In this article
- What Is the Warsh Narration?
- What Parents Will Notice in Warsh
- The Maghribi Mushaf
- Warsh or Hafs for My Child?
- A Path for Children
- The Time Difference
- Language of Classes
- Algerian and Moroccan Families Abroad
- A First Month for a 7-Year-Old
- Tips for Parents
- Prices
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
In Algeria and Morocco, as in much of North and West Africa, families traditionally read the Quran in the narration of Warsh from Nafi’. Many online academies teach only Hafs, which leaves these families without a teacher for the recitation their children hear at home and in the mosque. At Elbayan Academy, teachers teach the Warsh narration to children in one-to-one online classes, as well as Hafs for families who prefer it.
What Is the Warsh Narration?
Warsh is one of the two main narrations of the reading of Imam Nafi’ of Madinah, one of the Ten Qiraat. It is widely read in Morocco, Algeria and other parts of North and West Africa. The words of the Quran are the same; the differences are in how some sounds and words are recited. For the full picture of the readings, see our guide to the Ten Qiraat.
What Parents Will Notice in Warsh
- Lengths: some types of madd are recited longer than in Hafs.
- Hamzah: in certain words the hamzah is eased or its vowel is moved to the letter before it.
- Some vowels: certain alifs are recited with a slight leaning toward “e” (taqlil).
- Some words: a number of words are read with different vowels or forms.
These differences are learned naturally through listening and repeating, exactly as children learn any recitation.
The Maghribi Mushaf
Children in Algeria and Morocco often learn from a Mushaf written in the Maghribi style for Warsh. Some letters are dotted differently: for example, the faa has its dot below and the qaaf has a single dot above. Teachers can teach from the Mushaf your child uses.
Warsh or Hafs for My Child?
Families usually choose the narration read at home and in their local mosque, so the child hears the same recitation everywhere. Families living abroad sometimes choose Hafs because it is the most widely printed. There is no wrong choice: both are authentic, and the teacher will follow your decision.
A Path for Children
- Letters and reading: from 6 years old, starting with the letters and short syllables.
- Short surahs: Juz Amma recited in Warsh, with careful correction.
- Tajweed: the rules as applied in Warsh, taught step by step.
- Memorization: steady new memorization and revision; see our Quran memorization for children.
The Time Difference
Algeria uses UTC+1 all year, and Cairo is 1 hour ahead in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer. Morocco also normally uses UTC+1, but moves its clocks back one hour during Ramadan. Classes run 24/7. Common slots:
| Algeria / Morocco time | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Children after school |
| Weekend mornings, 10:00 AM | Weekend learners |
| 9:00 PM | Parents learning too |
Language of Classes
Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French. Children in Algeria and Morocco who are comfortable with standard Arabic follow Arabic explanations easily; families abroad, for example in France or Canada, can choose French or English. See our guide for children who speak French at home.
Algerian and Moroccan Families Abroad
Many Algerian and Moroccan families live in France, Belgium, Spain, Canada and elsewhere and want their children to keep the family’s recitation. Online classes in Warsh make that possible wherever they live. See our guides for families in France and Germany and Canada.
A First Month for a 7-Year-Old
- Week 1: level check and letters, reading from the Mushaf the family uses.
- Week 2: short syllables and joining letters.
- Week 3: the first short surahs of Juz Amma in Warsh, by listening and repeating.
- Week 4: reciting a short surah with improving accuracy, and the first monthly progress report.
Tips for Parents
- Play recitations in Warsh at home so your child hears the same narration every day.
- Keep the same class times each week.
- Practise ten minutes a day between classes.
- Celebrate each certificate of appreciation at the end of a stage.
Prices
- $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.
Payment is by PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer. All teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available for girls. See all our Quran classes for kids.
Families in Europe who read Warsh can also see our guides for Spain and Belgium.
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
Do you teach the Warsh narration to children?
Yes. Teachers at Elbayan Academy teach the Warsh narration to children in one-to-one online classes, as well as Hafs.
What is the difference between Warsh and Hafs?
The words of the Quran are the same. Warsh differs from Hafs in some lengths, the treatment of some hamzahs, some vowels and a number of words.
Can my child learn from the Maghribi Mushaf?
Yes. Teachers can teach from the Mushaf your child uses.
What age can children start?
Children can start one-to-one classes from 6 years old.
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.
