Online Tafseer Course: Quran Tafseer Classes in English, One-on-One
Understand what you recite. Word meanings, context of revelation and practical lessons, verse by verse, with a qualified teacher and classical sources.
How the course moves through the Quran
- Al-Fatiha, the surah you recite in every prayer. See our tafseer of al-Fatiha.
- Juz 'Amma and the short surahs, including al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq and an-Nas.
- Well-loved surahs students often ask for: al-Mulk, Ya-Sin, al-Kahf, ar-Rahman, al-Waqi'ah.
- Longer surahs such as al-Baqarah and Al 'Imran, passage by passage.
Because classes are one-on-one, the order is flexible. Many students start with what they recite most.
What each lesson covers
Trusted, classical sources
Lessons draw on respected mainstream works, presented clearly and without a single sectarian slant:
| Work | Known for |
|---|---|
| Tafsir Ibn Kathir | Explaining the Quran by the Quran and hadith; widely translated |
| Tafsir at-Tabari | The great early collection of narrations from the Companions and their students |
| Tafsir al-Qurtubi | Detailed legal and linguistic discussion |
Where scholars differ, the teacher explains the main views and who held them, rather than presenting one opinion as the only one. Read more in what is tafseer.
Who this course is for
- Adults who can read the Quran and want to understand it.
- Teenagers with big questions about faith. See teaching the Quran to teenagers.
- New Muslims building understanding from the ground up.
- Parents who want to explain the Quran to their children.
- Huffaz who want to know the meaning of what they have memorised.
You do not need to speak Arabic. If you cannot read the Arabic script yet, that is fine too: the teacher can work from a translation while you learn to read in parallel.
Who teaches tafseer
Both are Hafiz-e-Quran and specialise in Quran translation and Arabic for the Quran.
How often, and for how long?
Most students take one or two classes a week of 30 to 45 minutes. A realistic first goal is Juz 'Amma plus a few longer surahs over six to twelve months. Pairing tafseer with our Arabic course deepens understanding over time.
Before you start
Our free guides explain the difference between tafseer and translation, why tafseer is worth studying and what to expect from an online tafseer course.
Start With a Surah You Already Know
The easiest way into Tafseer is through surahs you already recite in salah. These guides walk through their meaning verse by verse:
- Tafseer of Surah Al-Fatiha, the surah you recite in every rak'ah.
- Tafseer of Ayatul Kursi, the greatest verse of the Quran.
- Tafseer of Surah Al-Ikhlas, four short verses about who Allah is.
- How to understand the meaning of the Quran, if you're not sure where to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know Arabic to study tafseer?
No. Lessons are taught in English and the teacher explains the Arabic words and meanings as you go.
Which tafseer do you follow?
We use classical mainstream sources such as Ibn Kathir, at-Tabari and al-Qurtubi, and explain differences of opinion where they exist.
Can I choose which surahs to study?
Yes. Classes are one-on-one, so you can study the whole Quran in order or focus on particular surahs.
How long is the tafseer course?
There is no fixed end. Most students aim for Juz 'Amma and a few longer surahs in six to twelve months at one or two classes a week.
Is this suitable for teenagers and new Muslims?
Yes. The teacher adjusts depth and examples to the student's age and background.