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Question

There are a number of Qur’an memorization classes in my city.  How can I tell if the teachers are qualified in teaching with tajweed or not?  Would an Arab teacher always better to learn from than a non-Arab?

Answer

To be living in a city that has a number of Qur’an classes is indeed a blessing from Allah, and one that deserves our utmost thanks to Allah for such a great ni’amah.  There are Muslims living all over the world who have no one to teach them Qur’an, and they do not know how to read the Qur’an themselves. 

It is very difficult for a student to know how qualified a teacher is in Qur’an unless they themselves have a significant background in recitation and tajweed.  There are no universal standards for qualifications in teaching Qur’an, and what qualifies one to teach in one geographical area or circumstances, may not be enough in another, depending on the needs of the Muslims in that area, and on the number of teachers available.  If the teacher has certification from a recognized school, committee, or Sheikh, that should be enough for the student, and no further doubts should be entertained.  

There are many qualified Arab teachers and a much lesser amount of non-Arab teachers.  Arabs that have learned tajweed well are generally more qualified to teach than non-Arabs, unless the non-Arabs have excelled.  If the non-Arabs have excelled, learned tajweed well, and are certified teachers, they are better equipped to teach non-Arabs than the Arabs.  This is because they themselves have gone through great struggle to achieve the level they have strived for, and are more aware of the various problems the non-Arab has in articulation points and other aspects of tajweed, and can explain it in the language of the non-Arab more fluently.  They also are an example for the students to reach up to.  There are not many non-Arabs that fit in those shoes.