great Quran teacher | When Samira from Toronto enrolled her seven-year-old daughter in Qur’an classes, she thought she knew what to look for: someone who could teach proper recitation, someone knowledgeable, someone with credentials.
Within three months, her daughter went from excited to resistant. She cried before class. She said her stomach hurt. She asked if she could stop.
The teacher was qualified — he had an ijāzah, decades of experience, and a reputation in the community. But he was impatient. He corrected harshly. He expected children to sit still for an hour without breaks. He didn’t smile.
Samira pulled her daughter out and spent weeks searching for someone different. When she finally found the right teacher — someone warm, patient, and genuinely invested in her child’s growth — everything changed.
“Same child. Different teacher. It was like night and day,” Samira says. “I realized credentials aren’t enough. A great Qur’an teacher needs something more.”
This story is not unique.
Across Canada — from Vancouver to Halifax, from small-town communities to bustling cities like Montreal and Calgary — Muslim parents are discovering that finding a truly great Qur’an teacher is about far more than qualifications on paper.
So what does make a great Qur’an teacher? We spoke with dozens of Canadian parents, students, and educators to find out. Their insights reveal a pattern: the best teachers combine knowledge with character, structure with compassion, and tradition with an understanding of the modern child.
The Foundation: Knowledge and Credentials That Matter – great Quran teacher
Before anything else, a great Qur’an teacher must have authentic knowledge.
1. Ijāzah Certification
An ijāzah is not just a certificate — it’s a direct, traceable chain of transmission connecting the teacher back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
When a teacher holds ijāzah, it means:
- They learned directly from a certified scholar
- Their recitation has been verified for accuracy
- They’ve been deemed qualified to teach and transmit the Qur’an
“I didn’t understand what ijāzah meant until a friend explained it,” says Fatima from Calgary. “Once I realized it’s basically a 1,400-year-old quality control system, I wouldn’t consider anyone without it.”
2. Mastery of Tajweed Rules
A great teacher doesn’t just recite beautifully — they can explain why each rule exists and how to apply it.
They know:
- The 17 makhārij (articulation points)
- Rules of noon sākinah, meem sākinah, qalqalah, madd
- How to identify and correct specific pronunciation errors
- The difference between correct and “close enough”
“My son’s previous teacher would just say ‘no, say it again’ without explaining what was wrong,” says Omar from Ottawa. “His new teacher shows him exactly where his tongue should be and why. That’s the difference between guessing and learning.”
3. Deep Understanding of Qur’anic Context
The best teachers don’t just teach sounds — they weave in meaning, stories, and context that make the Qur’an come alive.
They can:
- Explain why a surah was revealed
- Connect verses to a child’s life
- Answer questions about meaning without shutting down curiosity
“My daughter asked her teacher why Allah repeats certain phrases. Instead of dismissing it, her teacher gave her a beautiful explanation about emphasis and mercy. She was fascinated,” says Layla from Vancouver.
Character: The Heart of Great Teaching
Knowledge without character produces recitation without transformation.
Canadian parents consistently emphasize that a teacher’s character matters as much as — if not more than — their credentials.
1. Patience That Never Runs Out
Children learn at different speeds. They forget. They struggle. They regress.
A great teacher meets each setback with patience, not frustration.
“My son has ADHD. Most teachers gave up on him within weeks,” says Amina from Mississauga. “His teacher at Ijazaah never once raised her voice or showed impatience. She adapted her approach until she found what worked. That’s patience.”
2. Genuine Love for Children
You can feel the difference between a teacher who tolerates children and one who genuinely enjoys them.
Great teachers:
- Smile often
- Ask about their students’ lives
- Celebrate small victories
- Make kids feel seen and valued
“My daughter lights up when she sees her teacher on screen,” says Nadia from Halifax. “She talks about her all week. That’s not just good teaching — that’s love.”
3. Kindness in Correction
Mistakes are inevitable in Qur’an learning. How a teacher handles those mistakes shapes everything.
