My Quran Journal/ Islamic Journal
I was inspired by Pinterest, of all things, to create my own Quranic journal. Actually, it was a post by mainly Christian women who posted Bible journaling pictures that inspired me. No not the weird highlighting and writing on the bible version of Bible journaling, but using a notebook or journal to study the bible either through quotes or passages at a time. So, I tried searching for Islamic versions but my research either came up in French (which I can't read) or nada. What did I do then?
I decided I wanted a notebook, that was a hodgepodge of my own religious thoughts. Here are the things that I add to my journal and hopefully they inspire you to create something similar. The exact thing can be applied to Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism or etc....Maybe even Wiccans, if you want something that is slightly different than your grimoire of course.
1. Choose a Journal your own fun things to write with or decorations
Make sure you choose something you know you will like to write on. It could be in Microsoft Word or an eighty dollar journal, it's up to you. This process is important because you're representing your intentions and you need something to motivate you. As for pens or pencils, I like to write with both color and black ink. I even highlight things. This isn't really for decorations, but so I can tell the difference at a glance from the source material and my own thoughts. Some people like to draw pretty pictures or glue in pictures, do what you like.
2. Choose some stationary
Obviously, if you choose to use your laptop, you most likely won't buy stationary. You can, add pictures from the internet into your computer journal or draw using a stylus pen. If you are using a non-digital version of a journal I recommend going to JoAnn fabrics, Walmart, or Meijers (even Barnes and Noble) and buying things you like. These places often sell stickers, watercolor pens, stencils, stamps, washi tape and etc. Buy what you like, and you can always just use a black pen with highlighters. I like this method the most for myself.
3. Writing about the Quran
The main book you will study from is the Quran. Some people say you should start at point a and finish at point b. That is, honestly, bull....just start where ever you want or feel like starting at. Perhaps there is a verse you want to memorize, write it down in Arabic and your main language. Know both the meaning of the verse and the Arabic. I like to write Quranic passages from books I am reading that are about the Quran. I.e the book Reading the Quran by Ziauddin Sardar. Reading books about the Quran does help you actually understand the Quran more. I as well have The Study Quran which is the Quran but with very lengthy footnotes by American Islamic scholars both converts, women, African Americans, and etc. It is a wonderful text to study from and they quote Hadiths, other scholars thoughts, and history for every line in the Quran. Great work in understanding the Quran.
In my journal, I will either write the full verse I think should be studied more or I write the surah number....like 2:2 or something like that. Then I add the notes that the scholars have said about this verse. Now is the time you can add your own thoughts on these verses.
To read the Quran you need to reflect on every word. Each sentence is chalk full of information, and knowledge. I typically will continue reading books and finding more information on a verse and will write it down, I do not feel the need to compile everything on one page.
4. Other sources to write about
These sources can be hadiths, Islamic books, Feminist books, Sufi books, Poetry, Other religion's information, lecture notes, and etc. Your own questions, answered are also really good points. For example "How do you use prayer beads? Why?" then write down anything or everything you can find about them. Reflect on them if you want and write. Islam is a very complex religion. Do not be afraid to read history books or whatever to learn more. Heck, I enjoy Buddhist works because it helps me reflect more on Islam in a newer and better way. If you do not know about Sufism, branch out and learn about it. Read Sufi works. Jot down famous Muslims in history or in the modern times. Read about politics and jot that down.
Your journal is your personal growth and it is your own personal way to learn more about Islam; as well as all the topics that intermingle with it.
It is totally okay if you just want a journal and you want to use it to write about daily religious reflections. Maybe you want to use it to help you memorize the Quran. You Do You!
I just prefer a hodge podge way to take notes, I typically don't think in a straight line. I am also a convert and many things I am ignorant about and the journal helps me think of new questions and helps me jot down important things. Perhaps I'll up date this post to include personal pictures of my own journal.
I decided I wanted a notebook, that was a hodgepodge of my own religious thoughts. Here are the things that I add to my journal and hopefully they inspire you to create something similar. The exact thing can be applied to Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism or etc....Maybe even Wiccans, if you want something that is slightly different than your grimoire of course.
1. Choose a Journal your own fun things to write with or decorations
Make sure you choose something you know you will like to write on. It could be in Microsoft Word or an eighty dollar journal, it's up to you. This process is important because you're representing your intentions and you need something to motivate you. As for pens or pencils, I like to write with both color and black ink. I even highlight things. This isn't really for decorations, but so I can tell the difference at a glance from the source material and my own thoughts. Some people like to draw pretty pictures or glue in pictures, do what you like.
2. Choose some stationary
Obviously, if you choose to use your laptop, you most likely won't buy stationary. You can, add pictures from the internet into your computer journal or draw using a stylus pen. If you are using a non-digital version of a journal I recommend going to JoAnn fabrics, Walmart, or Meijers (even Barnes and Noble) and buying things you like. These places often sell stickers, watercolor pens, stencils, stamps, washi tape and etc. Buy what you like, and you can always just use a black pen with highlighters. I like this method the most for myself.
3. Writing about the Quran
The main book you will study from is the Quran. Some people say you should start at point a and finish at point b. That is, honestly, bull....just start where ever you want or feel like starting at. Perhaps there is a verse you want to memorize, write it down in Arabic and your main language. Know both the meaning of the verse and the Arabic. I like to write Quranic passages from books I am reading that are about the Quran. I.e the book Reading the Quran by Ziauddin Sardar. Reading books about the Quran does help you actually understand the Quran more. I as well have The Study Quran which is the Quran but with very lengthy footnotes by American Islamic scholars both converts, women, African Americans, and etc. It is a wonderful text to study from and they quote Hadiths, other scholars thoughts, and history for every line in the Quran. Great work in understanding the Quran.
In my journal, I will either write the full verse I think should be studied more or I write the surah number....like 2:2 or something like that. Then I add the notes that the scholars have said about this verse. Now is the time you can add your own thoughts on these verses.
To read the Quran you need to reflect on every word. Each sentence is chalk full of information, and knowledge. I typically will continue reading books and finding more information on a verse and will write it down, I do not feel the need to compile everything on one page.
4. Other sources to write about
These sources can be hadiths, Islamic books, Feminist books, Sufi books, Poetry, Other religion's information, lecture notes, and etc. Your own questions, answered are also really good points. For example "How do you use prayer beads? Why?" then write down anything or everything you can find about them. Reflect on them if you want and write. Islam is a very complex religion. Do not be afraid to read history books or whatever to learn more. Heck, I enjoy Buddhist works because it helps me reflect more on Islam in a newer and better way. If you do not know about Sufism, branch out and learn about it. Read Sufi works. Jot down famous Muslims in history or in the modern times. Read about politics and jot that down.
Your journal is your personal growth and it is your own personal way to learn more about Islam; as well as all the topics that intermingle with it.
It is totally okay if you just want a journal and you want to use it to write about daily religious reflections. Maybe you want to use it to help you memorize the Quran. You Do You!
I just prefer a hodge podge way to take notes, I typically don't think in a straight line. I am also a convert and many things I am ignorant about and the journal helps me think of new questions and helps me jot down important things. Perhaps I'll up date this post to include personal pictures of my own journal.
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