From Qaida to Nazra, Tajweed and Hifz: what to look for in a Quran teacher, how long lessons should be, and how to support your child at home, in Pakistan or abroad.
For many families, the first teacher a child has after their parents is their Quran teacher. Today that teacher is often online, especially for families abroad, for busy households, and for parents who want a qualified teacher their own area doesn't have. Online Quran classes can work beautifully, but only with the right teacher and a good routine at home.
"The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027)
The usual path
Most children go through these stages, at their own pace:
- Qaida: the Arabic letters, their sounds and how they join, usually with Noorani Qaida.
- Nazra: reading the Quran from the Mushaf, fluently and correctly.
- Tajweed: the rules of recitation, such as where letters come from (makharij), elongation (madd) and nasal sounds (ghunnah), applied as the child reads.
- Hifz: memorisation, for children who are ready and willing, with daily revision of what has already been learnt.
Older children also benefit from learning the meaning (tarjuma) of what they recite, and from short duas and surahs for salah.
What to look for in a teacher
Correct recitation
This comes first. In the trial class, ask the teacher to recite a short passage. Listen for clear letters and steady, correct application of Tajweed. A teacher's mistakes become the child's mistakes, and those are hard to undo later.
Proper training
Ask where the teacher learnt, and whether they hold a sanad or certificate from a recognised madrasa or institute. Ask too how long they have taught children, because teaching a six-year-old is a skill of its own.
The child does the reciting
A good class is mostly the child reading while the teacher listens and corrects. If your child spends the lesson listening, progress will be slow.
Patience and warmth
Children should come to love the Quran, not fear the lesson. Watch how the teacher reacts when your child makes the same mistake twice.
A female teacher, if you prefer
Many families prefer a female teacher for girls, and for mothers who want to learn alongside their children. Ask for one. It is a normal request.
Progress you can follow
You should always know which lesson or juz your child is on, which rules they are working on, and what to practise before the next class.
How long and how often?
For young children, short and frequent works better than long and rare. Around 20 to 30 minutes, four or five days a week suits most children under ten better than one long weekly session. Daily contact keeps the sounds fresh. Older children and those doing hifz usually need longer lessons and daily revision.
Help your child at home
- A quiet, clean place with the Qaida or Mushaf ready before class, and wudu made.
- An adult nearby, especially for younger children, both for safety and so you can hear how the lesson is going.
- Five minutes of practice on the days without a class. Listening to the lesson's recording helps with pronunciation.
- Small goals and real praise: finishing a page of the Qaida or reciting a new surah to the family at dinner.
- Your own example. Children who see their parents recite tend to keep going.
For families abroad
Online classes make it possible to learn from a Pakistani teacher from anywhere. Agree class times that suit your child's school day. On Education360, class times are shown in your own time zone as well as Pakistan time, and fees for students outside Pakistan are in US dollars.
Quran classes on Education360
Tell us what your child needs and we will find the right teacher: Qaida, Nazra or Tajweed, how many days a week, the times that suit your family, and whether you would like a female teacher. Send us a message and we will get back to you with a teacher who fits.
Classes run in our own online classroom. Parents can sit in, see attendance and progress, and read every message between their child and the teacher. You can also browse the courses under Religion.
If you teach the Quran, especially if you are a female teacher, apply to teach with us.
