Top STPM 2024 student credits academic success to Quran memorisation

ANYONE who excels in their studies must have their own unique strategies for success, and that’s precisely what sets them apart.

For Muhammad Irham Mazlan, 18, one of the eight top scorers in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), his approach is deeply rooted in discipline, faith and consistency.

The Kelantan-born student, who scored 5As and a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.00, attributes much of his academic success to his long-standing commitment to Quran memorisation. 

He began memorising the Quran in Form 1 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tok Bachok under the Tahfiz Model Ulul Albab programme, mastering 26 juzuk.

Even after transferring to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Panglima Raja in Pasir Mas in Form 6, he remained istiqamah (consistent) in his efforts to continue his memorisation.

According to Irham, the process of Quran memorisation not only instilled discipline but also sharpened his focus and memory, directly benefiting his academic performance.

"If you can repeat a page of the Quran 40 times, revising academic subjects becomes much easier. Hafazan (memorisation of the Quran) trains the brain to focus and retain information," he told Sinar.

Inspired by the same techniques used in his tahfiz journey, Irham adopted a structured study method for his academic revision, repeating notes, doing practice questions consistently and forming effective study habits.

Irham, who is also Pre-University Student Representative Council president also credits his success to a small, committed study group he formed with his peers.

He said although he was a day scholar and did not stay in the hostel, he and his friends received permission from the school principal to study late into the night, up to 11pm for boys and 7pm for girls, making full use of spaces like the surau, seminar hall and academic blocks.

"We also implemented a mentor-mentee system and continuously drilled ourselves with past questions," Irham added.

The Islamic values deeply embedded in the school’s culture further supported his academic journey. Despite not being a religious school, the daily routine was rich in spiritual practices.

Mornings began with Quran recitation, sunnah prayers and short tazkirah (sermon), while the afternoons included reciting Surah al-Waqiah, a routine he believes helped calm the soul and strengthen the spirit.

Remarkably, he had already completed three full recitations of the Quran under the guidance of an ustazah (religious teacher) by the time he entered secondary school.

To Irham, the Quran is more than a source of spiritual peace, it is a guide that provides structure, discipline and inner motivation to persevere.

Looking ahead, he aspires to further his studies in law and syariah at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), hoping to continue his journey of balancing academic excellence with spiritual growth.

To students out there striving for excellence, Irham’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come by chance, it’s built on discipline, consistency and a clear sense of purpose.

His approach, rooted in faith and smart study habits, shows that with the right mindset and effort, achieving top results is possible.

Perhaps by adopting some of his tips, whether it’s revising consistently, forming focused study groups, or staying grounded through daily spiritual practices, you too could be like Irham, achieving flying colours in your exams and making your own mark.