When siblings learn the Quran at the same time, comparison happens quickly: who knows more surahs, who reads faster. It can discourage the slower child and make the faster one proud.
What to avoid saying
- “Your brother finished this page last week.”
- “Why can’t you read like your sister?”
- “Let’s see who finishes first.”
What to say instead
- “Last month you couldn’t read this line. Listen to you now!”
- “You worked really hard on that tricky letter today.”
- “You’ve memorised three new surahs since Ramadan.”
Practical steps
- Separate charts: each child has their own chart, in their own colour.
- Separate celebrations: each milestone gets its own moment.
- Separate lessons: 1-to-1 lessons let each child go at their own pace.
- Different goals: one child may focus on reading, another on Hifz.
Turn rivalry into teamwork
- Ask the older child to listen to the younger one’s practice and give one compliment.
- Set a family goal, such as 20 surahs between you by Eid.
- Recite together after Maghrib, each choosing a surah.
Remember
Allah rewards effort. The Prophet ﷺ said the one who struggles with the Quran has a double reward (Sahih Muslim 798). Share this with the child who finds it harder.
Teacher’s tip: once a week, ask each child separately, “What are you proudest of in your Quran this week?” Their answers tell you a lot.
