The Solutions (3): The Role of the Student

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After discussing the roles of parents and teachers in overcoming the challenges of learning the Qur’an in the post-AI era, this article provides practical advice for students (adults or children), illustrating what they should do to complete the successful cycle. 

What part should a student of the Qur’an play?

Students of the Qur’an play a vital role in achieving successful learning outcomes. The student is the most important factor in the entire process and the decisive factor in making the roles of parents and teachers effective and beneficial. Everything in the learning process revolves around the student. Therefore, we are interested in giving tips for both adult and young students to enjoy a wonderful learning experience with the Qur’an. 

What should adult students do? 

Firstly, adult students should have their goals and learning outcomes clearly defined from the outset. They need to communicate effectively with their teacher to gain an inclusive insight into their current level and what they can achieve within a definite time span. Moreover, these goals need to be realistic and attainable for students to help them continue their learning journey without the slightest sense of frustration. Also, goals have to be set in segments, in both the short term and long term. Students should have a list of general goals they want to achieve, as well as a detailed list for today’s class objectives. This takes us to the next piece of advice for the students, which is the need to be motivated and energized during their learning journey with the Qur’an. This entails maintaining different levels of concentration and avoiding distractions. Adult students need to motivate themselves by creating their own reward system after achieving certain goals. Also, they need to keep themselves focused on the short-term goals without being distracted by big learning objectives. And, they need to understand that committing mistakes is an integral part of the learning process; it is fine to make mistakes, as this is a step in the learning process. This is essential because adult students are more shy and reserved than younger students. Therefore, they need to normalize the habit of making mistakes. On the other hand, avoiding distraction is a major issue for adult students. These students have their own work, families, habits, and other social commitments. Sometimes, it is challenging to find time for the Qur’an, and it is easy to be distracted and off track. The only solution for this issue is to be organized and committed, and to allocate certain times of the week for learning Qur’an as an obligation and a priority that is never compromised. In this regard, students need to take this seriously, and the time for their Qur’an classes and studying is like the time of their prayers. A last bit of advice in this regard is that adults should start by allocating limited schedules (a few classes/ hours) for their Qur’an classes, and later they can add more timings if they have the time availability. And finally, adult students can keep themselves motivated and energized by teaching what they learn to other younger students if they are allowed by their teachers to do so and if they have the right knowledge and capacity. This is a wonderful technique to keep the learning flame ablaze and to continue their journey with the Qur’an in a way that helps continue the legacy for future generations.   

Is there something that younger students can do? 

Nearly all of the above pieces of advice are also applicable to younger students; the difference is that their parents should help them in organizing their time and setting goals effectively and clearly. Younger students need a different kind of motivation. Their reward system, for example, should be physical as well as emotional. On the other hand, despite having fewer responsibilities and commitments than adult students, younger students can be easily more distracted. We have discussed how to deal with this in the last article about the role of parents, but here we can add that younger students need to understand that they are blessed to have this opportunity to learn the Qur’an at a younger age. They need to be self-committed and to love learning the Qur’an themselves. Our young students need to be held responsible and respected, and this can happen through discussions and mutual appreciation. They should attend the classes because they want to learn the Qur’an, not because they are forced to attend. Once they have this internalized in their minds and souls, nothing can distract them!  

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the student’s role so important in learning the Qur’an?
Because the student is the center of the entire learning process. Even with supportive parents and skilled teachers, productive results depend on how engaged, disciplined, and motivated the student is.

2. What’s the first step adult students should take when learning the Qur’an online?
They should begin by setting clear, realistic goals—both short-term and long-term—with their teacher. Knowing where they stand and what they aim for helps sustain motivation and avoid frustration.

3. How can adult students stay consistent despite busy schedules?
Treat Qur’an classes as immovable commitments, similar to prayer times. Schedule them regularly, even if only for short sessions, and gradually increase study time as routine builds.

4. What can help adult students stay motivated?
A self-created reward system works well—celebrating every small milestone achieved. Some also keep motivation alive by teaching or sharing what they learn with others, with their teacher’s permission.

5. Is it normal to make mistakes while learning?
Absolutely. Mistakes are natural and essential for growth. Adult learners should embrace them as part of the journey rather than signs of failure.

6. How do distractions affect students’ Qur’an learning?
Distractions can easily break focus—especially for adults managing work and family. The best defense is preparation: a quiet study space, a defined schedule, and removing potential interruptions during class time.

7. How can younger students be encouraged to love learning the Qur’an?
Parents can help younger learners by making the experience joyful and meaningful. A mix of emotional and tangible rewards keeps them motivated, but most importantly, children should feel respected and responsible for their own desire to learn.

8. Should parents still help if the article focuses on the student’s role?
Yes. Younger students especially benefit from parental guidance in time management and goal-setting, but the ultimate aim is for them to develop self-commitment and personal love for the Qur’an.

9. How can online Qur’an learning remain engaging for children?
Interactive teaching, mutual discussion, and recognizing students’ achievements help them feel valued. When children understand the privilege of learning the Qur’an early in life, they are less likely to be distracted or disinterested.

10. How do adult and young students differ in their approach to learning?
While the principles of focus, motivation, and consistency apply to both adults and younger learners, adults often struggle with time and self-consciousness, while younger learners need external motivation and emotional reinforcement from parents and teachers.

By/ Dr. Ahmed Aly Zahran