The Ruling on Memorizing Texts in Childhood and Studying Them in Adulthood

Question:
The questioner, Muhammad, says: What is the Shaykh’s opinion on memorizing texts in childhood and studying these texts in adulthood?

Answer:
Memorization is good, but memorization alone is not sufficient. Understanding is necessary; one must understand what he has memorized. And understanding does not occur except under the guidance of scholars. He should read what he has memorized to the scholars, and they will explain to him the meanings of these texts he has memorized. Thus, he combines memorization with understanding, and memorization with Islamic jurisprudence. The issue is not that a person memorizes the mother books and the authentic collections without understanding them. That becomes a heavy burden from which he does not benefit. Therefore, memorization and understanding must be coupled. As for the one who memorizes but does not understand, he does not benefit from anything; he only strains himself. Likewise, the opposite is the case: the one who says, “I study jurisprudence, but I do not memorize.” Understanding without memorization is not possible. The foundation, which is memorization, is necessary, and then understanding comes after that. So, the one who limits himself to memorization is mistaken, and this is not learning. And the one who limits himself to understanding without memorizing is mistaken, and this is not jurisprudence. He should combine the two if he wants to learn in a correct manner. Yes.