Frequently Asked Questions

The courses are designed for anyone seeking a deeper engagement with the Holy Qur'an, whether beginning their journey or wishing to build upon previous study.

No. The introductory Anwār al-Qur'an (Mafāhīm) programme is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of Arabic. Beginning with the foundations, the course gradually develops your understanding of Qur'anic vocabulary, concepts and grammar in a structured and accessible way. All that is required is the ability to read the Holy Qur'an, even without understanding it.

Absolutely. Students with previous experience are very welcome. Depending on your background, we can advise which course or module is most appropriate for you. Many students who have previously studied Arabic or Tafsīr have found the Basā'ir approach refreshingly different, discovering new conceptual connections and a deeper way of engaging with the Holy Qur'an.

Most students begin with Anwār al-Qur'an (Mafāhīm), which provides the conceptual and linguistic foundations for engaging more deeply with the Holy Qur'an. Certain Tafsīr modules build upon this foundation and therefore require completion of the Mafāhīm programme.

Depending on the stage of the course and your background in Qur'anic Arabic, it may still be possible to join. Please contact us to discuss the most suitable option.

Basā'ir combines vocabulary, concepts, grammar, Tafsīr and Tadabbur into a single, structured learning journey. Rather than focusing solely on translation or language acquisition, the aim is to develop a Qur'anic lens through which students can understand both the Holy Qur'an and the world around them.

The courses are taught by Shaykh Fazleabbas Kanji, who is currently pursuing his studies at the Islamic Seminary of Qum. He has completed a Master's programme in Islamic Jurisprudence, alongside ongoing studies in Qur'anic Tafsīr and Philosophy.

Prior to his hawza studies, he spent a year studying Arabic at the University of Damascus, as well as through private tuition. His primary academic interest, alongside his seminary studies, is in understanding and building a living relationship with the Holy Qur'an.

He has been teaching Mafāhīm and Tafsīr for over ten years, both within the Hawza and online, continuously refining and developing the courses over time with a focus on making the Qur'an more accessible and personally meaningful.

Translation communicates an approximation of meaning, but it cannot fully convey the depth, relationships and nuances of the Qur'anic text. By engaging directly with Qur'anic vocabulary, concepts and structure, students develop a deeper understanding of Allah's message and learn to see the world through the lens of the Qur'an.

The vocabulary is not studied in isolation. Each word is explored alongside its root concepts, Qur'anic usage and grammatical context, enabling students to build meaningful comprehension rather than simply memorising word lists.

Yes. Grammar is introduced gradually and in context as it becomes relevant to understanding the Qur'anic text, allowing students to appreciate how meaning is conveyed without treating grammar as an end in itself. It is taught slowly and consistently through direct engagement with Qur'anic verses, enabling grammatical patterns to become familiar and intuitive over time.

By the end of the programme, students will recognise a significant proportion of the Qur'anic vocabulary, understand its key concepts, and appreciate how words, grammar and context work together to convey Allah's message. More importantly, they will have developed the tools to continue engaging with the Holy Qur'an directly and with greater confidence.

All courses are delivered online, allowing students from around the world to participate in live, interactive sessions. Video and slide sharing are used to recreate, as closely as possible, the experience of a traditional classroom.

All modules are taught in small class sizes to create an engaging and participatory learning environment. Students are encouraged to ask questions, contribute to discussions and think critically throughout each session, allowing for meaningful interaction and individual attention that is often not possible in larger classes.

Students are expected to participate actively and contribute to a positive learning environment. To encourage engagement and meaningful discussion, cameras should remain on during class wherever possible. Students are also asked to dress modestly, observe appropriate Islamic etiquette, and keep microphones muted when not speaking.

Classes are typically held once a week. The exact day and time are arranged according to teacher availability and may vary between courses. Occasionally, certain modules may also be offered as intensive courses over a few consecutive days or a long weekend.

Class durations vary depending on the course:

• Anwār al-Qur'an (Mafāhīm): 80–90 minutes
• Bayyināt al-Qur'an (Tafsīr): 50–60 minutes
• ʿIbar al-Qur'an (Tadabbur): 50–60 minutes

There is no guarantee that classes will be recorded. Students are therefore expected to attend all live sessions punctually in order to benefit fully from the programme.

Yes. Students receive all the course materials and supporting resources required for each module.

While the live class forms the core of the programme, students are expected to revise the material regularly and complete any accompanying exercises between sessions. Consistent review and practice are key to gaining the greatest benefit from the course.

Yes. The courses are open to both brothers and sisters. Details regarding class arrangements will be provided upon enrolment.

The courses are for adults only (18+), as some of the concepts discussed require a level of maturity and reflection that is better suited to adult learners.

Yes. Private classes can be arranged for established groups, subject to teacher availability. If you have a group interested in studying together, the group lead should contact us to discuss scheduling and arrangements.

Course fees are kept as accessible as possible but vary depending on the module, session length and class size. Full details are provided when new courses are announced. For private groups, fees can be agreed directly with the group lead.

Students are expected to maintain punctuality, attend regularly, and show commitment and enthusiasm towards learning. A basic ability to read the Qur'an, even without understanding it, is required.