Are there free online courses for new Muslims?
Yes, there are many free options. Mosques, Islamic centres and education organisations offer free beginner courses, live online classes and apps for new Muslims and curious learners. Quality varies, so choose courses that name their teachers and teach what mainstream mosques teach.
Kinds of free resources
- Live classes over video call: many mosques and convert-support groups run weekly "new Muslim" or "Islam 101" sessions online, with time for questions. Some are open to non-Muslims too.
- Self-paced courses: some Islamic education organisations publish free beginner lessons you can follow at your own speed, often with short videos and quizzes.
- Apps: prayer-time apps, Quran apps with translation and audio, and apps that teach the Arabic letters.
- Recorded lectures and podcasts: useful for commuting or chores, as long as the speaker is named and trained.
- Email courses and study guides: short daily or weekly lessons delivered to your inbox.
Many of these welcome people who aren't Muslim yet. See Can I attend Islamic classes if I'm not Muslim?
What a good beginner course covers
- The basic beliefs: one God, the prophets, the Quran and the Last Day.
- The five pillars, with a step-by-step guide to wudu (ablution) and prayer.
- An introduction to the life of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Reading the Arabic alphabet, at a gentle pace.
- Everyday matters such as halal food, manners and dealing with family.
How to choose a good one
- Look for named teachers with a clear background in Islamic studies.
- Check that it fits mainstream teaching. Ask your local imam or a trusted Muslim if you aren't sure.
- Avoid pressure. A course that pushes you to decide quickly or to pay for "special" lessons is a warning sign.
- Pick a pace you can keep up. A short class every week beats a big course you abandon.
- Consider a same-gender group if that will make you more comfortable asking questions.
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him (Sahih Muslim 2699). So the effort itself is rewarded.
Add a live person when you can
Online courses are a great start, but they work best with a person you can ask. A weekly study circle at your local mosque, or even a call with a mentor, fills the gaps. See What is a halaqa? and Can I learn the Quran online?
- Free live classes, self-paced courses, apps and podcasts are widely available.
- Look for named teachers and mainstream content.
- Avoid courses that pressure you to decide or pay.
- Seeking knowledge is rewarded (Sahih Muslim 2699).
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