, like straight after Fajr or the last ten minutes before bed. Leave the journal somewhere you will see it.

Free Quran Journal Templates

📥

Printable PDF Journal

A guided page with space for the verse, the context, the lesson, and your own reflection. Take the lighter printing version, or the full journal.

Get the PDF Journal
📝

Notion Digital Journal

Prefer typing? Duplicate our free pre-built Notion workspace to your own account.

Open Notion Template
Want layout ideas? Browse Quran journaling on Pinterest.
How to read the Quran › How to memorise the Quran ›

Stuck on where to start?

If you are not sure which tafsir to use, how to set the journal up, or which surah to begin with, ask us.

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COURSE

Bayyinah TV

Nouman Ali Khan's Quranic Arabic courses, built from the ground up.

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Structured Arabic courses for reading the Quran with understanding.

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Nawara Academy

Structured Islamic studies courses, taught step by step.

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AMAU Academy

Online Islamic studies taught by qualified scholars.

amauacademy.com