Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our online Quran academy — from the free trial to teacher qualifications, Hifz programs, scheduling, and payments.
6 questions
Free Trial
How do I book a free trial class?
Click "Book Free Trial" on any page, fill in your name, email, and the student's age, and choose a time slot on our Calendly booking page. You'll receive a confirmation email immediately with the Zoom link.
Is the free trial really free — no credit card required?
Completely free. No payment information is collected at booking. The trial is a full 30-minute live class with a qualified Al-Azhar teacher, with zero obligation to enrol afterward.
Who teaches the free trial class?
The same teachers who deliver our regular curriculum — all hold degrees from Al-Azhar University in Cairo. We match the trial teacher to the student's age group and level.
What happens during the free trial?
The teacher will assess the student's current level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), introduce the Quran curriculum for their age group, and answer any parent questions. By the end you'll have a personalised learning plan.
Can I book a trial for more than one child?
Yes. Each child should have their own trial booking so the teacher can assess them individually. You can use the same parent email for all bookings.
What if we need to reschedule the free trial?
Use the reschedule link in your confirmation email — you can pick any available slot up to 24 hours before the session. Alternatively, message us on WhatsApp and we'll sort it within minutes.
6 questions
Programs
What programs does Riwaq al-Ilm offer?
We offer five programs: Kids Quran (ages 5–12), Teen Quran (ages 13–17), Adult Quran, Sisters Quran (women-only with female teachers), and Hifz (memorisation). Each program covers Quran recitation, Tajweed rules, and basic Islamic studies.
How long does it take to finish the program?
It depends on the student's starting level, age, and session frequency. A beginner learning to read Arabic script typically reaches confident recitation in 6–12 months. Full Hifz (memorising the entire Quran) takes 2–4 years with consistent daily sessions.
Do you teach Islamic studies alongside Quran?
Yes — all programs include foundational Islamic studies woven into the curriculum: names of Surahs, their meanings, basic beliefs (Aqeedah), and age-appropriate Seerah (Prophet's biography). This is not a standalone Islamic studies course, but context is always taught.
Is there a minimum age for classes?
We accept students from age 4 for our Early Learners track (part of Kids Quran). Younger children follow a play-based introduction to Arabic letters and short Surahs.
Can an adult who has never read Arabic start from zero?
Absolutely. Our Adult Quran program begins with the Arabic alphabet (Noorani Qaida method), progresses to connected letter recognition, then full Quran recitation with Tajweed. Many adults reach fluent recitation within 12–18 months.
Do you offer group classes or only one-on-one?
Both. One-on-one sessions offer the fastest progress and full teacher attention. Small group classes (2–4 students) are available at a lower per-student rate — ideal for siblings or friends learning together.
5 questions
Our Teachers
Where are your teachers from?
All of our teachers hold degrees from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt — the world's oldest continuously operating Islamic university, founded in 970 CE. They are native Arabic speakers with formal Quranic Ijazah (certification of unbroken chain of transmission).
What is an Ijazah and why does it matter?
An Ijazah is a formal scholarly certification that the teacher can recite the entire Quran correctly, with an unbroken chain of transmission back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is the gold standard in Quranic teaching — every Riwaq al-Ilm teacher holds this certification.
Can I choose my teacher?
Yes. After the free trial you can browse teacher profiles on our Teachers page and request a specific teacher. We'll do our best to match availability. You can also switch teachers at any time if needed.
Are female teachers available?
Yes. We have several female teachers who hold Al-Azhar degrees and Ijazah. Our Sisters Quran program is exclusively taught by female teachers. Female teachers are also available for kids and adult female students on request.
What is the teacher-to-student experience level?
Our teachers average 7+ years of online teaching experience. They are trained in online pedagogy — screen sharing, digital whiteboards, Tajweed correction via audio, and adapting pacing to the student's focus and energy level.
5 questions
Classes for Kids
My child has a short attention span. Can they still learn online?
Yes. Our kids curriculum is designed in 25–30 minute sessions with interactive elements — digital flashcards, repetition games, colouring sheets for younger children, and reward stickers for milestones. Teachers are trained specifically in child engagement.
