Iranian Twins Say Quran Memorization Strengthened Their Studies, Spiritual Growth
Zahra and Fateme Nateghi, twins from Eslamshahr near Tehran, began their journey with the Quran at home with the help of their mother.
Speaking to IQNA, Zahra said their introduction started in early childhood and that they began memorizing short surahs around age six. After completing Juz 30, the sisters continued steadily until they had memorized the first 15 parts (Juz) of the Quran.
They attended several Quran institutes to improve their recitation, voice, and memorization skills, but the twins say their neighborhood Dar al-Quran served as their main learning base.
Their home also became a center for religious study because their father actively promotes the reading of Nahj al-Balagha in local mosques.
Zahra said their memorization of Nahj al-Balagha began with its short aphorisms because “they are brief and written in a clear, accessible style.”
Read More:
Fateme added that they had not originally intended to memorize the book but that “the clarity and depth of the sayings meant they naturally stayed in our minds.”
The sisters believe Quran memorization has had a direct impact on their academic success. Fateme said one of the most tangible effects was a strengthened memory.
She said they could sometimes “visualize entire pages of our textbooks,” which proved especially helpful during Iran’s highly competitive university entrance exams.
But she added that the deeper impact of the Quran was the spiritual motivation it provided: in moments of exhaustion, “the Quran gave us the strength to continue.”
Zahra said that in 12 years of schooling, she noticed that students who maintain a close relationship with the Quran “tend to be among the most focused and academically strong.”
Even during the busiest period of exam preparation, the sisters did not set the Quran aside. Zahra said that in the final days before the exam, when stress was highest, “we turned to the Quran for calm and to review what we had already memorized.”
Read More:
The sisters credit their family as the cornerstone of both their Quranic and academic growth.
Now studying law at the University of Tehran, the twins intend to continue on their Quranic path. “If God grants us the opportunity, we will work toward completing the memorization of the entire Quran,” they said.
The sisters remain only lightly involved in social media. Both set aside their phones during exam year and say their reliance on digital platforms is still minimal.
Looking ahead, they hope for a greater emphasis on understanding the Quran’s meaning rather than focusing solely on recitation styles.
Fateme said that too much attention on performance can sideline reflection and practice. Zahra added that accessible translations for children and youth, along with more classes centered on contemplation, would help deepen society’s engagement with the Quran.
4316937
