Qur’an journaling is not about writing beautifully or understanding everything. It is about slowing down enough to let one āyah speak to your heart. Feeling overwhelmed usually comes from trying to do too much, too fast, or the “right” way. Islam does not require that.
How to Start Qur’an Journaling Without Feeling Overwhelmed?
1. Start With One Āyah Only
Trying to journal an entire page leads to quitting.
Allah says:
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ
“A blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they may reflect upon its verses.”
[Qur’an 38:29]
One verse is still reflection.
2. Read Tafsīr for Understanding, Not Mastery
Reflection is built on understanding, not guessing.
أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ
“Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an?”
[Qur’an 4:82]
Reading a brief tafsīr protects you from misunderstanding while keeping the heart engaged. You are not required to become an expert to reflect.
3. Write What Stood Out to You Personally
The Qur’an addresses hearts differently.
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“And We send down from the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers.”
[Qur’an 17:82]
Healing is personal. Write the word, phrase, or meaning that touched you, not what sounds impressive.
4. Ask: What Is Allah Telling Me Here?
The Qur’an is guidance, not just information.
هَٰذَا بَصَائِرُ لِلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ
“This is insight for people, and guidance and mercy.”
[Qur’an 45:20]
Asking this question turns reading into direction instead of passive consumption.
5. Connect the Āyah to One Real-Life Moment
Reflection deepens when it touches life.
Allah says:
إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَن كَانَ لَهُ قَلْبٌ
“Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart.”
[Qur’an 50:37]
The Qur’an speaks to lived moments, not abstract ideas.
6. End With Duʿāʾ
Let reflection turn into turning back to Allah.
Allah says:
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
“And your Lord said, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’”
[Qur’an 40:60]
Duʿāʾ seals reflection into action.
Starting Qur’an journaling is not about doing more.
It is about doing less, slower, and honestly.
One āyah, one page, one sincere response is enough to begin.
