Children of the Qur'an — A Story from ALNOOR ISLAMIC CENTER
In Ivorypark and Tembisa the afternoon air is often filled with a beautiful sound: the soft, focused recitation of children learning the Qur'an.
In 2006 ALNOOR ISLAMIC CENTER began in a single small room. A few parents and neighbours gathered mats and books, and a handful of bright, curious children came to learn the Arabic letters and the first short surahs. There were no grand plans — only patience, devotion, and a belief that teaching the Qur'an is an investment in the heart and future of our community.
Those early lessons were simple: tracing letters with careful fingers, repeating verses slowly, and celebrating the first time a child read a full verse aloud. Word spread as parents saw their children grow in confidence, discipline and kindness. Soon the small room grew into a proper madrassa and later a mosque where children could learn, practise and deepen their relationship with the Qur'an.
- Basics of Arabic reading and letter recognition
- Tajweed principles — proper pronunciation and recitation
- Memorisation of short surahs and gradual steps toward Hifz
- Stories of the Prophets, moral lessons and character building
- Respect, patience and community responsibility
Every child’s journey is different. Some begin shy and uncertain, struggling with new letters; through steady encouragement they blossom into confident reciters. Others move quickly through memorisation, discovering a deep love for particular surahs. Teachers celebrate each milestone — the first independent recitation, the first time a child leads a short group prayer, the day a student completes memorising a chapter.
There was a little boy who used to trace the letter alif over and over. He would bring his notebook home, awake early to practise, and smile when his mother praised him. Months later he surprised his family by reciting a short surah without pause — a quiet victory that filled the madrassa with applause and gratitude.
Learning at ALNOOR goes beyond recitation. Teachers weave lessons into everyday life: kindness to parents, honesty at school, and helping neighbours. The Qur'an becomes more than text — it becomes a source of guidance and a compass for good behaviour. Children are encouraged to ask questions, to reflect, and to live the values they learn.
A shy girl who barely raised her hand soon volunteered to lead a short recitation during Ramadan. Her voice — once quiet — carried with clarity, and her pride inspired classmates who had watched her grow. Her mother later said that the madrassa had given her daughter confidence that touched every area of life.
During Ramadan the madrassa is especially alive. Children attend Taraweeh, practise extra recitation, and take part in community acts of charity. Parents and neighbours join in, bringing food, offering help, and celebrating the young learners who recite in the mosque. Eid mornings are joyful: the courtyard echoes with laughter, greeting and the proud faces of families.
The teachers and volunteers at ALNOOR know the value of patience. To see a child start with the alphabet and, through months and years of steady work, stand and recite from memory is a blessing. As the Prophet ﷺ said, the best among people are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it. That teaching — patient, compassionate and sincere — is the heartbeat of ALNOOR.
Today ALNOOR ISLAMIC CENTER continues to welcome children from Ivorypark, Tembisa, and nearby areas. The madrassa offers age-appropriate classes, tajweed support, Hifz pathways, and mentorship that prepares young people for school, family life, and community service.
Every verse a child learns is a seed planted in a heart. Over time those seeds grow into faith, good character and a life of service. This is the living legacy of ALNOOR — a place where the Qur'an is taught, lived, and loved by the next generation.
Enrolment & Contact
To enrol your child or to support our madrassa, please contact us:
Email: alnoorislamiccenter99@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +27 61 090 7172
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