What Should a Sister Do When Her Male Qur’an Teacher is Too Informal?

Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari Abdul-Razacq

Question: I was recommended to attend a madrasa taught by a young teacher.  I was happy because the young teacher had plenty of time in his hand, so I could recite more Qur’an, but then he said i should call him every night and recite it. Then everything become awkward because he asks questions about my family and school, and he laughs at almost everything I say.  Others tell me I am worrying about nothing, but it feels strange.  Should I be concerned?

Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May the peace and blessings of Allah descend on the Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all who follow them.

Dear Sister,

Assalamu alaikum,

Thank you for your question. I pray you are in good health and iman.

Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

It was reported that Wabisa ibn Ma’bad, may Allah be pleased with him, said: I came to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and give him peace, and he said: “You have come to ask about righteousness?” I said: ” Yes.” He said: “Consult your heart. Righteousness is that about which the soul feels tranquil and the heart feels tranquil, and wrongdoing is that which wavers in the soul and moves to and from in the breast even though people again and again have given you their legal opinion [in its favor].”
[Ahmad & Darimi]

If I were you, I would politely discontinue the classes and find a female teacher. This is not to suggest that this teacher has done anything wrong, but this is about nipping any potential problems in the bud.

May Allah reward you,

Zaynab Ansari Abdul-Razacq
June 10, 2011/Rajab 9, 1432