Does my child need to know Arabic before starting?
No. We start from the very beginning — Arabic alphabet, letter sounds, and short vowels — using the Noorani Qaida method, which is the most widely used introductory curriculum for children.
Is there a parent involvement requirement?
We recommend parents sit in on the first 2–3 sessions. After that, most children (age 6+) are comfortable learning independently. For children under 6, parent presence is encouraged throughout.
How do you keep kids engaged during online sessions?
Teachers use visual aids, call-and-response repetition, short games, and regular praise milestones. Sessions are kept to 25–30 minutes for young children to match natural attention spans. Progress reports are sent to parents every month.
What is the recommended session frequency for kids?
3–5 sessions per week produces the fastest progress. Daily short practice between sessions (5–10 minutes) is encouraged and reinforced with take-home revision sheets. Even 2 sessions per week produces steady, measurable progress.
4 questions
Classes for Adults
I'm a busy adult — how flexible are the class times?
Classes are available 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time, to accommodate US time zones alongside teacher availability in Egypt. Early morning and late evening slots are popular with working adults.
I learned Quran as a child but forgot most of it. Where do I start?
You'd start at our Intermediate level — we'll review what you remember, correct any Tajweed errors that formed over the years, and build from there. Most returning adults progress faster than true beginners because recognition returns quickly.
Is it too late to start learning Quran as an adult?
Never. Many of our students begin in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Adult learners often make faster progress than children because of greater motivation and self-discipline. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.'
Can I focus purely on Tajweed correction without a full curriculum?
Yes. We offer targeted Tajweed Correction sessions for students who already recite but want to fix specific errors — Makhaarij (articulation points), Sifaat (characteristics of letters), and the rules of Ghunnah, Idghaam, and Qalb.
4 questions
Female Teachers
Are all Sisters program classes taught by female teachers?
Yes, exclusively. Our Sisters Quran program is designed for women and girls who prefer to learn with a female teacher. Every session — trial, regular, and makeup — is with a female Al-Azhar graduate.
Can I request a female teacher for my daughter in the Kids program?
Yes. When booking the free trial or enrolling, simply note your preference for a female teacher. We have female teachers across all age groups and levels.
Do your female teachers hold the same qualifications as the male teachers?
Identical qualifications. All our female teachers hold Al-Azhar University degrees and Quranic Ijazah. Al-Azhar has a dedicated women's faculty (Kulliyyat al-Banaat) with the same rigorous curriculum.
Is there a longer wait time to get a female teacher?
Typically no. We maintain a dedicated pool of female teachers. In rare cases of high demand, the wait may be 1–2 days longer than for a male teacher. Contact us on WhatsApp if you have an urgent request.
4 questions
Tajweed
What is Tajweed and why is it important?
Tajweed (تجويد) refers to the set of rules governing proper Quran recitation — pronunciation of each letter from its correct articulation point, with the right characteristics and rhythm. Reciting with Tajweed is obligatory (Fard Kifaayah) according to scholarly consensus, and it preserves the exact words of Allah as revealed to the Prophet ﷺ.
When in the curriculum is Tajweed introduced?
Basic Tajweed rules (like Noon Saakinah, Meem Saakinah, and Madd rules) are introduced from the very first stages of reading. Advanced Tajweed rules are systematically taught once the student reads fluently, typically in year 2 onwards.
Do you offer a standalone Tajweed course?
Yes. Our Tajweed Mastery track is a focused course for students who already recite but want to study the rules formally — theory, application, and practice on selected Surahs. It runs 3–6 months depending on session frequency.
Which recitation style (Riwayah) do you teach?
We teach Hafs 'an 'Asim — the most widely used recitation style globally and the standard in the Muslim world. On request, teachers can also teach Warsh 'an Nafi' or other Riwayaat for advanced students.
4 questions
Hifz (Memorisation)
How long does it take to memorise the entire Quran (Hifz)?
With daily sessions of 45–60 minutes and consistent home revision, most students complete Hifz in 2–4 years. Children ages 7–14 typically memorise faster. Adults who maintain a strong revision routine can complete it in 3–5 years.
