Whether it was part of your New Year’s resolutions or something that you want to do as part of the 90 Days Spirituality Challenge, it is never too late to start Quran Journaling! I have a great post on How to Start Quran Journaling for Beginners but if you are looking for Quran journaling layout ideas for inspiration, then keep reading to see some gorgeous spreads by some extremely talented sisters.
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What is Quran Journaling?
Quran Journaling is simply the process of jotting down your thoughts and reflections of verses from the Quran. It can be done in various layouts, from a simple bullet-journaling type of form to a creative work-of-art. Whichever the style, the process is to help you to deeply look at the meanings and messages behind the verses in the Quran and to make connections.
Why should you Quran Journal?
Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?
QURAN – 47:24
When we take the time to reflect deeply on the words of God, it allows us to create a greater connection with the Quran. Rather than just reading it as a mindless ritual, by spending time to ponder over the words, gives us the chance to really understand the Quran.
We can connect to ayahs from the Quran in a personal way as it can be a comfort to us for whatever we are going through at that time in our lives. Whenever I have felt confused or anxious, in need of answers but not being able to find them, Quran journaling has guided me. Every time I sit down to Quran journal and ponder over the ayahs, I always feel as though I have found the answer I was looking for. It almost feels as if the Quran is speaking to me personally.
Tadabbur
[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
QURAN – 38:29
It is a duty upon every Muslim to reflect on the words of our creator. When we are training for a new role or occupation, there are manuals and guides that we need to study for us to succeed at that role. Similarly, the Quran is the manual for all of mankind, which has the answers and guidance on how to be and live as good human beings. We simply cannot just read it and not reflect upon it. We need to ponder over the words and try to understand the message behind it.
When did I start Quran Journaling?
Like many of us, when the world was taken over by Coronavirus in March 2020, during those first few months in lockdown, we all became very productive, trying our hand at different crafts or skills. Whether it was by baking banana bread or finding a new hobby, we wanted to make the most out of, what we thought, was our limited time at home (looking back now, it’s funny how wrong we all were! The novelty definitely wore off)
I started during the month of Ramadan in 2020. It was a strange Ramadan, being the first that we did the entire month at home without attending the mosque. And so, I found solace and comfort in Quran Journaling at home.
Initially, I didn’t even have a good translation Quran. After much research, I ordered this one (in hardback) and feel it is the perfect Quran for Quran journaling. The layout is simple with the ayah and translation side-by-side and it is a good size. I didn’t want to be using my tafsir Quran for this as the pages are too thin, it is much too heavy and therefore better used for studying the tafsir. I needed something simple that I could annotate and highlight to my heart’s content!
With the month of Ramadan approaching very soon, it would be an excellent opportunity to kick-start this wonderful habit or to take your Quran journaling to the next level! Check out these gorgeous Quran journaling layout ideas below to get you inspired!
Find your style from these Quran Journaling Layout Ideas
Are you very organized and structured? Do you make a lot of lists? You may benefit from jotting down your ideas in a bullet-journal type of layout.
Are you a visual learner and drawn to colors and images? Having a colorful Quran journal with lots of visuals and vibrant pages would be perfect for you to display the beauty of the Quran in a colorful and animated way.
9 Gorgeous Quran Journaling Layout Ideas
Here are some Quran Journaling layout ideas to find the style that suits you best. I am sure there is something for everyone!
1. Simple and Structured
This style by @quranjournal is great for beginners and especially for those with little time on their hands. You simply select the ayah that you want to reflect deeper on and dissect it into your understanding of the ayah and key words. Perhaps you highlight those key words or write them larger so that when you flip through your journal, those words will jump out at you.
Supplies for this Style:
Hand-Lettering Pens for Highlighting key words!
Pastel highlighters – these colors are so pretty.
2. Colorful and Artistic
@faakihah is truly THE PRO at this and honestly, this level of Quran journaling is an art. She uses a variety of inks and stamps, mixed-media, and collages to create beautiful works of art based on ayahs from the Quran. Check out her Instagram page for some inspiration. This style is great for the budding artists who want to combine their talent of art with Quran journaling.
