Learning with a female Quran teacher online

For many Muslim women and girls, the question is not just "Where can I learn the Quran?" but "Who will I be learning with?" Finding a qualified female Quran teacher locally is not always easy, particularly for sisters in smaller towns across the UK, USA and Australia, or for those balancing work, study and family.

Online classes have opened a door here. With a live one-on-one lesson, a sister can learn with an ustadha from the comfort of her own home, at a time that suits her day. This article explains why many families prefer a female teacher, who it suits and what lessons actually look like.

Why many sisters prefer a female teacher

There is no single reason, and every sister's situation is different. Common reasons we hear include:

• Comfort and ease. Many women simply feel more relaxed reciting, asking questions and making mistakes in front of another woman.
• Modesty. Learning with a female teacher means a sister can keep her camera on, dress as she would at home with other women and focus fully on the lesson.
• Confidence for beginners. Adults starting from the basics sometimes feel shy. A patient female teacher can make that first step easier.
• Family preference. Many parents prefer a female teacher for daughters, especially as they grow older.
• Gentle start for young children. Some little ones settle more quickly with a female teacher who feels familiar and nurturing.

Wanting a female teacher is a completely normal and respected preference. A good academy will not ask you to justify it.

Who female-led classes suit

Sisters and adult learners

Whether you are a revert learning the Arabic letters for the first time, a mother who wants to improve her recitation alongside her children, or a sister who has read for years but never studied Tajweed properly, a female teacher can tailor lessons to your goals. If you are starting later in life, our article on learning the Quran as an adult may reassure you that it is never too late.

Girls and teenagers

Teenage girls often value a teacher they can relate to. A female teacher can become a positive role model: someone who combines Quran study with everyday life, and who girls feel comfortable asking about their faith.

Young children

For children aged around four to seven, starting with Noorani Qaida, many parents find a female teacher's gentle style helps them settle. Short, playful lessons with lots of encouragement keep little ones engaged.

What an online class with an ustadha looks like

Lessons are live and one-on-one on Zoom or Skype, so it is just you (or your child) and the teacher. A typical 30-minute Quran class might run like this:

1. A warm greeting and a short dua to begin.
2. Revision of the previous lesson, with corrections where needed.
3. The new lesson: new letters, rules or verses, with the teacher demonstrating and the student repeating.
4. Focused practice on any sound or rule that needs attention.
5. A quick recap and a small task to practise before the next class.

Classes are scheduled in your local time zone, so a mum in Manchester, a student in Chicago or a sister in Perth can each choose a slot that fits school runs, work or university timetables.

What you can learn

Depending on your goals and current level, lessons can cover:

• Quran reading from the very first letters through to fluent reading.
• Tajweed, including makharij (articulation points), noon saakin, madd and stopping rules. See our Tajweed course.
• Hifz, with a structured routine of new lessons and revision, usually in 30 to 45 minute classes.
• Translation and Islamic studies, for those who want to understand what they recite.

Practical tips for sisters learning at home

• Protect your slot. Treat class time like an appointment. Let the household know you are not to be interrupted for 30 minutes.
• Little and often. Ten minutes of practice a day between lessons is better than an hour once a week.
• Learn alongside your children. Some mothers book their own class straight after their child's. It sets a beautiful example.
• Be honest with your teacher. If you are tired, busy or struggling with a rule, say so. A good teacher will adjust the pace.
• Plan for missed classes. If you know you cannot attend, tell your teacher in advance and a make-up class can be arranged.

Progress, reports and certificates

Each month you, or the parent of a younger student, receive a progress report showing what has been covered and what to focus on next. On completing a course, students receive a certificate. If, for any reason, you feel a different teacher would suit you better, you can change teacher at any time.

Getting started

You can read more about our female teachers, or simply book a free 3-day trial with no payment details required. Simply mention that you would like a female teacher, and we will arrange it. If you have questions first, you can contact us or message us on WhatsApp at +44 7311 126134.

Frequently asked questions