Online Tafsir al-Quran Classes in Singapore
Study the meaning of the Quran in English, ayah by ayah, with your own teacher in a live video class. Women learn with a female teacher and men with a male teacher. Students join from age 12, and the first 3 classes are free.
- Live one-to-one
- Whole Quran in about 2 years
- 10 Dars-e-Nizami teachers
- Academy certificate after a final exam
Tafsir Classes at a Glance
| Who | Teenagers from 12 and adults who can read the Quran |
| Format | Live, online, one-to-one |
| Class length | 30 minutes |
| Days | 2 to 5 a week, on days you choose |
| Course | The whole Quran, Al-Fatihah to An-Nas, in about 2 years at 5 days a week |
| Tafsir works | Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Jalalayn and other classical works |
| Language | English |
| Teachers | 4 female and 6 male teachers, all Dars-e-Nizami graduates |
| Fees | SGD 35–50 a month, no registration fee |
| Timing | Can be scheduled 24/7 in Singapore Time, subject to your teacher’s availability |
| Certificate | Academy-issued certificate of completion, after the course and its final exam |
| Free trial | 3 classes |
What Is Tafsir al-Quran?
Tafsir (also spelt tafseer) is the explanation of the Quran. It takes each ayah and explains what it means, using the Arabic language, the background of its revelation, other ayat on the same subject, the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ and the explanations of classical scholars.
The word comes from the Arabic root fassara, to explain or make clear. In a Tafsir class, a teacher takes you through that explanation step by step, so you understand what you recite as well as how to recite it.
Tafsir and Translation: What’s the Difference?
A translation tells you what the words of an ayah mean in English. No translation can carry everything in the Arabic, and it usually doesn’t tell you why an ayah was revealed or how it connects to the rest of the Quran. Tafsir covers that part.
| Translation | Tafsir | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of the words | Yes | Yes |
| Why and when the ayah was revealed | Usually not | Yes, where it is known |
| Links to other ayat and to hadith | No | Yes |
| Lessons and rulings drawn from the ayah | No | Yes |
Reading a translation at home is a good habit, and it sits well alongside a Tafsir class.
Online Tafsir Classes in Singapore, One-to-One
Our Tafsir classes are live video lessons with one teacher and one student. They’re for teenagers and adults in Singapore who can already read the Quran and now want to understand it.
You don’t need to know Arabic. The teacher explains every ayah in English, and Arabic words are explained as they come up. You do need to be able to read the Quran by looking at the mushaf, because each lesson starts with recitation of the ayat and you’ll read them again when you revise. If you’re not there yet, start with our Iqra classes or Quran reading with Tajweed. The teacher can tell you which one fits during your free classes.
The course suits:
- working adults who want 30 minutes a day at a time that fits around work
- university students
- teenagers from 12 who have finished learning to read the Quran
- huffaz who want to understand what they have memorised
- anyone who has read the Quran for years but never studied its meaning in order
This is one-to-one study, not a group class or a recorded lecture series. The lesson moves at your pace, and your questions are answered in the class itself.
How a Tafsir Lesson Works: 5 Steps
Each passage is taught in the same five steps.
- Recitation (tilawah). The ayat for the lesson are recited first, so the class starts from the Arabic text itself.
- Translation. The teacher gives the meaning of the ayat in English.
- Background. Where it is known, the teacher explains when and why the ayat were revealed (asbab al-nuzul) and what was happening at the time.
- Meaning and explanation. The teacher explains what the ayat mean, drawing on classical tafsir works, related ayat and hadith.
- Lessons and rulings. The lesson closes with what the ayat teach: guidance for daily life, and any rulings that scholars have drawn from them.
Classes last 30 minutes. You can stop and ask a question at any point, and if something isn’t clear, the teacher explains it again in a different way.
Example: Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayah 5, in Five Steps
The course begins with Surah Al-Fatihah, so here is one of its ayat taken through the five steps. This is a short version. In class, the teacher spends more time on each step and answers your questions.
