Coloured Muṣḥaf and Young Ḥāfiẓa: Exploring the Reception of Tailored Muṣḥafs for Memorisation among Taḥfīẓ Circles in Indonesia

The practice of Qur’an memorisation, or taḥfīẓ, holds deep spiritual and educational significance in Islamic tradition. In Indonesia, the introduction of tailored muṣḥafs—specialised Qur’anic editions featuring colour-coded tajwīd rules, progress trackers, and other mnemonic aids—has transformed the landscape of taḥfīẓ practices. This study explores the reception of these muṣḥafs among taḥfīẓ circles, focusing on both institutional and individual perspectives. Using qualitative methods, including interviews and observations conducted in taḥfīẓ institutions, the research reveals that while institutions value tailored muṣḥafs for their ability to standardise and streamline memorisation process, individual memorisers appreciate their personalised features, which foster autonomy and spiritual engagement. These muṣḥafs are particularly celebrated for their inclusivity, making Qur’an memorisation accessible to diverse demographics beyond formal settings. However, challenges such as the commodification of religious texts and potential over-reliance on visual aids raise concerns about preserving the oral and spiritual essence of the taḥfīẓ tradition. The findings underscore the dual role of tailored muṣḥafs in modernising the taḥfīẓ practice while highlighting the need for a balanced approach to sustain its sacred and cultural heritage.