What is the Hifz methodology you use?
We use the traditional Al-Azhar method: new lesson (Sabaq) each session, same-week review (Sabaq Para), and monthly revision of previously memorised sections (Manzil). Teachers test new verses and correct any errors before moving forward.
My child memorised some Juz but is losing what they learned. Can you help?
Yes. Revision-only Hifz sessions are available for students who have memorised portions but need to strengthen and retain them. We'll design a structured Manzil (revision rotation) schedule alongside any new memorisation.
At what age should a child start Hifz?
Most scholars and educators recommend starting between ages 6–10, once the child can read Arabic fluently. Starting too early (before fluent reading) can slow long-term progress. We'll assess readiness during the free trial.
3 questions
Arabic Language
Do you offer dedicated Arabic language classes?
Our primary focus is Quranic Arabic — understanding the language of the Quran. We teach Quranic vocabulary, grammar (Nahw), and morphology (Sarf) as part of advanced Quran programs. For conversational Modern Standard Arabic, we can discuss a tailored plan via WhatsApp.
Will learning Quran help me understand Arabic?
Significantly. The Quran contains a rich vocabulary and classical Arabic grammar. Students who reach advanced levels gain meaningful comprehension of Quranic Arabic — they understand approximately 70% of the Quran's words through study alone.
Is Arabic taught in English for US students?
Yes. All instruction is delivered in English, with Arabic transliteration and script introduced gradually. Teachers are bilingual in Arabic and English and comfortable teaching American students.
5 questions
Technology
What platform do classes take place on?
Classes are held over Zoom. You'll receive a unique Zoom link for each session in your confirmation email. Teachers may also use a shared Google Whiteboard or digital Quran for screen sharing during lessons.
What equipment does my child need?
A device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or desktop), a stable internet connection, and a quiet learning space. Most modern smartphones work but a tablet or laptop gives the best experience for following along with text.
Do I need to install any special software?
Just Zoom — free to download at zoom.us. No subscription is needed on your side. Zoom is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
What internet speed is required?
A standard broadband connection (5 Mbps download / 2 Mbps upload) is sufficient. If you experience audio drops, turning off video on your end while keeping the teacher's video on usually resolves the issue.
Are classes recorded?
Sessions are not recorded by default to protect student privacy. If you'd like a recording for revision purposes, let your teacher know in advance and they can enable it. Recordings are shared only with the parent/student.
4 questions
Scheduling
How do I choose my regular class time?
After the free trial, your enrollment coordinator will share available time slots for your chosen teacher. You select the day(s) and time that work best, and those slots are reserved for you on a recurring basis.
Can I reschedule or cancel a session?
Yes. We ask for 24 hours' notice for rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with 24+ hours' notice can be made up within the same billing period. Missed sessions without notice cannot be credited.
What happens during Ramadan and Islamic holidays?
Classes continue through Ramadan — many families actually intensify during Ramadan. Sessions may be adjusted for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. We communicate the holiday schedule in advance so families can plan.
Can we take a break and resume later?
Yes. We offer a Pause option for enrolled students — you can pause your subscription for up to 4 weeks per year (e.g., summer vacation, family travel) and resume without losing your teacher slot.
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Payments & Pricing
How much do classes cost?
Pricing depends on program, session frequency, and whether you choose one-on-one or small group. Contact us via WhatsApp or the free trial form and we'll provide a personalised quote based on your family's needs.
Is there a discount for multiple children?
Yes — siblings enrolled together receive a 10% discount on the second child and 15% on the third. Contact us to set up a family plan.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer. Billing is monthly. A full breakdown of payment options will be shared during enrollment.
What is your refund policy?
If you are not satisfied after your first paid month, contact us within 7 days and we will issue a full refund — no questions asked. After the first month, cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period with no further charges.
Still have a question?
Our team is available 7 days a week via WhatsApp. Most questions are answered within minutes.
Ready to Begin?
Book your free 30-minute trial class with an Al-Azhar certified teacher. No payment required.