1. Recitation
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
(Surah Al-Fatihah 1:5 on Quran.com)
2. Translation
“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”
3. Background
Surah Al-Fatihah is recited in every rak’ah of salah. In a hadith qudsi reported in Sahih Muslim (395a), Allah describes the recitation of Al-Fatihah in prayer as divided between Him and His servant. When the servant recites this ayah, Allah says that it is between Him and His servant, and that His servant will be given what he asks for.
4. Meaning
In the Arabic, the word iyyaka (“You alone”) comes before the verbs “we worship” and “we ask for help”. Placing it first gives the meaning “You, and no one else”: worship is for Allah only, and help is sought from Him only. The ayah also says “we” rather than “I”, so the person praying speaks as one of the believers.
5. Lessons
- Worship is mentioned before asking for help. Scholars explain that worship is the purpose, and Allah’s help is what makes it possible.
- A Muslim relies on Allah in every task while still doing his or her part.
- Knowing this meaning gives a person something to reflect on each time it is recited in salah.
What You Will Study
The course goes through the whole Quran in order, from Surah Al-Fatihah to Surah An-Nas.
If there’s a particular surah you’d like to understand first, such as Surah Al-Kahf, Surah Yasin, Surah Al-Mulk or the short surahs of Juz ‘Amma, you can choose it instead. Tell the teacher during your free classes and the lessons will be planned around it.
Tafsir Works We Teach From
Lessons are based on Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir al-Jalalayn, along with other classical tafsir works.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir was written by Imam Ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH). It explains the Quran through other ayat, hadith and the sayings of the Companions, and it is widely read in English.
- Tafsir al-Jalalayn was written by two scholars, Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti. It gives a short, clear explanation of each ayah.
How the Whole Quran Fits Into About 2 Years
At 5 classes a week, the course covers the whole Quran in about 2 years. This is an estimate: the exact time depends on your pace and how many classes you take.
Many subjects in the Quran come up more than once. The story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), for example, appears in several surahs. The first one or two times a story or subject appears, it is explained in full. When it comes up again later, the teacher gives the translation and a short explanation and links it back to the earlier lesson.
So every ayah of the Quran is recited, translated and explained, but not every ayah gets the same length of explanation. Passages that introduce a subject get the most time.
The pace still follows you. If a passage needs more time, it gets more time. Choosing fewer days a week makes the course longer, and your teacher will give you a plan at the start.
The course ends with a formal final exam. After completing the course and the exam, you receive a certificate of completion issued by our academy. It is our own certificate, not an externally accredited qualification.
Tafsir Class Fees and Days
Fees depend on how many 30-minute classes you take each week.
| Classes a week (30 minutes) | Monthly fee |
|---|---|
| 2 | SGD 35 |
| 3 | SGD 40 |
| 4 | SGD 45 |
| 5 | SGD 50 |
There’s no registration fee, and your first 3 classes are free. See full fees and payment details.
You choose the days. Classes can be scheduled 24/7 in Singapore Time, so early mornings, lunch breaks, late evenings and weekends are all possible. Your exact class time is agreed with your teacher, based on their availability.
Missed a class? Make-up classes are arranged on a day without a regular class, with no limit.
What You Can Expect to Gain
- You’ll understand what you say in salah, from Al-Fatihah to the short surahs you recite most often.
- You’ll know the background of the stories and commands in the Quran: who was being spoken to, and what was happening at the time.
- You’ll see how surahs connect, as the same subjects return across the Quran.
- You’ll learn to reflect on what you read (tadabbur), a habit you can keep after the course ends.
- You can ask about the ayat that have always puzzled you.
“I’m a university professor, and I wanted to learn Quran Tafsir to better understand the message of the Quran. Since joining the online classes, I’ve learned so much about what Allah is teaching us and the lessons we can take from His words. I’m really happy with my learning experience, and it has helped strengthen my faith.”
Mohd Fadhil, Singapore
Tafsir Classes for Teenagers (12+)
Teenagers can join from age 12, once they can read the Quran. Thirty minutes fits after school, and parents can choose days around CCAs and homework. During exam periods such as the O-Levels, class days can be changed or paused, then picked up again afterwards.
