When Ismail first sat in his Quran class, he didn’t know how to read Arabic, didn’t understand the tajwīd rules, and couldn’t imagine memorizing even one page—let alone the entire Book of Allah. But what he did have was humility, dedication, and a heart filled with sincere intention. Day after day, he learned the Arabic letters, struggled through pronunciation, and slowly pieced together words and verses.

 

Instead of becoming discouraged, each challenge strengthened his resolve. Ismail and Sheikh Abdelfatah woke up early Monday-Friday to continue memorizing the Holy Quran. Ismail struggled hard to memorize and learn, he recited to his teacher with patience, and made dua regularly  asking Allah to place the Qur'an in his heart. Within months, Ismail began memorizing short surahs—then pages, then entire juz’ within a few years, under the Instruction of Sheikh Abdelfatah. His pace accelerated, fueled by discipline and the consistent encouragement of his family.

 

With every milestone, his confidence grew, not in himself, but in the promise that “Allah makes the Quran easy for remembrance.” Years passed—and with them, countless dawn recitations, revision circles, and tear-filled duas. Ismail finished his final verses just as the sun rose on April 17, 2023. His voice trembled—not from fear, but from gratitude. He had memorized the entire Qur'an from scratch. Yet Ismail knew this accomplishment was not the end. He committed to maintaining and strengthening this gift, completing six full reviews of his memorization, and soon seven, Inshaa'Allah. 

 

Now, he continues on the noble path toward earning his Ijazah, Inshaa'Allah,  refining his recitation and sanad, and preparing to pass down this trust to others. What began as hesitant letters became fluent verses, then chapters, then the entire Qur'an illuminated in his heart. 

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Ismail’s journey is a reminder to every current & future SA student:

✨ With sincerity, effort, and the help of Allah, even the smallest step can lead to extraordinary heights.