Providing a comprehensive and effective Quran journey using the best practices for teaching the Quran online is an essential Islamic responsibility. As Allah Almighty says (translated):
“We have not sent a messenger except in the language of his people to clarify ˹the message˺ for them.” [14:4]
Modern Quran tutors, especially those teaching students in the West, face unique challenges. They are compared to other educators in Western societies who skillfully capture students’ attention to their beliefs. This comparison places an additional responsibility on Quran tutors to be exemplary representatives of Islam, ensuring the preservation of future Muslim generations.
In this article, we explore the best practices for teaching the Quran online. We also delve into innovative methods to introduce the Quran to beginners and highlight a selection of important tools and resources necessary for the teaching process. Keep reading for more!
What are the best practices for teaching the Quran online?
Utilizing best practices in teaching the Quran online is crucial for the modern educational environment. Here are suggested strategies to effectively teach the Quran online:
1. Sincerity & Clear vision in teaching the Quran
The top practice for teaching the Quran online or offline is sincerity since it’s a noble act of worship in Islam. Quran tutors have to check their intentions before starting and throughout the Quran teaching journey. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of sincerity in learning and teaching Islamic knowledge, warning against seeking mere worldly rewards:
“He who does not acquire knowledge which is (normally) acquired to gain the Pleasure of Allah, (for the sole reason) to secure worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection.” [Sahih Abu Dawud]
Thus, Quran tutors are not permitted to deal with their position as mere employees receiving salaries in order not to be included in this Prophetic warning.
2. Following the Prophetic tradition in teaching the Quran
One of the critical practices in teaching the Quran online is to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Indeed, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) represents the ultimate role model in Quran teaching. One of his essential roles is to interpret the Quran theoretically and practically. The prophet’s tradition in teaching the Quran is described as follows:
“ They would listen to ten verses from the Prophet (PBUH) and not move to the next ten verses until they learned the knowledge and application contained therein.” [Musnad Ahmad: Hadith Hasan]
This narration highlights the Prophetic tradition in Quran teaching, which can be summarized in three significant pillars:
- Focus on teaching both words and meanings of the Quran; no memorization without understanding.
- Prioritization of teaching Quranic meanings over mere words.
- Incorporation of both knowledge and action in teaching Quranic meanings, not a mere theoretical aspect.
Thus, disregarding the Prophet’s tradition in Quran teaching endangers the acceptance of worship and diminishes its reward.
3. Understanding the challenges facing the Muslims in the West
Another important practice in teaching the Quran online is to understand the needs, challenges, and persona of the Muslim students living in the West.
A valuable resource for addressing issues faced by Muslim communities in the West is the YouTube channel Shuounislamiya. Additionally, listening to the experiences of students’ families and other Muslims residing in these regions is beneficial. Quran tutors must be aware of these challenges and potential solutions for two primary reasons:
- Enhancing Relevance: Connecting the Quran’s teachings to the daily lives of students by providing practical examples that reflect the interpretation of verses or topics.
- Building Trust: Establishing a strong, healthy relationship with students, supporting a deeper connection to the Quran and Islamic practices.
Additionally, knowing the challenges broadens the perspective of the tutors. Following are some challenges commonly faced by Muslims in Western communities:
- Lack of Good Company: The scarcity of supportive Muslim communities or neighborhoods in these countries.
- Weak Islamic Institutions: Many Islamic schools and centers struggle to provide effective services due to various constraints.
- Spread of False Ideas: Misconceptions around topics like homosexuality, feminism, and atheism are widespread, requiring tutors to be equipped to discuss and refute them based on solid knowledge.
- Rising Violence against Muslims: Increased violence and discrimination against Muslims, leading many to fear practicing their faith in western society.
- Parental Challenge: The absence of the effective role of parents usually engaged in work with no adequate time to follow up putting extra responsibility on tutors.
