Free sessions
How does the free session work?
Every registered student gets one free 15-minute session per day with any tutor. You pick the tutor, date, and time — a Jitsi Meet link is generated instantly. No payment required.
Does the free session really reset every day?
Yes. At midnight your free session resets and you can book with any tutor — the same one or a different one.
Can I use the free session to try multiple tutors?
Absolutely. That is exactly what it is designed for. Use it to find the right tutor before committing to paid sessions.
Do I need a credit card to book?
No. Free sessions require only a verified email address. No payment details are needed.
Tutors
How are tutors verified?
Every tutor on Qalam is manually reviewed by our team before being listed. We verify their qualifications, speciality, and — where applicable — their chain of transmission (isnad).
What does 'Isnad Verified' mean?
Isnad is the unbroken chain of transmission connecting a scholar to the Prophet ﷺ through generations of teachers. An isnad-verified tutor can trace and document that chain. It is the highest mark of Quranic authenticity.
Can I book the same tutor every day?
Yes. If you find a tutor you connect with, you can book your free session with them every day.
What specialities are available?
Tajweed (correct recitation), Hifz (memorisation), Tafsir (Quranic interpretation), Classical Arabic grammar, Arabic vocabulary, and classical text study. Use the filters on the tutors page to narrow by speciality.
Gender & privacy
Why are tutors separated by gender?
We built gender separation into the foundation of the platform as an Islamic principle, not an afterthought. Brothers see and can only book brothers' tutors. Sisters see and can only book sisters' tutors. Parents can book either for their children.
Why don't female tutors have profile photos?
Out of respect for the preferences of many female scholars and students, female tutors are represented by their initials and credentials rather than a photo. This is their choice and we support it by default.
Is my personal data safe?
Yes. We store only what's necessary — your email, student type, and booking history. We never sell data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Bookings & cancellations
How do I join my session?
A Jitsi Meet link is generated when you book. You'll find it in your confirmation email and on your dashboard under My Sessions. No app download required — it runs in your browser.
Can I cancel a booking?
Yes. Go to My Sessions on your dashboard and click Cancel on any upcoming session. For free sessions, cancelling frees your daily slot so you can rebook on the same date. Paid sessions require contacting [email protected] for a refund.
What happens if a tutor doesn't show up?
Contact us at [email protected] and we'll resolve it. Your free session slot will be returned.
Classical Arabic
Do you offer Classical Arabic lessons?
Yes. Qalam tutors teach Classical Arabic alongside Quran — including Arabic grammar (nahw and sarf), vocabulary, and reading of classical Islamic texts. You can filter by Arabic speciality on the tutors page.
What level of Arabic do you teach?
We cater to all levels — from complete beginners learning the Arabic alphabet through to advanced students reading classical texts in their original form. When you book your free session, your tutor will assess where you are and tailor the lesson accordingly.
Is Classical Arabic different from spoken Arabic?
Yes. Classical Arabic (Fusha) is the language of the Quran and centuries of Islamic scholarship. It differs in vocabulary and grammar from modern spoken dialects. Our tutors focus on Classical Arabic — the form most beneficial for understanding the Quran and classical texts — rather than conversational dialect.
Becoming a tutor
How do I apply to teach on Qalam?
Visit our Become a Tutor page and fill in the application form. Our team reviews every application and will get back to you within a few days.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have demonstrable expertise in your speciality — an ijazah, a formal degree in Islamic studies, or significant teaching experience. Having an isnad is a strong advantage but not required for all specialities.
How much can I earn?
Qalam uses a single platform rate for all paid sessions — one clear price for a 30-minute or 1-hour session, the same regardless of which tutor you book. See our Pricing page for the current rate.