In this article
- Classes in English, Arabic and French
- Time Difference Between Spain and Cairo
- Fitting Classes Around the Spanish School Day
- Warsh or Hafs?
- Sounds Spanish Speakers Already Know, and Sounds That Are New
- A Learning Path
- A Weekly Plan by Age
- Your First Free Trial Class
- Prices and Payment
- Tips for Parents in Spain
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
Muslim families in Spain, from Madrid and Barcelona to Valencia, Andalusia, Murcia, Ceuta and Melilla, often want their children to read the Quran correctly, but finding a qualified teacher nearby at a time that fits the school day is not always easy. One-to-one online classes solve both problems: the teacher comes to your home by video, at the time you choose. This guide explains how online Quran classes work for families in Spain.
Classes in English, Arabic and French
Classes at Elbayan Academy are taught in English, Arabic and French. We do not teach in Spanish. This works well for:
- Arabic-speaking families, including many families of Moroccan origin, who can have the lesson in Arabic.
- Children in bilingual or international schools who understand English.
- Adults and reverts who are comfortable in English.
Young children who speak only Spanish can still learn to read the Quran, because the lesson is mainly listening, repeating and correction. Read how teachers adapt for children who speak another language at home.
Time Difference Between Spain and Cairo
Mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla use Central European Time. Cairo is usually one hour ahead. The Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain, so Cairo is usually two hours ahead there. For a few weeks in spring and autumn, Egypt and Spain change their clocks on different dates and the difference changes briefly. Your teacher books lessons in your local time, and classes run 24/7.
Fitting Classes Around the Spanish School Day
| School day | Times that usually work |
|---|---|
| Continuous day (jornada continua), ending early afternoon | Late afternoon, after lunch and a rest |
| Split day (jornada partida), ending around 5 p.m. | Early evening, before dinner |
| Weekends | Saturday or Sunday morning for a longer review |
| Summer holiday | Extra classes to move faster or start Hifz |
Spanish families often eat dinner late, which leaves a useful slot in the early evening. Two 30-minute classes a week is a good start for most children.
Warsh or Hafs?
Many families of North African origin read the Quran in the Warsh narration at home, while most printed Mushafs in Europe use Hafs. Teachers at Elbayan Academy teach both, and can teach from the Mushaf your child already uses. See Warsh Quran classes for kids for more.
Sounds Spanish Speakers Already Know, and Sounds That Are New
Spanish gives children a useful head start with some Arabic sounds:
- خ (Khaa): close to the Spanish j in “jamón”.
- ث (Thaa): close to the c and z of Spain in “cielo” and “zapato”.
- ذ (Thaal): close to the soft d in “nada”.
- ر (Raa): the Spanish r is close to the Arabic r.
Sounds that need more practice:
- ح, ع and ه: throat sounds that Spanish does not have; the Spanish h is silent, so ه is often dropped.
- ز and ش: Spanish has no buzzing z or sh sound.
- Heavy letters: ص, ض, ط, ظ and ق, read with the back of the tongue raised.
- Long vowels (madd): Spanish vowels are short, so learners must practise holding them.
A Learning Path
- Reading: the Noor Al-Bayan course, step by step.
- Tajweed: the recitation and Tajweed course.
- Memorization: Quran Hifz classes for kids or online Hifz classes.
- Arabic: Arabic for kids or Arabic for adults.
Sisters can choose a female teacher; see our women’s program.
A Weekly Plan by Age
| Age | Classes a week | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 | 2–3 | Letters, vowel marks and short words; short surahs by listening |
| 9–12 | 3 | Fluent reading, basic Tajweed and short surahs from Juz Amma |
| 13+ | 3–4 | Tajweed rules, Hifz and Arabic |
| Adults | 2–4 | Reading, Tajweed or Arabic, at your own pace |
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 whether you prefer English, Arabic or French. The teacher listens to the student read, notes which sounds need work, and suggests a plan and weekly timetable. After the trial you choose a plan, and you receive a progress report every month.
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 Spain
- Protect the slot: keep the class time free from after-school activities.
- Practise 10 minutes a day: short daily reading keeps progress steady.
- Use the monthly report: it shows what to review at home.
- Plan for summer: the long holiday is a good time for extra classes.
Families elsewhere in Europe can read our guides for Germany and France and the Netherlands, or see 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 Spanish?
No. Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French. Young children who speak Spanish can still learn to read the Quran through listening, repetition and correction.
What is the time difference between Spain and Cairo?
Cairo is usually one hour ahead of mainland Spain and two hours ahead of the Canary Islands. Your teacher books classes in your local time.
Can my child learn in the Warsh narration?
Yes. Teachers at Elbayan Academy teach both Warsh and Hafs, and can teach from the Mushaf your child uses.
Are female teachers available?
Yes. Female teachers are available, and the sisters course is taught by female teachers only.
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.