To effectively address these challenges, tutors should read about these topics and avoid giving answers without knowledge since it is a major sin. Recommended resources include publications by Dr. Sami Ameri and Dr. Haitham Talaat, as well as YouTube channels of Dr. Eyad Qunaibi and Sapience Institute.
4. Caution in choosing the translation of Quran meanings
Using a suitable translation for the meanings of the Quran is necessary for the tutor and the learner as well. Being the word of Allah, Quran words can’t be humanly translated. Instead, all the efforts exerted, target to translate part of the meanings acquired from the verse. Like any human work, every translation is not hundred percent accurate. Still, some translations are preferred compared to others. Following is a brief guide for the famous accepted translations to use:
- The Noble Quran (Hilali-Khan) translation is one of the best translations suitable for Muslims.
- Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran is a good option for its clear style and sound belief.
- Sahih International translation for its simple language and sound belief.
- Maulana Abul ala Maududi translation: it’s an original Urdu translation translated into English and it’s overall a good option.
Also, there are translations to be avoided especially for non-specialized Muslims who cannot judge the text well:
- Abdullah Yusuf Ali: Ali’s translation entitled The Holy Quran – Text, Translation and Commentary is one of the translations that is not recommended for non-specialized Muslims to use since its author belongs to Bohra– an Ismaili Shiite sect. Though widespread, it includes linguistic mistakes and reflections of wrong beliefs such as interpreting any sensory pleasure or torture in Paradise or Hellfire to be a mere spiritual nonsensory bliss or torture.
- Niseem J. Dawood: Dawood’s the Quran translated with notes is one of the non -Muslim Iraqi orientalists with Jewish origins translations aiming at distorting the meanings of the Quran. Dawood deliberately changes the order of the Quranic chapters alleging to be simplified to the modern reader, merging and separating between the verses based on his own judgment, and giving the reader the wrong impression that the Quran is taken from the Torah and Gospel and mistranslating some parts with an introduction supporting his false misconceptions. Thus, some Islamic authorities banned the spread of this translation which has to be avoided.
- Arthur J. Arbery: Arther’s Interpreted the Quran is one of the non-Muslim fair translations of the meanings of the Quran. Though not including the fatal mistakes of Dawood’s translation, iArther’s translation has many grammatical and linguistic mistakes. Thus, the ordinary reader is not recommended to deal with and translators should take it with caution.
5. Balance in class time management
Quran class is not only a theoretical explanation. It’s necessary to make time for the quality of the introduction and conclusion. Also, if something appears unusual ask about and show interest to the students, follow up with important social events you know and the like.
6. Effective feedback and reports
One of the important practices in teaching is to continually follow up with the students and their parents. Also, you need to provide effective feedback referring to the actual progress or decline in specific points, not just praise or blame the student.
7. Practice what you call for
Actions speak louder than words. Even the best theoretical preparation loses its impact if tutors don’t apply the knowledge in their own lives. Failing to do so may turn the Quran into a proof against us and diminish its influence on students’ hearts.
8. Act as a human, not a robot
Keep in mind that it’s an important practice to keep your spirit upon teaching the Quran. Using the best tools and incorporating technology without passion is almost none. I recall working at a company that employed high-tech solutions for teaching the Quran. Yet, it has many constraints on time management of the class and style of activities. When I asked students whether they preferred the website-based classes or the traditional, natural interaction, they preferred the second choice.
9. Improve your English for better communication
Quran tutor needs to improve their foreign language for better communication with the students. Also, they can make use of translation tools.
10. Keep a good appearance and smiling
General appearance of the Quran tutor is significant since it reflects the identity of the religion in the eye of the student. Also, smiling is a charity and a powerful tool to influence people.
To sum up, by following these recommended practices in teaching the Quran online, teachers can make the Quranic education more effective to reform the coming Muslim generations.
What are some innovative ways to introduce the Quran to new learners online?
