Understand the Quran
Learn the meanings of the Quran online with a teacher
These private online lessons help you understand what the Quran says: the meaning of the verses you study, frequent Quranic vocabulary and the main themes and lessons of the text. Teachers explain with reference to recognized sources of tafsir (Quran commentary) in language suited to beginners and non-Arabic speakers. They are lessons for understanding, not a source of formal religious rulings.
Short answer: These private online lessons help you understand what the Quran says: the meaning of the verses you study, frequent Quranic vocabulary and the main themes and lessons of the text. Teachers explain with reference to recognized sources of tafsir (Quran commentary) in language suited to beginners and non-Arabic speakers. They are lessons for understanding, not a source of formal religious rulings.
Who it is for
Muslims who recite the Quran and want to understand it, new Muslims, and non-Arabic speakers who want an accessible explanation of the text. Adults and older children can join; for children, lessons are arranged with a parent or guardian.
Meanings, vocabulary, tafsir and grammar: what these lessons are
People use "understanding the Quran" for several different kinds of help. This table shows what these lessons offer and what belongs elsewhere.
| Kind of support | What it gives you | At Lisanova |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary support | Recognizing frequent Quranic words so you follow the text as you recite | Included in these lessons |
| Explanation of meanings | What a passage says, its themes and lessons, with reference to recognized tafsir | Included in these lessons |
| Quranic Arabic grammar | Roots, word forms and sentence structure studied as language | Quranic Arabic lessons |
| Recitation and Tajweed | Reading aloud correctly | Recitation and Tajweed lessons |
| Formal rulings or scholarly tafsir authority | Fatwas, legal opinions or an independent scholarly commentary | Not offered |
Understand Quran vocabulary
Many words recur throughout the Quran, so learning them early makes the text feel familiar. Your teacher introduces vocabulary from the passages you study. A few common examples:
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| رَبّ | rabb | Lord |
| رَحْمَة | raḥmah | mercy |
| صَلَاة | ṣalāh | prayer |
| كِتَاب | kitāb | book, scripture |
| عِلْم | ʿilm | knowledge |
| قَلْب | qalb | heart |
How a meanings lesson works
You choose a surah or passage with your teacher, often one you already recite. The teacher reads it with you, explains key words and the meaning of each verse with reference to recognized sources of tafsir, and answers your questions. Translations help, but your teacher shows where a single English word cannot carry the full Arabic meaning.
Explanations can be given in English, French, Spanish or Arabic. Not every teacher speaks every one of these languages, so the academy confirms a teacher who explains in your preferred language before the first lesson.
Lessons are educational. Teachers explain what the texts say and how they are commonly understood, but they do not issue fatwas (religious rulings) on personal situations and do not present themselves as muftis. For a ruling that concerns you personally, consult a qualified scholar you trust.
Prices
Quran and Islamic Studies: single class $12 per hour; Monthly Package 1, 8 hours per month, $80; Monthly Package 2, 12 hours per month, $110. Families get 15% off for each additional sibling. Discover Islam sessions are free.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
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Ask us about understanding the Quran, your current level and a suitable lesson plan.