A great teacher corrects with:
- Gentleness, not harshness
- Specific guidance, not vague criticism
- Encouragement, not shame
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modeled this approach:
“Make things easy and do not make them difficult; give glad tidings and do not cause people to turn away.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
“When my son mispronounces something, his teacher says, ‘Good effort! Now let’s try it this way.’ It keeps him motivated instead of defeated,” says Yusuf from Edmonton.
4. Humility Over Ego
A great teacher doesn’t teach to show off their own knowledge. They teach to pass it on.
They’re comfortable saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” They credit other scholars. They acknowledge mistakes. They remain students themselves.
“Our teacher once corrected herself mid-lesson and apologized to the class. That humility taught my kids more than any recitation rule,” says Maryam from Montreal.
Teaching Skill: Making Complex Concepts Accessible
Knowledge and character are essential, but they must be paired with actual teaching ability.
Not everyone who knows the Qur’an can teach it effectively — especially to children.
1. Breaking Complex Rules into Simple Steps
A great teacher doesn’t overwhelm. They take a complicated concept — like the rules of noon sākinah — and teach it in digestible pieces over multiple lessons.
“My daughter’s teacher introduced one Tajweed rule per week, with examples, practice, and review. It never felt overwhelming,” says Samira from Toronto.
2. Using Age-Appropriate Language
Teachers who work with children need to explain concepts in language kids understand — without dumbing it down.
“Our teacher explains makhārij by saying things like, ‘This sound comes from the back of your throat, like you’re gargling.’ My six-year-old gets it,” says Khalid from Winnipeg.
3. Adapting to Different Learning Styles
Some children learn by hearing. Others need to see. Still others need to physically practice.
Great teachers recognize this and adapt:
- Visual learners get highlighted text and demonstration
- Auditory learners get repetition and recording
- Kinesthetic learners get physical practice and movement
“My son is a visual learner. His teacher uses digital highlighting to show exactly which letter he’s mispronouncing. It clicked instantly,” says Fatima from Calgary.
4. Balancing Repetition with Variety
Repetition is essential for memorization, but too much boredom kills motivation.
Great teachers mix:
- New material with review
- Recitation practice with storytelling
- Serious learning with light moments
“The teacher keeps it fresh. One day they focus on memorization, another on Tajweed, another on meaning. My kids never get bored,” says Ahmed from London, Ontario.
Communication: Building Trust with Parents and Students
A great teacher doesn’t just work with the child — they partner with the family.
1. Regular Progress Updates
Canadian parents value transparency. They want to know:
- What their child is learning
- Where their child is struggling
- How they can support at home
“We get a weekly summary from our teacher. It’s brief but specific: ‘Sara mastered Surah Al-Falaq this week. She’s still working on the letter ع. Practice this at home.’ It’s so helpful,” says Nadia from Vancouver.
2. Accessibility and Responsiveness
Great teachers are reachable when parents have questions or concerns.
“When I emailed our teacher about my son’s pronunciation concern, she responded within 24 hours with a detailed explanation and a practice recording. That’s professionalism,” says Omar from Ottawa.
3. Creating a Safe Space for Questions
Children (and parents) often have questions that feel too basic to ask. Great teachers make it clear: no question is stupid.
“My daughter asked why we can’t just read translations instead of learning Arabic. Instead of being offended, her teacher gave a beautiful, age-appropriate explanation. My daughter felt heard,” says Layla from Toronto.
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
Canada is diverse. Muslim families come from different cultural backgrounds, with different levels of knowledge and different family structures.
Great teachers:
- Don’t assume all families have the same level of Islamic literacy
- Avoid culturally specific references that exclude some students
- Welcome reverts and multi-generational Canadian Muslims equally
“As a revert, I was terrified of being judged. Our teacher never made me feel less-than because I didn’t grow up Muslim. She normalized my questions,” says Jennifer (Khadijah) from Calgary.