Using innovative ways to introduce the Quran to beginners and new learners is a Prophetic method helping to maximize the benefit of the Quran class. Following are some creative ideas to be used in the Quran class:
- Storytelling technique: Embody the message of the verses in a story. If there is a story in the Quran or authentic Sunnah fulfills this objective, narrate it. Otherwise, try to innovate a story.
- Roleplaying: Let the student act the role of the teacher in some sections or in review time to make sure of their understanding and to deliver the important comments funnily.
- Visualization of Quranic messages: Use free drawings or early-prepared designs to visualize the messages of the verses. Also, you can ask the student to do their assignment the same way.
Using these methods helps the Quran tutor in teaching the Quran effectively especially to beginners so that they continue the journey with a good impression.
For more ideas to use in teaching the Quran and Tajweed, refer to this article: 12 Fun Tajweed Activities And Games For Kids For A More Engaging Learning Experience!
What methods should I use to teach the Quran to beginners?
Teaching the Quran to beginners should follow organized methods for building a strong foundation for the learner. Here is a group of methods to consider:
- Clear learning objective: help the learner to appreciate the journey by reminding them of the Quran and hadiths on Quran learning.
- Constant motivation: Start every class with a motivational verse or hadith encouraging them to learn the Quran.
- Start by Noor al Bayan: The methodology of Noor al Bayan helps the student to be familiar with the Quranic sounds and shapes and the basics of Tajweed rules.
- Al Fatihah is the starting point: Regardless of the student’s learning experience, start by teaching virtue, words, and meanings of surat al Fatihah since it’s crucial for prayers. Unfortunately, many non-native Arabic speakers have significant errors in reciting al Fatihah even if they are not beginners. Then, move on to the short surahs.
Thus, by keeping these methods in teaching beginners, you make the experience effective and rewarding. For more insights, refer to these articles:
- 5 Tajweed Books For Kids With Their Advantages and Disadvantages Explained!
- Tajweed For Kids – Top 6 Main Tajweed Rules For Kids With Top Questions!
What tools and resources are essential for online Quran instruction?
Using online tools and resources in teaching the Quran online is significant in our modern age provided are some resources that help the tutor incorporate technology to enhance Quran learning for beginners:
1. Quran websites:
Using Quran websites is important to teach the Quran online. For a better experience, you can use:
- Quran.com: A website with a variety of translations and recitations by different sheikhs to choose from and the possibility of listening to one word of the verse separately.
- Ayat Al Quran app: this free app provides extra advantages compared to the Quran website.
2. Virtual meeting platforms:
Learning how to use online meeting platforms is necessary for teaching the Quran online. Tutors should learn how to use tools such as:
- Google Meet
- Zoom
3. Gamification apps:
Presenting material in the atmosphere of games making it memorable and attractive. For example:
- ClassDojo: This app creates a fun, competitive atmosphere using cartoon elements and a point system.
- Kahoot: supports generating multiple-choice quizzes in a game style.
4. AI tools:
Utilizing AI tools in online Quran instructions helps the tutor save time and increase quality. Yet, tutors should avoid taking any Islamic knowledge from AI tools. Also, they need to check any results and improve them. Examples of beneficial AI tools helping me are:
- Chatgpt: helps you with innovative ideas, turning lessons into presentations, and providing questions on uploaded materials.
- Perplexity: A unique tool for providing authentic, cited information for scientific research, which can support the teaching preparation process—though not for Quranic or Islamic content.
- Canva: is excellent at designing videos, charts, and visual aids for beginners.
In summary, by using AI tools, gamification apps, online educational platforms, and Quran websites, tutors can provide clear instructions and an effective learning experience.
For more about online apps in the Quranic journey, refer to these articles:
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Conclusion
To conclude, teaching the Quran online holds a significant role in Muslim societies. In this article, we’ve explored the best practices for teaching the Quran online, with suggested methods and resources for more effective and engaging Quran classes. The article also emphasizes the necessity of sincerity and adherence to the Prophetic approach, as teaching the Quran is an act of worship, not merely a job. Always seek Allah’s support in this journey before relying on human tips to achieve true success.
