“Come in”, Shaykh Haroon Baqai said.
I walked in slowly, shaking from head to toe. I had only applied for the Hifzh School a few days ago, and now I found myself entering his office for a scheduled interview. Alhamdulillah, it went smooth and after answering a few questions and memorizing anAyah from Surah Saad and reciting it to him, the interview came to a close and I quickly sprinted out of the office in relief.
By the grace of Allah, I was accepted.

For the next few years, I went through an indescribable experience with a close knit of friends. It was truly a time that clearly solidified my identity and clarified for me my purpose in life. In light of these experiences, I have observed that there are certain qualities that are essential in one’s quest to memorize the Book of Allah:
A HAFIDH...
H - Has a good intention at all times.
“Actions are (judged) by intentions, so each man will have what he intended.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
A - Always remembers Allah
“The people of the Qur’an are the people of Allah and His special servants.” (An-Nisa’i, Ibn Majah, and Al-Hakim with a Hasan chain)
F - Finds himself in the company of good Friends and with the support of his Family.
“A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend.” (reported by Abu Dawood & Tirmidhee).
I - Is Involved in the community.
“Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied. (Surah Aali Imran, Ayah 79)”
D - Distinguishes himself with exemplary Discipline.
“O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those entrusted with authority over you” (Surah Nisa, Ayah 59).
H - Holds the Qur’an to be a part of their life.