Originally posted December 28, 2011

2013 is right around the corner!  Many people make a resolution or two to hold throughout the year and most of them fail.  Some fail before they even begin.  The usual trends are to lose weight, eat healthier, pick up a hobby, give up a bad habit.  These are important to work on, but this year, let's try to pick something that we hold dear to our hearts, that's important for our spiritual well-being.

Studio Arabiya has put together three New Years resolutions that may be easier to hold throughout the year, as well as be very rewarding and beneficial!

1.  Memorize the Quran

How many times have you thought about memorizing the Quran (whole or partial) but have never followed through with it?  This year, set a goal that you feel like is achievable.

• Memorize a Juz over a set number of months.

• Memorize one Surah per week.

• Review what you have already memorized over the course of the year.

Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 8, Number 1448:

:عن سهل بن معاذ الجهني عن أبيه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال

من قرأ القرآن وعمل بما فيه ألبس والداه تاجا يوم القيامة ضوءه"".أحسن من ضوء الشمس في بيوت الدنيا لو كانت فيكم فما ظنكم بالذي عمل بهذا

Narrated by Mu'adh al-Juhani:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If anyone recites the Quran and acts according to its contents, on the Day of Judgment his parents will be given to wear a crown whose light is better than the light of the sun in the dwellings of this world if it were among you. So what do you think of him who acts according to this?

2.  Understand the Quran by Ramadan 2013

How many years has Ramadan come and go and you stood there at the Masjid, listening to recitation in your prayer every night, but didn't know what was being said?  Did you stand there reading the translation while the Imam recited in Arabic?  Make this Ramadan different.  Better.  More Valuable.  Come out of Ramadan with a spiritual high that you've never experienced before, all because you understood more of the Quran as it was read throughout the month.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

"Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran that you might understand." (Al-Quran 12:2)

3.  Perfect Your Recitation

Recite with a clear, precise recitation this year.  Make 2013 the year of perfecting your Tajweed.  Practice reciting with a scholar who can guide you to a more beautiful recitation.

أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا

"Or a little more; and recite the Quran in slow, measured rhythmic tones." (Al-Quran 73:4)

How To Get Started?

If you're ready to commit to a resolution in regards to Arabic or Quran, one way to ensure that you succeed is having a mentor, a guide, someone to inspire you along the way.  The instructors at Studio Arabiya fit that description perfectly.  They will be with you every step of the way to encourage you to recite better, to learn Arabic - the language of the Quran, or to be more effective in memorizing the Quran.

To get started, register at www.studioarabiya.com and we will match you up with a specialist to help you achieve your goals, your dreams, your resolutions.