In this article
- Classes in English, Arabic and French
- Time Difference Between Belgium and Cairo
- Using Wednesday Afternoons
- Sounds to Watch for French and Dutch Speakers
- Warsh or Hafs?
- A Learning Path
- Children Who Speak Three Languages
- A Weekly Plan by Age
- Your First Free Trial Class
- Prices and Payment
- Tips for Parents in Belgium
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
Families in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, Charleroi and across Belgium often juggle several languages at once: French or Dutch at school, Arabic, Turkish or another language at home, and sometimes English as well. Adding Quran lessons to a busy week can be hard. One-to-one online classes make it easier, because the teacher comes to your home by video at a time you choose. This guide explains how they fit family life in Belgium.
Classes in English, Arabic and French
Classes at Elbayan Academy are taught in English, Arabic and French. We do not teach in Dutch. They suit Arabic-speaking families, children in international or European schools, and adults who understand English. Young children who speak Dutch can still learn to read the Quran; see teaching Quran to kids who speak German, French or Dutch at home.
Time Difference Between Belgium and Cairo
Belgium uses Central European Time, and Cairo is usually one hour ahead. For a few weeks in spring and autumn the two countries change their clocks on different dates, so the difference changes briefly. Classes run 24/7, and your teacher books lessons in your local time.
Using Wednesday Afternoons
In most Belgian primary schools, Wednesday afternoon is free. This is often the best time of the week for a Quran class: the child is not tired from a full school day, and there is time for a short review afterwards.
| Day | Suggested use |
|---|---|
| Wednesday afternoon | Main lesson: new reading, Tajweed rule or new memorization |
| One weekday evening | Short lesson: revision and correction |
| Saturday or Sunday morning | Optional third lesson or longer Hifz review |
| School holidays | Extra classes to move faster |
Sounds to Watch for French and Dutch Speakers
- ر (Raa): French speakers often say ر at the back of the throat, so it sounds like غ. The Arabic r is made with the tip of the tongue.
- ه and ح: the French h is silent, so these letters are often dropped.
- The Dutch g: in many accents it is close to خ or غ, which helps Dutch speakers with those letters.
- ع: a throat sound that neither language has.
- ث and ذ: the “th” sounds, usually replaced with s, z, t or d.
- Heavy letters: ص, ض, ط, ظ and ق, read with the back of the tongue raised.
Warsh or Hafs?
Many families of Moroccan origin read the Quran in the Warsh narration. Teachers at Elbayan Academy teach both Warsh and Hafs and can teach from the Mushaf your child uses. See Warsh Quran classes for kids.
A Learning Path
- Reading: the Noor Al-Bayan course.
- Tajweed: the recitation and Tajweed course.
- Memorization: Quran Hifz classes for kids or online Hifz classes.
- Arabic: Arabic for kids, so children understand what they recite.
Children Who Speak Three Languages
Many children in Belgium speak French or Dutch at school, another language at home, and are learning English as well. Adding Quran and Arabic can feel like a lot, but children handle it well when each language has a clear place. The Quran lesson focuses on Arabic reading and sounds, with short, simple instructions. Teachers keep the same words every class, so the child quickly knows what is expected. For Arabic-speaking families, teaching the lesson in Arabic also strengthens the home language.
A Weekly Plan by Age
| Age | Classes a week | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 | 2 | Letters, vowel marks and short surahs by listening |
| 9–12 | 2–3 | Fluent reading and the first Tajweed rules |
| 13+ | 3–4 | Tajweed, Hifz and Arabic |
Your First Free Trial Class
The first class is free and needs no payment. Message us on WhatsApp with your city, the student’s age, level and preferred language. The teacher checks the student’s reading and suggests a plan.
Prices and Payment
A 30-minute one-to-one class costs $5. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16, with 20% off annual plans and a 10% family discount. You can pay by PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer. Prices are in US dollars, so your bank converts the amount to euros when you pay by card.
Tips for Parents in Belgium
- Keep one language per lesson: let the teacher choose English or Arabic and stay with it.
- Practise 10 minutes a day: short daily reading keeps progress steady.
- Read the monthly report: it shows what to review at home.
- Plan around holidays: Belgian school holidays are a good time for extra classes.
See also our guides for the Netherlands and Germany and France, or all guides by country.
Start with a Free Trial Class
Elbayan Academy teaches one-to-one, 30-minute online classes with certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available, classes run 24/7, and you receive a monthly progress report. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Book a free trial class on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are classes taught in French or Dutch?
Classes are taught in French, English and Arabic, but not in Dutch. Young children who speak Dutch can still learn to read the Quran through listening, repetition and correction.
When is the best time for classes in Belgium?
Many families use the free Wednesday afternoon for the main lesson, with a short second lesson on a weekday evening or at the weekend.
What is the time difference between Belgium and Cairo?
Cairo is usually one hour ahead of Belgium. Your teacher books classes in your local time.
Can my child learn in the Warsh narration?
Yes. Teachers teach both Warsh and Hafs, and can teach from the Mushaf your child uses.
How much do classes cost?
A 30-minute one-to-one class is $5. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16, paid in US dollars.