Girls learn with a female teacher and boys with a male teacher. Parents are welcome to sit in on classes. Classes are recorded, and parents can ask for a copy of their child’s recording. Recordings of girls’ classes are reviewed only by our female staff.
“My 15-year-old son learned Quran with Tajweed from this institute, and now he wants to understand its meaning as well. He has started online Tafsir and translation classes and learns something new in every 30-minute session. He even shares what he learns with us at home. As a parent, it makes me happy to see him learning the Quran alongside his school studies.”
Zaid Ahmed, Singapore
Tafsir for Adults and Huffaz
If you learned to read the Quran as a child but never had the chance to study its meaning, this course starts from the beginning with you. Thirty minutes fits into a lunch break or the time after the children are asleep, and you pick the days. If you can’t read the Quran yet, start with our adult Quran classes.
If you have memorised the Quran, Tafsir explains the ayat you already recite from memory, in salah and in revision. If you’d like to memorise the Quran as well, see our online Tahfiz classes.
“I’m 24 and always wanted to learn Quran Tafsir, but because of my job, I couldn’t attend classes in person. Online classes have made it so much easier for me to learn from home at a time that suits me. I haven’t been attending for very long, but I’m really happy with the experience. My teacher explains everything in detail and makes sure I understand each topic well.”
Farhana, Singapore
Why Learn Tafsir With a Teacher, Not Only an App
An app or a recorded lecture can give you an explanation, but it can’t hear your question about the ayah you’re stuck on. A live teacher adds that, and a few other things:
- your questions are answered on the ayah you are reading, in the same class
- there’s one plan from Al-Fatihah to An-Nas, so you aren’t jumping between clips on different surahs
- the explanation is pitched at your level, because a beginner and a Hafiz don’t need the same lesson
- the same teacher knows what you covered last week, so each lesson picks up from there
If you’d prefer a different teacher at any point, we can arrange it.
Your Tafsir Teachers
Ten of our teachers teach Tafsir, including our founder. All of them are Hafiz or Hafiza, have completed Dars-e-Nizami (a traditional programme of advanced Islamic studies that includes Arabic, Tafsir, Hadith and Fiqh) and hold Ijazah with sanad. They teach in English.
Female Teachers for Women and Girls
| Teacher | Hifz completed | Dars-e-Nizami completed | Teaching since |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hafiza Fatima (leads Tafsir for women) | 2009 | 2015 | 2016 |
 Hafiza Alina | 1998 | 2006 | 2007 |
 Hafiza Khadija | 2008 | 2014 | 2015 |
 Hafiza Zainab | 2012 | 2018 | 2018 |
Read more about learning with a female Quran teacher.
Male Teachers for Men and Boys
| Teacher | Hifz completed | Dars-e-Nizami completed | Teaching since |
|---|---|---|---|
 Qari Ibrahim | 2002 | 2010 | 2011 |
 Qari Mehmud Attari | 2004 | 2012 | 2013 |
 Qari Ahmed | 2008 | 2014 | 2014 |
 Qari Zahid | 2004 | 2012 | 2015 |
 Qari Hassan | 2008 | 2016 | 2016 |
 Hafiz Muhammad Abid (founder) | 2008 | 2016 | 2017* |
*The year our founder began teaching students in Singapore.
Meet all our teachers or read more about Quran Classes Singapore.
What to Check Before Choosing a Tafsir Class
If you’re comparing Tafsir classes, these are fair questions to ask any provider, including us.
| Question to ask | Our answer |
|---|---|
| Who teaches, and what have they studied? | Named teachers, all Dars-e-Nizami graduates with Ijazah with sanad |
| Which tafsir works are the lessons based on? | Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Jalalayn and other classical works |
| How is a lesson structured? | Recitation, translation, background, meaning, lessons |
| Do I need to read the Quran, or know Arabic? | You must be able to read the Quran by looking at the mushaf (nazra). Arabic language isn’t needed |
| How much of the Quran is covered, and over how long? | The whole Quran, about 2 years at 5 days a week |
| What does it cost, and can I try it first? | SGD 35–50 a month, 3 free classes |
How to Start: 3 Free Tafsir Classes
1. Book your free classes.
Message us on WhatsApp. Tell us whether you’d like a male or female teacher and which days suit you.