Structure: Creating Consistency and Progress
Great teaching isn’t just warmth and patience — it’s also organized, goal-oriented, and structured.
1. Clear Curriculum and Learning Path
Parents want to know: Where is my child going? What will they learn? How long will it take?
Great teachers provide:
- A clear roadmap of topics and milestones
- Realistic timelines based on the child’s age and pace
- Regular assessments to track progress
“Our teacher laid out exactly what my son would learn over the next six months. It gave me confidence that there was a real plan,” says Amina from Mississauga.
2. Consistent Scheduling
Children thrive on routine. Great teachers:
- Stick to consistent class times
- Rarely cancel or reschedule
- Start and end on time
“Our class is every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. My kids know it. It’s part of our rhythm now,” says Yusuf from Edmonton.
3. Balancing Challenge and Achievability
A great teacher knows how to stretch a student just enough — not so easy they’re bored, not so hard they’re discouraged.
“My daughter’s teacher always gives her something that feels just slightly out of reach — but doable with effort. That’s where growth happens,” says Maryam from Montreal.
4. Built-in Review Systems
Memorization without review leads to loss. Great teachers build systematic review into their curriculum:
- New memorization (ḥifẓ jadīd)
- Recent review (murāja’ah qarīb)
- Deep review (murāja’ah ba’īd)
“We tried DIY memorization before. My kids forgot everything. Now with structured review, it sticks,” says Samira from Toronto.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the Whole Child
A great Qur’an teacher doesn’t just teach Qur’an — they understand children.
1. Recognizing When a Child is Struggling
Great teachers notice when:
- A normally engaged child becomes withdrawn
- Mistakes increase suddenly
- A student seems distracted or upset
They check in. They adjust. They care.
“My son was having a rough week at school. His teacher noticed his focus was off and went easier on him that day. She saw him as a whole person, not just a student,” says Khalid from Winnipeg.
2. Building Confidence, Not Just Skill
The goal isn’t just to teach recitation — it’s to make children feel capable, confident, and connected to the Qur’an.
Great teachers:
- Celebrate effort, not just perfection
- Point out improvement, even when it’s small
- Remind students they’re doing something beautiful
“My shy daughter now volunteers to recite at family gatherings. Her teacher built that confidence,” says Fatima from Calgary.
3. Balancing Firmness with Flexibility
Children need structure, but they also need grace.
Great teachers know when to:
- Push a little harder
- Back off and take a break
- Adjust expectations based on the child’s capacity
“Our teacher is firm about practice, but when my son was sick, she adjusted without making us feel guilty. That’s wisdom,” says Ahmed from London, Ontario.
What Canadian Parents Wish They’d Known Earlier
When we asked parents what they wish they’d understood before starting their child’s Qur’an education, these themes emerged:
“Credentials aren’t everything.”
“I was so focused on finding someone with ijāzah, I ignored red flags about teaching style. Both matter.” — Layla, Vancouver
“My child’s emotional safety matters as much as their learning.”
“If they dread class, they won’t retain anything. A kind teacher beats a harsh expert every time.” — Omar, Ottawa
“It’s okay to switch teachers.”
“I felt guilty pulling my son from his first teacher. But his new teacher transformed him. I should have switched sooner.” — Samira, Toronto
“Online can be just as good as in-person — if the teacher is skilled.”
“I was skeptical about online Qur’an classes. But the right teacher made it work beautifully. My kids are thriving.” — Nadia, Halifax
“Progress isn’t linear.”
“Some weeks my daughter flies through new material. Other weeks she struggles. A great teacher doesn’t panic — they adapt.” — Amina, Mississauga
Why Ijazaah Academy Consistently Earns Canadian Parents’ Trust
Across Canada, Ijazaah Academy has built a reputation not through advertising, but through word of mouth — parent to parent, family to family.
What makes Ijazaah teachers stand out?
