Demand for Qur'an teachers is increasing and so is the cost of tuition. Most of the demand comes from expatriate Muslims whose children study in international schools which do not offer Qur'an classes. Since most often Arabic is not their first language, these children require coaching in Arabic first, then pronunciation and memorization lessons. However, finding a suitable, qualified and experienced teacher is posing a problem for many expatriates, especially those from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. “I have hired a Qur'an teacher for my daughter, after a long search for someone who could come to our compound,” says Sabiha, an Indian mother who is paying SR500 to the tutor for her 8-year-old daughter. “He comes in twice a week for an hour. Though he charges much, I had no choice, as I want my daughter to learn Qur'an as soon as possible.” She said she hired the teacher as he has profound knowledge of Qur'an, and teaches Arabic and Islamic studies at the Bangladesh International School. “He is well- versed in English too; this helps as we do not speak his language and my daughter can communicate with him easily,” she said. Some Qur'an home tutors prefer not to accept work in isolated residential locations, especially those in high-security areas like compounds. Those who do, ask for a higher pay. Adil, who lives in a compound, has been looking for a Qur'an teacher to teach his 4-year old child. “I want him to start early as their minds are more receptive and learning a new language will be easier,” he said. Of the many teachers he has contacted, many have refused saying they do not have time to come to his place and teach. Some like Keshawar, an expatriate mother, sends her two kids to a female teacher, five times a week. She bears the extra cost of commuting. “It is important that children have Qur'an classes daily, otherwise they tend to forget what they learn,” she said. With prices of almost all commodities skyrocketing, many feel that it is only fair for the Qur'an teachers to ask for more. “In these times of worsening inflation, even Qur'an teachers need to be paid more. Besides learning a foreign language has never been cheap,” said Ahmed, another expatriate parent. __
