Motives, Self-Regulation, and Spiritual Experiences of Hafizh (The Qur'an Memorizer) in Indonesia

Abstract

This phenomenological study aims to examine the motives of the hafizh (The Qur'an memorizer), the self-regulation of the hafizh, and the spiritual experiences of the hafizh. The participants of this research were 10 students who had memorized the Qur'an at least 15 juz (chapter). Data collection was carried out by in-depth interviews and observations. Data analysis was carried out by taking the data, organizing the data, sorting the data, synthesizing data, looking for and finding patterns, and testing the validity of the data through triangulation techniques and dependability tests. The results showed that the hafizh motive consists of motives which include a strong desire to memorize the Qur'an, a strong desire to deepen the knowledge of religion, belief in increasing the degree of science, and belief in preserving the Qur'an. Its extrinsic motives include being inspired by the good behaviour of parents as a hafizh, investing in family life, investing in the afterlife, and solutions to life problems. Self-regulation that is carried out includes strengthening the intention to memorize the Qur'an, understanding the stages of tahfizh (memorizing the Qur’an), setting targets per day, choosing the ideal time to memorize the Qur'an, choosing a comfortable place to memorize, having a strategy of maintaining memorization. The spiritual experiences of hafizh include feeling calm, getting help during difficulties, especially in completing college assignments, feeling awake, and feeling peaceful. The results of this study are expected to be a simple guide for other prospective Qur'an practitioners.