In this article
- Who These Classes Help
- The Time Difference
- Online Classes and the Local Madrasa
- Tajweed Points Many East African Students Work On
- Learning Paths
- A Sample Week for a Student in Mombasa
- A Sample Week for an Adult in Nairobi
- School Terms and Holidays
- Language of Teaching
- Female Teachers
- Prices and Payment
- About the Teachers
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
Students in Kenya can learn the Quran online with a teacher in Cairo at almost the same time of day: Kenya is 1 hour ahead of Cairo in winter and on the same time in summer. That makes one-to-one classes easy to fit around school, work and prayer times in Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Garissa and across East Africa.
Who These Classes Help
- Children from 6 years old: starting to read, or strengthening what they learn at the local madrasa.
- Students who memorized at the madrasa: and want to improve Tajweed or keep their memorization strong.
- Adults: returning to the Quran, or learning to read for the first time.
- Sisters: who prefer a female teacher.
- Advanced students: aiming for an Ijazah or studying the Qiraat.
The Time Difference
Kenya uses East Africa Time all year. Cairo is 1 hour behind Kenya in winter and on the same time in summer, when Egypt uses summer time (late April to late October). Classes run 24/7. Common slots:
| Kenya time | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM, after Fajr | Hifz students who revise best early |
| 5:00 PM | Children after school |
| 8:30 PM | Working adults after Isha |
| Saturday or Sunday, 10:00 AM | Weekend learners |
Online Classes and the Local Madrasa
Many Kenyan Muslim children attend madrasa, where they learn to read and often memorize a great deal. Online one-to-one classes can add what a busy group class may not have time for: careful correction of each letter, the detailed rules of Tajweed, and a teacher who listens to every verse of revision. Many families keep the madrasa for community and add two online classes a week.
Tajweed Points Many East African Students Work On
- Throat letters: ع, ح, غ and خ, each from its own part of the throat.
- Heavy letters: giving ص, ض, ط, ظ and ق their full, heavy sound.
- Similar letters: distinguishing ث from س, ذ from ز, and ض from د and ظ.
- Length of vowels: holding madd for its correct length, and not stretching short vowels.
- Ghunnah and qalqalah: applying them consistently while reading at speed.
The recitation and Tajweed course works through these step by step in one-to-one classes.
Learning Paths
- Reading: the Noor Al-Bayan course for beginners.
- Tajweed: correcting pronunciation and applying the rules; see also Tajweed for children.
- Hifz: new memorization and revision in online Hifz classes and Hifz classes for kids.
- Ijazah: an Ijazah in Hafs from Asim, $100 paid once.
- Ten Qiraat: Sughra and Kubra, for advanced students.
- Arabic: Arabic for kids and Arabic for adults.
A Sample Week for a Student in Mombasa
A 12-year-old who has memorized several juz at madrasa might take 16 classes a month: Monday to Thursday at 5:00 PM. Each class has a short part of new memorization and a longer part of revision, with Tajweed correction throughout. On weekends, the student revises at home, and each month the parents receive a progress report.
A Sample Week for an Adult in Nairobi
A professional working office hours might take 8 classes a month, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 PM, after Isha. On other days, ten minutes of reading after Fajr keeps the corrections fresh. Within a few months, the monthly reports show which letters and rules are fixed and which still need work, so each month has a clear goal.
School Terms and Holidays
Kenyan schools run three terms a year. The April and August holidays and the long end-of-year break are a good time to keep classes going for revision, and some families move to 16 classes a month during the long break.
Language of Teaching
Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French, not in Swahili. Most Kenyan students who study in English at school follow easily, and for students who already read well, most of the lesson is recitation and correction.
Female Teachers
Female teachers are available for girls and women. The sisters memorization course is taught by female teachers only, for female students. See our women’s program.
Prices and Payment
- $5 per 30-minute one-to-one class.
- $40 a month for 8 classes, or $80 for 16.
- 20% off annual plans; a 10% family discount.
- A free trial class with no payment.
Prices are in US dollars. Payment is by PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer; check with your bank that your card allows international payments.
About the Teachers
All teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Elbayan Academy is an independent online academy based in Cairo, with no office in Kenya. See our classes for kids and classes for adults.
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
What is the time difference between Kenya and Cairo?
Cairo is 1 hour behind Kenya in winter and on the same time in summer.
Can online classes work alongside madrasa?
Yes. Many families keep madrasa for community and add two one-to-one online classes a week for Tajweed correction and revision.
Are classes taught in Swahili?
No. Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French.
Can I get an Ijazah online from Kenya?
Yes. Students can work toward an Ijazah in Hafs from Asim, for a one-time fee of $100.
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.
