The Qur'an memorization (hafız) project conducted with formal education, based on student views

This study aims to examine the motivations for starting and continuing Qur'an memorization (Hafiz training) among middle school students who are receiving education within the scope of the Hafiz project alongside their formal education, using the province of Tokat as a sample. In the study, which employed a survey technique as a quantitative research method, data were collected through a scale developed by the researcher. The data, obtained from the participation of 107 Hafiz candidate students, were analyzed using the SPSS program. According to the research findings, it was determined that the students' overall motivation for Qur'an memorization is high. However, their motivation for starting is at a moderate level, while their motivation for continuing is high. The study found that religious and personal factors were the most influential in the decision to start the memorization process, whereas school and environmental factors were less effective. It was concluded that family and instructors play a decisive role in enhancing motivation to continue, while the students' personal motivation remained limited. Regarding the grade level variable, 5th-grade students exhibited the highest level of motivation, which was followed by a decline in the 6th grade, and a partial recovery in the 7th grade. In terms of gender, although female students showed higher overall motivation, this difference was not statistically significant.