2. Meet your teacher.
In the free classes, the teacher hears your Quran reading and asks where you’d like to begin: Surah Al-Fatihah, or a surah you choose.
3. Choose your days and times.
Pick 2 to 5 days a week. The time is agreed with your teacher in Singapore Time.
4. Join from home.
Classes run on Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, on a laptop, tablet or phone.
Before your first class, make sure you can read the Quran from the mushaf, have a quiet place to sit, and have a device with a working microphone. No payment details are needed for the free classes.
Tafsir Classes FAQs
Do I need to know Arabic to join a Tafsir class?
No. Lessons are in English, and the teacher explains Arabic words as they come up. You do need to read the Quran from the mushaf, because each lesson starts with recitation and you’ll revise the ayat afterwards.
Do I need to be able to read the Quran first?
Yes. If you can’t read fluently yet, start with our Iqra classes or Quran reading with Tajweed, then move on to Tafsir. The teacher checks your reading during the free classes and tells you which one fits.
What’s the difference between tafsir and translation?
A translation gives the meaning of the words in English. Tafsir explains the ayah itself: why it was revealed, how it links to other ayat and hadith, and the lessons drawn from it, based on the work of classical scholars.
Can a beginner in Tafsir join, or should I read a translation first?
You can start Tafsir without reading a translation first, as long as you can read the Quran. The course begins with Surah Al-Fatihah and explains everything from the start. Reading a translation at home alongside the class still helps.
Which tafsir books do you teach from?
Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir al-Jalalayn, along with other classical tafsir works. The teacher explains them in English.
How long does the Tafsir course take?
About 2 years for the whole Quran at 5 classes a week. This is an estimate. With fewer days a week the course takes longer, and your teacher gives you a plan at the start.
Is the whole Quran covered?
Yes. Every ayah from Al-Fatihah to An-Nas is recited, translated and explained. Subjects that return across the Quran are explained in full the first one or two times. After that, the teacher gives the translation and a short explanation and links back to the earlier lesson.
Where does the course start, and can I choose a surah?
It starts with Surah Al-Fatihah. If you’d rather study a particular surah, such as Al-Kahf or Yasin, you can choose it.
How long are classes, and how many days a week?
Each class is 30 minutes, 2 to 5 days a week. You choose the days, and the class time is agreed with your teacher in Singapore Time. Make-up classes cover any class you miss.
How much do online Tafsir classes cost?
SGD 35 a month for 2 days a week, SGD 40 for 3 days, SGD 45 for 4 days and SGD 50 for 5 days. There’s no registration fee, and the first 3 classes are free.
Can I learn Tafsir with a female teacher?
Yes. Women and girls learn with one of our four female Tafsir teachers, including Hafiza Fatima. Men and boys learn with a male teacher.
Can teenagers join?
Yes, from age 12, once they can read the Quran. Parents can sit in on classes, and days can be changed around school and exams.
I have memorised the Quran. Is Tafsir useful for me?
Yes. Tafsir explains the meaning of the ayat you already recite from memory, so you understand what you read in salah and in revision. You can start from Al-Fatihah or a surah you choose.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. The course ends with a formal final exam. After completing the course and the exam, you receive a certificate of completion issued by our academy. It is our own certificate, not an externally accredited qualification.
Do online one-to-one Tafsir classes work as well as classes in person?
The class is live, so you can ask questions as you would in person, and the teacher’s attention is on you alone for the full 30 minutes. Classes are recorded for quality, and make-up classes cover days you miss.
Start Tafsir With 3 Free Classes
Your first three classes are free, with no payment details needed. Book on WhatsApp and we’ll match you with a teacher for online Tafsir classes in Singapore Time.