Anything that sounds like fun, joy, and entertainment is immediately interesting to children. Hence, if we want children to learn something, then we must make that task look and feel like something that is fun and entertaining to do. This principle is applicable to motivating children to memorize Quran, as much as it is applicable too.
When it comes to Quran for kids, here are four ways that can definitely motivate children to memorize Quran:
Generate feelings of wonder and enthusiasm:
The first technique to motivate children to memorize Quran is to generate feelings of wonder and enthusiasm in them. You can do this by communicating your own wonder at the wide expanse of knowledge contained in the Quran by relating various profound stories and facts mentioned in the Quran, thereby generating enthusiasm in your child to read, explore and ultimately memorize the Quran, so that they will retain the historical stories, scientific facts, as well as the advice contained in Quranic text.
One can explain to the child how the timeless and eternal knowledge contained in the Quran perfectly relates to current events, situations and peoples of the world, just as it had been applicable to various situations and peoples throughout history. One must also encourage children to express their opinions and talk about their feelings regarding the events and advice mentioned in the Quran, as well as encouraging them to make choices in the light of Quranic advice.
Celebrate their achievement:
The second technique which can motivate your child to memorize Quran is to celebrate their achievement of memorizing a portion of the Quran, no matter how small and brief it may be, by rewarding your child with hugs, laughter, encouraging words, and, if possible, gifts. Encouragement works like a charm with human beings, regardless of their age.
Children, as well as people of all ages, are highly motivated by an encouraging environment with an encouraging mentor, while they would rather stay away from unfriendly environments with frowning superiors. This golden rule of encouragement is equally applicable from kindergarten class rooms to the biggest enterprises out there.
Tawheed (monotheism):
The third and crucial aspect of learning Quran which would to motivate your child to memorize Quran is to inform them about the concept of Tawheed (monotheism) which is the central theme of the Quran. You should educate your children about the concept of Tawheed beginning with explaining to them the three types of Tawheed.
1. Tawheed-e-Rububiyyat:
The first type of Tawheed being Tawheed-e-Rububiyyat, i.e. that Allah, alone, is the creator and sustainer of the universe and everything in it.
2. Tawheed-e-Ismaa-wa-Sifaat:
The second type of Tawheed being Tawheed-e-Ismaa-wa-Sifaat, i.e. the belief in the names and attributes of Allah.
3. Tawheed-e-Hakimiyyat:
The third and most important one being Tawheed-e-Aluhiyyat which is also referred to as Tawheed-e-Hakimiyyat, which means that the fundamental source of all law that governs every living and non-living thing is the law given by Allah, Subhan-a-Hu-wa-Taalah.
Once the child realizes that the vast knowledge given in the Quran encompasses each and every aspect of life, the child will be motivated to memorize the Quran and become one of the fortunate and elite people of this world whose heart contains this divine knowledge, and whom Allah, Himself, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the angels have all blessed.
Motivate them to become the smartest person:
The fourth, and most important, technique to motivate your child to memorize Quran is not actually a technique, but is really the most self-evident and fundamental truth. It is to inform your child of the old saying that the smartest person on earth is the one who has secured an enviable place (paradise) for himself/herself in the Hereafter.
Indeed, there are innumerable benefits of learning to read Quraan; Advantages that are beneficial in this world, as well as advantages of learning to read the Quran which benefit one in the Hereafter. Yet we will just mention one benefit of learning to read Quran which will convince you beyond any doubt that if you have ever wanted to learn Quraan and have not had the opportunity to do so, then this is the time to do it.
Moreover, you have come to the right place to begin your journey of collecting rewards and benefits in this world and the Hereafter. Here is the undeniable proof:
It was narrated from Abdullah ibn Amr that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
It will be said to the companion of the Quran (i.e., the one who memorized and studied it): Read, advance in status, and recite as you used to do in the world, for your status (in Heaven) will be commensurate with the last Ayah that you recite.
(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, # 2914; he said this is a Saheeh, Hassan hadeeth. Al-Albani said in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, # 2329, it is Hassan, Saheeh. Also narrated by Abu Dawood, # 1464). Hence, the more one memorizes the Quran, the higher ones status will be in the Heaven, and who would be that unfortunate person who would not want to have a high status in Heaven?
Conclusion:
We should encourage our children to learn Quran, read Quran, and memorize Quran to gain all the above mentioned merits and rewards at every opportunity available.
With modern computer technology and widespread availability of internet all over the world, the opportunities to learn Quran and memorize Quran online are available to everyone, all over the world. It is extremely easy nowadays to find a Quran institute online which will guide your child to memorize Quran every step of the way.