Every Teacher is Vetted and Certified
All instructors hold verified ijāzah and undergo pedagogical training in:
- Child psychology
- Positive reinforcement techniques
- Cultural sensitivity
- Online teaching best practices
“I know my child’s teacher isn’t just knowledgeable — she’s trained to work with kids specifically. That matters.” — Maryam, Montreal
Small Class Sizes (Often 1-on-1)
Most classes have 1-4 students maximum, ensuring:
- Personalized attention
- Real-time correction
- Flexibility to adapt to each child’s pace
“My son gets one-on-one attention. His teacher knows his strengths, his struggles, his personality. You can’t get that in a class of 20.” — Yusuf, Edmonton
Regular Parent Communication
Parents receive:
- Weekly progress summaries
- Specific guidance on home practice
- Access to recorded sessions for review
“I’m not left wondering what happened in class. I know exactly what to work on at home.” — Fatima, Calgary
Flexible Scheduling Across Canadian Time Zones
Whether you’re in St. John’s or Victoria, Ijazaah Academy offers classes across all time zones:
- Early morning before school
- After school evenings
- Weekend options
“We’re in PST. Finding a teacher with convenient hours used to be impossible. Ijazaah made it easy.” — Layla, Vancouver
Teachers Who Genuinely Care
Parents consistently describe Ijazaah teachers as:
- Patient, even on hard days
- Encouraging, even with slow progress
- Present, not just going through motions
“You can tell our teacher cares about my daughter as a person, not just a student. That’s the difference.” — Samira, Toronto
Real Stories from Canadian Families
“She turned my son’s resistance into enthusiasm.”
“My eight-year-old hated Qur’an class. Within a month with his new teacher, he was asking when his next lesson was. Same kid. Different teacher. That’s everything.”
— Khalid, Winnipeg
“She made my daughter feel smart instead of stupid.”
“My daughter has dyslexia. Previous teachers made her feel dumb. Her Ijazaah teacher adapted her approach and celebrated every tiny win. My daughter finally feels capable.”
— Nadia, Halifax
“He treats my kids with respect, not condescension.”
“Our teacher talks to my teenagers like intelligent young adults, not children. They respect him because he respects them.”
— Ahmed, London, Ontario
“She brings the Qur’an to life.”
“It’s not just memorization. She tells them why surahs were revealed, what lessons they teach. My kids are fascinated.”
— Layla, Toronto
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Qur’an Teacher
Before enrolling your child, ask:
About Credentials:
- Do you hold ijāzah? From which scholar or institution?
- How long have you been teaching?
- Do you have specific training in teaching children?
About Teaching Style:
- How do you handle mistakes?
- What does a typical lesson look like?
- How do you keep children engaged?
About Communication:
- How often do you update parents on progress?
- How can I reach you if I have concerns?
- Can I observe a class?
About Structure:
- What curriculum do you follow?
- How do you track progress?
- How do you handle review and retention?
About Fit:
- Can you accommodate my child’s learning style?
- Have you worked with children who have [specific needs]?
- What happens if my child is struggling?
Conclusion: The Teacher Shapes the Journey
The Qur’an is a gift. But the teacher is the bridge between your child and that gift.
A great teacher doesn’t just transmit information — they inspire love, build confidence, and make the Qur’an feel like home.
Canadian parents have learned this lesson again and again: credentials matter, but character matters more. Knowledge is essential, but kindness is transformative. Structure is important, but flexibility is wise.
The right teacher doesn’t just teach your child to recite. They teach them to love what they’re reciting.
And that love — that connection — is what lasts.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
The best teachers understand this isn’t just about rules and sounds. It’s about hearts and souls.
When you find that teacher — hold on to them.
Find a Great Qur’an Teacher for Your Child Today
Meet Our Certified Teachers
Ijazaah Academy — Where Great Teachers Don’t Just Teach the Qur’an. They Help Children Fall in Love with It.
