How can one reconcile a hardened heart and lack of reflection with the feelings of shortcoming and depression that accompany a Qur'an memorizer after completing its memorization?

The cure for hardness of heart and weakness of faith requires sincere will and determination. The soundness of hearts is built upon striving against one's self to act according to what Allah has revealed. Allah, the Almighty, says: "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." (Al-Ankabut: 69).

Seek help from Allah and humble yourself before Him with supplication, asking Him to bestow upon you guidance and mercy. Strive to observe the obligatory duties, especially the five prayers with their proper reverence, and increase your seeking of forgiveness and remembrance of Allah. Keep away from idle talk and amusement, and let your greatest concern be understanding and pondering the meanings of the Glorious Quran, for that is more fitting and worthy than merely memorizing its letters. Ibn al-Qayyim said: "There is nothing more beneficial for the heart than reading the Quran with contemplation and reflection."

It is possible to combine reviewing the Quran with fulfilling the rights of the husband and children. Memorizing the Holy Quran is commendable, while some of the rights of the husband and children are obligatory, and one sins by neglecting them.

The answering of supplication does not mean that the supplicant is given exactly what they asked for, but rather it occurs in one of three ways: either their supplication is hastened for them, or it is stored for them in the Hereafter, or an equivalent amount of evil is averted from them.

Hold yourself accountable, but without excessiveness that leads to despair and despondency, for despair and despondency are among the major sins.