Podcast Episode 2: The Big Picture
Episode 01 | The ONE14 Podcast with Unays & Ahmed
Ever set a huge goal—like memorizing Surah Al-Baqarah or training for a half-marathon, only to find yourself overestimating your own abilities and delaying the hard work until it's too late? You're not alone.
In this candid and insightful conversation, Unays and Ahmed share their own humbling experiences with falling short of their goals in both running and Quran memorization. They unpack the surprisingly identical patterns of procrastination, self-deception, and lost motivation that plague anyone striving for excellence in both the physical and spiritual realms.
Discover the essential mindset shifts, support systems, and spiritual "cross-training" techniques needed to finally cross the chasm from knowing what's good for you to actually doing it.
Listen Now
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
The striking parallels between procrastinating on a run and delaying Quran memorization.
A powerful mindset shift: viewing the Quran not as a book to be read, but as personal, direct messages from your Lord to be cherished.
Why having a coach or a Sheikh is crucial for debunking the convenient myths you tell yourself.
The difference between intellectually knowing something is good for you and actually tasting its benefits to build true, intrinsic motivation.
What "cross-training" for Hifdh (memorization) looks like, and how practices like istighfar (seeking forgiveness) prepare your heart to be a vessel for Allah's words.
How principles from elite running—like 'Zone 2' base training—can revolutionize your memorization process through a balanced approach of reading, listening, and understanding the meaning.
The critical role of good companionship (suhbah) and accountability in overcoming Shaytan's attempts to derail your progress.
Show Notes & Key Terms
Hifdh: The memorization of the Quran.
Surah Al-Baqarah: The second and longest chapter of the Quran.
Taslima / Tasmi': The act of reciting from memory to a teacher for correction and verification.
Istighfar: Seeking forgiveness from Allah. A key "cross-training" tool mentioned for purifying the heart.
Suhbah: Companionship, particularly righteous companionship that helps one in their faith and goals.
Sheikh: An Islamic scholar or teacher.
Salah: The ritual prayer in Islam.
Wudu: The ritual ablution or washing performed before prayer and other acts of worship.
Zone 2 Running: A low-intensity training method focused on building an aerobic base, used as an analogy for the foundational work in Quran memorization.