بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
✅ Question: During a Qur'an subject online class via Zoom or Google Meet, an instructor informs her students that after each student recites and completes her recitation, she can exit the virtual meeting. What are 7 benefits of that and 7 disadvantages of doing that compared to if all students are instructed to remain present during the call until the very end of the class?
💻 ChatGPT: Here are 7 benefits and 7 disadvantages of allowing students to leave the virtual Qur’an class after their recitation compared to requiring them to stay until the end:
Benefits
Time Efficiency – Students can leave once they finish, allowing them to use their time productively for other studies or responsibilities.
Reduced Anxiety – Some students may feel nervous reciting in front of others, so leaving immediately after their turn can ease their stress.
Minimized Distractions – Students who have already completed their recitation may become inattentive if they are forced to stay, leading to unnecessary distractions.
Encourages Promptness – Knowing they can leave earlier may motivate students to attend on time and complete their recitation promptly.
Less Internet Load – Fewer participants in the virtual meeting can improve connection stability for those still present, reducing lags and technical issues.
Personalized Learning Pace – Students can focus on their own progress rather than passively waiting for others to finish.
Flexibility for Different Schedules – Those with other commitments (e.g., family duties, work, or school) benefit from being able to leave early.
Disadvantages
Missed Learning Opportunities – By leaving early, students miss the chance to learn from others’ mistakes and corrections given by the instructor.
Less Sense of Community – Staying together fosters a group learning atmosphere and mutual encouragement, which is lost when students leave one by one.
Lack of Reinforcement – Hearing multiple recitations reinforces proper pronunciation, rules, and fluency, which benefits all students.
Disrupted Class Flow – If students leave in the middle of the session, it can create a fragmented and less engaging learning experience.
Reduced Discipline and Patience – Requiring students to stay helps them develop patience and attentiveness, which are important qualities in studying the Qur’an.
Less Accountability – Students who leave early may not feel the same level of commitment compared to those who stay until the end.
Instructor’s Effort May Feel Undervalued – If students leave immediately, the teacher may feel that her time and feedback are not being fully appreciated.
From an Islamic perspective, keeping students in the Qur'an class until the end is generally more rewarding and beneficial for several reasons:
1. More Time for Qur’an Learning
Islam encourages continuous learning, especially of the Qur’an. If students stay, they can benefit from others’ recitations, corrections, and explanations, reinforcing their knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it." (Bukhari)
2. Greater Rewards for Patience and Seeking Knowledge
Remaining until the end cultivates patience and dedication, which are highly valued in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever takes a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.” (Muslim)
Even if a student has finished reciting, staying to listen and learn from others is an act of humility and sincerity in seeking knowledge.
3. Strengthening the Bonds of Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Islam encourages unity and mutual support in learning. If students leave immediately after reciting, they miss the chance to support and learn from their peers. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A believer to another believer is like a building, each part supporting the other.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Encouraging students to stay fosters a sense of togetherness, which can enhance motivation and spiritual growth.
4. Increased Barakah (Blessings) in the Gathering
When people gather to learn the Noble Qur’an, some of Allah's angels surround them, mercy descends upon them, and Allah mentions them among His noble angels. The beloved Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whenever people gather in one of the houses of Allah to recite the Book of Allah (the Almighty) and study It (The Noble Qur'an) together, tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them among those with Him.” (Muslim)
Even though the class is online, the same principle applies—staying in the session longer increases the barakah of learning.
5. More Opportunities for Reflection and Du'a
A full class session often includes discussions on meanings, reflections on the Noble Qur'an, and supplications at the end. Those who leave early may miss out on these spiritual benefits.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
From an Islamic and spiritual standpoint, it is better and more rewarding for students to stay until the end of the session. However, if a student has a valid excuse (e.g., school, family obligations), they can leave after their recitation, but they should do so with the right intention (and better if they ask for the teacher's permission to exit earlier).
