Key Takeaways
- The 3x3 method, associated with teacher Sheikh Wisam Sharieff, breaks memorisation into small steps rather than attempting a full page at once.
- Each verse is heard and read three times before being memorised individually, also repeated three times.
- Verses are then combined in small groups and repeated together, gradually building toward the full lesson.
- The method works well because it prevents the overwhelm of memorising a large block of text all at once.
- Like any technique, it works best alongside a teacher who can confirm pronunciation is correct throughout the process.
The 3x3 method breaks Quran memorisation into small, structured steps: hearing and reading each verse three times, memorising it individually, then combining verses in small groups and repeating the whole passage together. It's associated with teacher Sheikh Wisam Sharieff, and it works well for students who find memorising a full page at once overwhelming.
What the 3x3 Method Actually Is
Rather than attempting to memorise a full page or lesson in one continuous effort, the 3x3 method breaks the process into small, repeated steps, working through individual verses before combining them. The structure is simple enough to follow without needing anything beyond a mushaf and a recording or teacher to listen to, which is part of why it's become a popular starting method for beginners.
Step 1: Listen and Read
Start by hearing the verse recited clearly three times, ideally by a teacher or a reciter you trust for accurate pronunciation. Then read the verse yourself three times, following along in the mushaf. This step builds an accurate mental model of both the sound and the written text before you attempt to memorise anything.
Step 2: Memorise Verses Individually
Recite the first verse from memory three times, without looking at the text once you feel ready to try. Then move to the second verse and do the same, three repetitions from memory. Keeping this step to one verse at a time prevents the overwhelm of trying to hold several new verses in mind simultaneously.
Step 3: Combine and Repeat
Once both verses are individually secure, recite them together, from memory, three times. This step builds the connection between verses, since memorising them in isolation doesn't automatically mean you can move smoothly from one to the next without hesitation.
Step 4: Complete the Full Passage
Continue this pattern, verse by verse, then combining in small groups, until you reach the end of your lesson for that session. Finish by reciting the entire passage from memory three times as one continuous unit, which confirms the whole section flows together rather than existing as separate memorised fragments.
Why Breaking It Down This Way Works
Memorising a full page in one attempt is genuinely difficult for most beginners, and the resulting memorisation often feels shaky precisely because so much was attempted at once. Breaking the process into small, repeated steps keeps each individual piece manageable, which tends to produce more secure memorisation than a single large attempt, even though it takes a similar amount of practice time overall.
Using It Alongside a Teacher
The 3x3 method structures how you practise, but it doesn't replace the need for pronunciation correction. Reciting three times on your own doesn't catch a mistake you can't hear yourself making, which is exactly what a teacher listening regularly is for. Our Hifz course combines structured techniques like this with direct, one to one correction from a qualified hafiz. A free trial lesson is a simple way to try this approach with real guidance.