The right questions reveal a teacher's qualifications, method and character before you commit. Here are the ones that matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Ask about qualifications and the chain of learning before anything else.
- Ask about method and specialisation — a great scholar may be the wrong fit for a beginner.
- Ask how they handle questions outside their expertise; humility is a green flag.
- Ask how they represent differences of opinion fairly.
- A sincere teacher welcomes scrutiny — defensiveness is a warning sign.
A short conversation before you commit can save months. The right questions surface a teacher's qualification, method and character quickly — and reveal whether they are the right fit for you specifically. Here are the questions worth asking, grouped by what they reveal.
Questions about qualification
- What have you studied, and under which teachers?
- Can you name your chain of learning (sanad) or ijazah for what you teach?
- How long have you been teaching this subject?
Questions about method and fit
- Do you teach in a structured curriculum or adapt flexibly to the student?
- Which levels do you specialise in — beginners, intermediate, advanced?
- Have you taught students of my age and background before?
- How do you track and show progress?
Questions about character
- What do you do when a question falls outside your expertise?
- How do you handle topics where qualified scholars differ?
- How do you respond when a student keeps making the same mistake?
You are not interrogating — you are taking knowledge seriously, which is exactly the attitude the tradition asks of a student. End with a trial lesson, and you will know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to question a teacher's credentials?+
No. In the Islamic tradition, knowing your teacher's qualification and chain is part of taking knowledge responsibly. A sincere teacher expects and welcomes the questions.
What is the single most important question?+
"Who did you study this under?" A teacher who can name their teachers and chain is connected to a tradition; one who cannot is a warning sign.
Should I ask about their teaching style?+
Yes — ask whether they are structured or flexible, which levels they specialise in, and how they adapt to a student's pace. Fit is what keeps you learning week after week.
Islamic Education Editorial Team
Reviewed by verified teachers (Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies) on the Talib Alillm platform.