How to Study Effectively & Increase My Concentration?

11 April, 2020
Q I just started doing MS and I am working as well.

I have a family with two cute daughters Alhamdulillah.

I find myself very difficult to learn my subjects and memorize things.

I can’t concentrate on one thing.

My favorite personality is Muhammad PBUH.

I want to know ALLAH and his Prophet’s instructions to become a successful person here and after.

I want to become a practical Muslim and knowledgeable person in this world and the hereafter.

But Shaitan led me to other paths whenever I want to concentrate.

Please, tell me what should I do as I am very upset.

May ALLAH bless us all.

Answer


In this counseling answer:

You can fight Shaytaan by remembering Allah in everything you do.

You can try some different study skills to make these things easier: join a study group; manage your time well; plan and set achievable goals.

Take regular breaks to avoid becoming overwhelmed giving yourself time to process what you are learning.

 Set aside a study space.


Assalam alaykum,

Ameen to your du’aa’s.

Masha Allah, you seem to be very motivated to achieve your things and your intentions are good.

Unfortunately, the tricks of Shaytaan make this task difficult.

He distracts you from doing the things you want.

How to Study Effectively & Increase My Concentration? - About Islam

Shaytaan does not like when people try to get close to Allah and will do everything to take them away from it.

However, there are many ways that you can deal with it.

These whispers will have little effect on you achieving your goals in increasing your knowledge of Islam.

From the Islamic perspective, you can fight Shaytaan by remembering Allah in everything you do.

Say the daily du’aa’s before everything you do

– before you eat, before you leave the house, before you enter the bathroom…etc..,

maintaining your daily prayers.

Even if you are not feeling up to it,

read a little bit of the Qur’an at least every day to increase your connection with Allah and make dhikr in spare moments that you face in your day.

All this whilst seeking refuge with Allah from Shaytaan.

On a more practical note,

since it would seem that your difficulties lie in learning,

memorizing and concentrating,

you can try some different study skills to make these things easier.


Check out this counseling video:


Join a study group.

Working with others gives you the opportunity to ask questions.

When you are unsure, as well as getting an added sense of motivation

from others pursuing the same goal as you.

Manage your time well.

With added responsibilities,

such as having children, it i

s important to have a realistic schedule that incorporates all of your responsibilities.

You might block out a certain portion of your day as study time so that,

like a job, you know that every day from 8-10pm,

for example, the time when you study.

Take regular breaks to avoid becoming overwhelmed giving yourself time to process what you are learning.

This will be particularly helpful if you have a hard time memorizing things.

Set aside a study space.

Having a space like this will help set you in the correct mode for study.

When you enter this space, turn off all distractions,

such as your phone to assist with concentration.

This space could simply be a corner in a room if you are limited for space.

Plan and set achievable goals.

Write down all the things that you plan to study over the next few months,

for example, and write a realistic plan of what you will study each week.

This will keep you focused on the overall goal, as well as the smaller targets to reach this goal.

This will break it down into manageable chunks making it seem a lot more doable.

Having this plan physically written down somewhere

where you can see will enable you to visualize your progress

and keep motivated to achieve your next target.

May Allah reward you for seeking His pleasure and may He increase you in knowledge.

salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

Read more:

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/3-was-to-study-smarter-not-harder/

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/3-amazing-tips-pass-exams/

https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/how-to-focus-while-studying/

About Hannah Morris
Hannah Morris is a mum of 4 and she currently works as Counsellor and Instructor of BSc. Psychology at the Islamic Online University (IOU). She obtained her MA degree in Psychology and has over 10 years of experience working in health and social care settings in the UK, USA, and Ireland. Check out her personal Facebook page, ActiveMindCare, that promotes psychological well-being in the Ummah. (www.facebook.com/activemindcare)