My Quran Journaling Journey in 2024: A Love Story Between Me and Allah

At the start of 2024, I began my Quran journaling journey. It was deeply personal and spiritual. I had journaled before, but this was my first time dedicated to Quran journaling. My brother bought me my first Quran journal, and it instantly became special to me. It was green, my favourite colour, with a little buckle on the side to close it. Simple, yet I loved it. I dived straight in, without any guide or structure, just writing as I felt led. I split it into two sections. In the first, I left a letter for Allah every day, sharing my thoughts and daily experiences. I’ve always been quite detailed, and as a writer, I tend to paint vivid pictures with my words. My letters were often lengthy, and I never held back.

I always smiled at one particular part of my letters: “I know You already know this, my Allah, but I still want to talk to You.”

It’s such a comforting feeling. I’d write and write until my hand started to ache, always in a hurry to get everything down before the words slipped away from my memory. On quieter days, I’d still write, even if there wasn’t much to say, and tell Him about that too. I was very particular, starting every letter with "To My Allah," followed by things I was thankful for. I’d then narrate my day, acknowledging Allah’s presence in the moments, smiling to myself at how He always has my back. It felt like an intimate conversation, where I told Him everything, even what went unsaid in my mind, knowing that He already knew. The feeling after writing these letters was indescribable. Light-hearted and content, I’d smile, say my prayers, and sleep in peace. Writing to Allah became my nightly ritual.

The sweetest part of this journey was when Ramadan came. I remember telling my sister how 2024’s Ramadan was the best I’ve experienced in my adult years. The feeling was beyond words – peaceful, gentle, sweet, and kind. It felt like Allah was so close and my heart was always so peaceful knowing that He is there. It was the most beautiful experience.

The second part of my journal was where the actual Quran journaling happened. When reciting the Quran, I’d pick a verse that resonated with me and reflect on it in writing. But what exactly is Quran journaling, and why is it becoming so popular? 

Quran journaling is more than just a trend; it’s a personal and reflective journey. It’s not just about reading verses but pondering their meanings, connecting with Allah, and finding ways to apply those insights to daily life.

Recently, I noticed the hype has quieted down a bit. I think it’s either because people joined in as part of a trend and have now faded away, or, like many of us, they’re riding the waves of fluctuating faith.

My own journey began to slow when I lost a close friend. She had just gotten married a year before and passed away after giving birth to her daughter. SubhanAllah, it was one of the hardest moments I’ve faced this year. I cried so much, spending nights in prayer, tears flowing as I sat on my mat, speechless. Her last words to me kept playing in my head, even her mention of death. The regret hit hard. I wished I had reached out more. We all carry our struggles, often unseen behind smiles, and it’s a reminder to be kinder, because you never know what someone is enduring.

Not long after her passing, I picked up my journal to write a letter to Allah, but all I could manage was, "Help me Ya Allah, I'm sad," scrawled in shaky handwriting. I grieved deeply, and my prayers became more frequent and heartfelt, especially for those I didn’t even know. But I couldn’t bring myself to journal. When I slept, I’d think of her orphaned child, feeling a deep pain. I began reading "The Soul’s Journey After Death" by Ibn Al-Qayyim to help me understand death more. It was something I’d always known of, but it had never felt this close until now. The loss was devastating. May Allah grant all our departed Muslim brothers and sisters Jannah Al-Firdaus and may Allah have mercy on us all and forgive our shortcomings. 

Days turned into months, and my journal remained untouched. My heart was shattered, and I couldn’t even imagine the pain her family must have been feeling. But even though I wasn’t writing, I continued speaking to Allah. I still recited the Quran, and with time, I reached many milestones. My inner dialogue with Allah remained, and sometimes I’d whisper a thank you. Slowly, Allah healed my broken heart, and eventually, the pain lessened.

That was a glimpse into the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster of my Quran journaling journey. Writing for me is emotional, capturing my deepest thoughts and reflections, and my tone always mirrors my mood.

As September begins, one of my goals is to start journaling again. I feel fulfilled, and my heart is full. Quran journaling is personal; it’s not about following a perfect trend. It’s about nurturing your relationship with Allah, understanding that He is all you need. Through all the ups and downs of life and faith, it remains a love story between you and Allah.

Even during the times when I couldn’t write, my dialogue with Allah never stopped. I always felt His presence in my life, knowing that no matter what, I’ll always have Him. My journaling, at its core, is simply a love story between me and Allah. And if you want to start your own journey, here’s what I did. I hope it brings you fulfilment for the rest of 2024 and helps you elevate your connection with Allah in 2025, inshaAllah.

1. Gather a selection of your favourite creative tools or writing materials: colour pencils, gel pens, crayons, highlighters, stickers, etc.

2. Buy any journal of your choice in your favourite colour.

3. Get a Quran that has English translations. 

4. Engage in recitations and thoughtful contemplation of translations.

5. Pick the verse that deeply resonates with you at that time.

6. Delve into a state of relaxation and reflection. Think about it. Allah is talking to you.

7. Write out the translation of the verse in your journal.

8. Go ahead and write out the Arabic text if you want to.

9. Create three sections and name them the following: My Reflection, My Action Plan, My Dua.

10. Fill each section in accordingly. Don't hold back, pour your heart out to Al-Khabeer, The All Aware

11. Feel free to be creative with your writing materials. Colour if you may.

12. Quran journaling is a personal journey. There is no blanket approach or one way fit all. Do it as it pleases you.

13. Can't write? That's okay. Go to your device's audio/video recorder and make records following the same approach as listed above.

14. Be yourself and pour your heart out to Allah. He is Near.He Sees, He is listening. He Knows. He is Al-Waliy, The Freindly Lord, The Protective Friend 😊

15. Repeat these steps the next day and every other day. Remember that the most beloved deeds to Allah are the ones done consistently, even if little (Bukhari).