Beyond rote learning: a scoping review of the education-related effects of Quran memorisation

Closed

Muhammad Fakhruddin Al-Razi, Fitri Kusumasari

2026 British Journal of Religious Education Article Cited by 0 SDG 4 Quartile

Abstract

As modern education trends emphasise deep understanding, critical thinking, and creativity, there is a need to re-evaluate the practice of memorising the Quran, which is increasingly being questioned. This article engages with this discourse by conducting a scoping review of empirical studies regarding the education-related effects of Quran memorisation. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 36 empirical studies were identified and analysed. The findings indicate that Quran memorisation may best be conceptualised as a multifaceted educational phenomenon, with outcomes clustered into three key themes: cognitive enhancement and potential neuroplasticity, academic achievement, and psychospiritual character development. Framed within the liturgical literacy and neurobiological lens, these results suggest that Quran memorisation functions as embodied cognition and as a stimulation for synaptic connectivity rather than passive repetition. Furthermore, the review highlights a dominance of studies from the Indo-Malay region and a prevalence of quantitative observational designs. The article concludes that while the current mapping offers a positive outlook on the pedagogical value of memorisation, future research requires more rigorous experimental designs and broader geographical contexts to further substantiate these findings. © 2026 Christian Education.

Affiliations

Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade Dili, Dili, Timor-Leste

Research at a Glance

Premium content — register to unlock

Research at a Glance

Register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Premium content — register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Register to unlock

Collaboration

Premium content — register to unlock

Collaboration

Register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Premium content — register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Register to unlock

References Overview

Premium content — register to unlock

References Overview

Register to unlock

Journal & Source

Premium content — register to unlock

Journal & Source

Register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Premium content — register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Register to unlock