Supplies for this Style:
Watercolors – these ones are great for beginners!
Distress Oxide Inks – very easy to use and create a beautiful effect.
3. Brainstorm
We love this style by @JournalingMuslimah as it is structured yet at the same time, not standardized and linear. It is flowing and organic. The analysis of the ayah can be seen quickly within the page without having to read through it all. The Brainstorm Style is great for beginners or if you don’t want to spend tons of time drawing or coloring.
Supplies for this Style:
Premium Paper Faux-Leather Journal with Dotted Sheets! Similar to the image.
4. Personal Diary
We love how @nur_writes uses her Quran Journal as a personal diary. She connects it with her life and highlights any reminders that she needs to hear. A beautiful way to personally connect to the Quran. You could even look back at it one day and see how specific ayahs helped you to overcome certain obstacles in your life and provided healing. Let your thoughts spill out onto the page and let your pen takeover.
5. Divided into Sections
Another one from @JournalingMuslimah. A sleek and minimal style; it is super structured yet clear and concise. She always has the #AOTD Ayah of the Day which she ponders upon and then asks very clear questions about. She divides her analysis into the following sections:
- The Ayah and Sura that I read/watched/listened to today
- The lessons from the Ayah
- After reflecting, the lessons that I gained based on my own life experiences are
- From my contemplation, I want to improve myself by making one action plan
- Special dua that I will make from this #AOTD
If you are confused on what to ask yourself about the ayah or sura that you are studying, you can use these for guidance. The questions are extremely clear and useful if you are starting out on your Quran Journaling journey!
6. Text and Sketches
We love @quranjottings style, with full and busy pages overflowing with thoughts and inspiration. She writes the ayah in both English and Arabic and adds some history about the ayah too, such as where it was revealed etc. Along with the tadabbur, she includes sketches to further explain the imagery of the ayah. A great way to remember an ayah through visuals!
Supplies for this Style:
Dual-tip Brush Markers Pens – great for fine lining or thick lettering
7. Mind-Mapping
Another fantastic Quran journaling layout idea is to mind-map your thoughts. Mind-Mapping is essentially a graphical style to represent the ideas and concepts of the ayah. You can visually organise the information to clearly show the relationship between suras and common themes. For example, the sister who shared her style with @imanillustrated shows the comparison between 2 surahs through a mind map.
8. Scrapbook Style
Another amazing way to make your Quran Journal intimate and personal to you is having it in a scrapbook style. This could include cuttings from magazines that reminded you of something or even the ayah you are studying, it could be a flower that your loved one gave you which you can dry and add to your page. It could be photographs of memories you want to relive that were sparked by the ayah. Anything that can enhance your learning even more and help you to remember and connect with the ayah. We admire how @sunnahliving has created a soft and beautiful collage through textured and colored papers to analyze and glorify the 99 names of Allah.
Supplies for this Style:
Hardcover Kraft Scrapbook with good quality paper
Scrapbooking Essentials – this is a great value kit which includes a lot of material
Metallic Marker Fine-Point pens – great for adding some sparkle to your pages
Crafters Tape – ideal for scrapbooking
9. Paperless – go digital!
For those of you who are more tech-savvy and prefer not having to deal with books and pens that come with ‘physical’ journaling, this might be right up your street (Gen-Z – I am looking at you!) We had this unique style of Quran Journaling sent to us as part of our Quran Journaling highlight (check it out on Instagram!) by @artingsak. All you need is your tablet and pen and you’re good to go! If you are planning to journal in this way, we would LOVE to see your images.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it helped you to find the style that suits you best. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to Quran Journal. Don’t be intimidated by images you may see online. Whichever the method, if it is helping you to connect with the book of God, that is all that matters.
Can you think of any other methods or styles which I may have missed? Please leave a comment below.
I would LOVE to see images of your Quran Journaling Layouts – DM us an image of it over on our Instagram @balancedbayt, and we will be sure to feature you!
So what are you waiting for? Just start! Bismillah…
Related Posts:
How to Start Quran Journaling – for Beginners
90 days Spirituality Challenge – Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan
10 New Years Resolutions for Muslims